Political Science

Examination of the development and dynamics of American political institutions and political processes including a special emphasis on the role of minority groups. (Available for General Education, D3/D4 Constitution of the United States/State and Local Government.)

Introduction to the comparative study of government and politics. Its purpose is to familiarize students with the basic themes, concepts and theoretical approaches that are used by political scientists to explain governmental institutions and political processes in different regions of the world. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

Examination of the problems and politics of racial and national subgroups in America. Focuses on problems of ethnic identity, inequality and discrimination, and the impact of minority group politics on public policy. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.)

Analysis of the basic historical, geographical, economic, ideological and strategic factors that underlie and condition conflict and cooperation among actors in the contemporary international system. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the interaction of politics and economics in selected problem areas involving global, national and urban political-economic systems. The political role of global corporations and the political dimensions of trade, taxation and budgeting are considered. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines, compares and contrasts a range of political ideologies and their interpretation and application in contemporary societies. Attention is paid to defining the role and function of ideologies in specific contemporary states. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introductory study of the politics of Latin America. Topics treated include dependency theory, revolution, the national security state, women in politics, theologies of liberation and redemocratization. Selected nations are used as case studies. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

Examination of the dynamics of the national and state judicial systems, with emphasis on the workings of the Supreme Court within American separation of powers; internal procedures of decision making; external influences on the courts; the politics of selecting judges; and relations with other political institutions.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Analysis of perennial political questions about power, authority, justice, equality and freedom. Materials include political and literary writings, films, case studies and legal cases. Aims throughout to relate these questions to contemporary political situations. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

Prerequisite: Not open to students who have taken POLS 155; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Detailed study of the structures and functions of the national government, and California state and local governments. Special attention given to the legislative and executive branches in the policy-making and administrative processes, as well as the constitutional bases …

Analysis of the executive function in governmental processes together with a survey of the principles of administrative organization, personnel management, financial administration and public relations. Problems and trends in government service as a career are discussed.

Introduction to public policy approaches, contexts, processes and outcomes.

Study of the history, nature and current development of research in politics.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Multidisciplinary investigation of the Los Angeles urban area–its patterns of population and resources distribution; its historical, economic, social and cultural developments; and policies models designed to cope with its problems and to develop its potential as an ethnically diverse metropolis on the Pacific Rim. Application of social science …

Study of the political, administrative, and judicial systems of states, counties, cities, and special districts. Intergovernmental relations, functions, trends and current problems. Available for graduate credit. (Available for General Education, D4 California State and Local Government.) (WI)

Study of the structures and processes that determine public priorities and programs in urban areas. Available for graduate credit.

Preparatory: At least one upper division course in public administration or American government. The allocation of attention within government precedes actionable policy decisions, but this process is often overlooked in the study of public policy. This course examines how the images, ideas, and rhetoric attached to societal problems dictate whether government chooses to address these …

Prerequisite: POLS 372. Policymakers and advocates often use predictions of future policy outcomes and societal trends to identify issues government should address. This course serves as an introduction to the fundamental skills of policy analysis and to the difficult choices governments make when identifying, analyzing, and addressing policy problems. Students will develop a conceptual and …

Prerequisite: POLS 372. Overview of policy implementation and program evaluation by looking at the strategies, techniques and tools used most frequently by policy makers and evaluators. Students are introduced to the major theories and applications so as to be able to use the techniques of evaluation to assess projects and programs in terms of impact, …

Recommended Preparatory: POLS 156. An advanced study of comparative politics. This course focuses on major theoretical frameworks, concepts and approaches in the field. Key concepts covered include the state, democratization, modernization, political culture, social movements and underdevelopment. The course is designed to help students investigate world phenomena systematically and theoretically. Available for graduate credit.

Analysis of the major political theories and ideologies from the sophists, Plato and Aristotle through the epicureans, cynics, stoics, Cicero, St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.

Analysis of the major political theories and ideologies from Machiavelli and the Renaissance through Hobbes, Locke, the Enlightenment, Rousseau, Burke and Marx. Regular written assignments required.

American political ideologies from the colonial period through the Revolution and the period of the Constitution to the end of the 19th century.

Study of major contemporary theories in Western Europe and the U.S. Included are such theorists as Sarte, Camus, Easton, Lasswell, Dewey, McLuhan, Marcuse and Fanon, among other existentialists, behavioralists, Marxists and structuralists.

Intensive study of the international relations and impact on the world of nations or areas of special interest that are not included in other courses. Available for graduate credit. Course Title POLS 420A Latin America POLS 420D Middle East POLS 420H Northeast Asia

Advanced study of international politics from the standpoint of theories of international politics, individual, group and state behavior; the relation between continuity, conflict and change in the international order; and an extensive examination of the paths and obstacles to world peace. Available for graduate credit.

An analysis of security issues as they affect the nation-state. The course explores the actors, institutions and decision-making processes involved in the historical and contemporary development of defense policy. Various theoretical models will be utilized to assess issues of bargaining, mediation, war prevention and grand strategy doctrines. Available for graduate credit.

Case studies of legal precedents affecting the regulation of the international community, together with an evaluation of the efficacy of international judicial sanctions. Available for graduate credit.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite: POLS 427AL. Begins with a general analysis of the role of the U.N. in world politics and comparative foreign policy. Particular emphasis is then placed on the foreign policy of the country to be represented and the internal and external factors on which that policy is based. Seminar format with group …

Analysis of the roles of various types of international organizations in contemporary world politics. Focus is on the United Nations, specialized (functional) agencies, regional organizations and non-governmental organizations such as multinational corporations, foundations and other “transnationals.” Available for graduate credit.

Analysis of the contemporary declaratory and action policies pursued by the U.S. in the conduct of its foreign relations. Various conceptual models such as ends/means analysis, decision making and economic determinist are tested and evaluated in terms of their descriptive, analytical and predictive utility. Available for graduate credit.

Prerequisite: POLS 156 or POLS 225 or instructor’s permission. Study of the genesis and development of Mexico’s political system. Examines the different interpretations of the Mexican political system and provides the background of the development of the modern Mexican state. Special emphasis in the challenges of contemporary Mexican politics, including the rising participation of civil …

Study of the politics of Central America emphasizing current socioeconomic and political crises and U.S. involvement in those crises. Available for graduate credit.

Comparative analysis of recent and contemporary European politics, focusing on the political, economic and social structures that have shaped European affairs since the end of World War II. Emphasis on the role played by the modern state, the interstate system, nationalism and the world economy in shaping postwar European politics. Available for graduate credit.

Study of contemporary social and political movements, governmental institutions and politics of the Arab states, Israel and Iran. Available for graduate credit.

Study of the national governments, emerging political patterns and problems of new states of West and East Africa. Study includes an overview of traditional societies and the politics of cultural sub-nationalism. Major focus on contemporary nationalism, modernization and ideological developments, and on single-party, military and other political structures. Seminar format with individual presentations. Available for graduate …

Study of the rise of American political parties, their structure, operation, control and political leadership. Available for graduate credit.

Study of the tactics and aims of interest groups in their efforts to mold public opinion and to influence legislators, executives, judges and administrators. Available for graduate credit.

This course examines how Latina/os engage the U.S. political system both at the elite and the mass level. It will also examine how political science understands both intra- and inter-group politics in the context of the evolving power of Latina/os in the United States. Students will explore politicized group identity and formation, political incorporation, political …

This course covers the historical origins, development, and contemporary politics of the United States Congress and, to some extent, other American legislatures (state and local). The course examines the tension between Congress’ representational and policymaking functions, the details of the lawmaking process, and the way in which the Congress interacts with other political institutions. Students …

Study of the electoral process in the U.S., presented in terms of the history of elections, election and campaign techniques, and patterns of voting behavior. Available for graduate credit.

Introduction to political behavior; the influences of culture, ideology and social structure on political life; group influences on political behavior and major factors in leadership; and psychological bases of participation in normal and extreme politics. Available for graduate credit.

The course will cover the historical origins, development, and contemporary politics of the American presidency. The course will examine the president’s place in the American constitutional framework, the historical development of the presidency, and the development of the presidential selection system. Students will learn about sources of presidential power, explanations for variation in presidential power, …

The focus of this course is a reconciliation of common perceptions of media influence on public opinion, elections and policy making with empirical evidence of media effects on these components of the political system. The term “media” will be defined through its organization and workings that includes print, broadcast and Internet sources. Students will learn …

Examines feminist theories and public policies as they shape the various political possibilities and strategies for women in the U.S. and in other selected countries. Available for graduate credit.

Prerequisite: Admission to and satisfactory standing in the CSUN in DC Internship Program. Students will learn about the politics, history and culture of Washington, D.C. by living in and experiencing the city through activities, walking tours and attendance at events throughout the city. Among potential activities, students will visit museums, participate in walking tours, attend …

Prerequisite: Admission to and satisfactory standing in the CSUN in DC Internship Program. This course is meant to expose students to professional development and careers in Washington, D.C. The class will feature a series of speakers including professionals who work on Capitol Hill, in agencies, for nonprofits, and with advocacy organizations. Students will also work …

Critical survey of the modern schools of jurisprudence and their treatment of law and such legal concepts and problems as obligation, responsibility, punishment and the limits and purposes of law. The works of students of jurisprudence or legal philosophy are supplemented with descriptive accounts of the nature and operation of modern legal systems. Available for graduate …

Critical examination of the law and practices of the criminal process. Emphasis on the major problems involved in pretrial procedures. These include search and seizure, self-incrimination, bail, plea bargaining and the enforcement of constitutional rights. Available for graduate credit.

General principles of federal and state constitutional law, the powers of the national government and federal-state relations. Study of the leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Available for graduate credit.

Limitations on the national government and the scope of constitutional rights and liberties. Study of the leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Available for graduate credit.

Study and evaluation of the political process governing the making of environmental policy. Specific issues covered include energy policy, land use, air and water pollution, and hazardous and toxic waste disposal. Available for graduate credit.

Examination of the various kinds of ethical problems faced by elected and non-elected government personnel. Focus is on the scope and limits of individual responsibility in the practice of politics and the management of public organizations. Available for graduate credit.

Examines why different nations formulate and implement different public policies for similar problems. Systematic and critical approach to understanding the effect of ideological orientations, political institutions and governmental processes on the public policies of modern states. Available for graduate credit.

Critical analysis of how government financial policies are formulated and controlled within a setting of conflicting views and interests. Examines the influence of the system of checks and balances: the effects of cooperation between chief executives, administrators, budget bureaus, legislators, pressure groups and the general public; and the impact of government spending on the private …

Analysis of public executives, including mayors, city managers and chief administrative officers, and their relationships to the structures of urban government and the public priorities and programs of urban areas. Focus includes the executive’s relationships with the formal structures, councils, civil servants, budgets, political parties, interest groups, independent agencies, the media and other levels of …

Prerequisites: POLS 372; Intended for seniors only (juniors require instructor consent). Advanced research in a subfield in political science. Available for graduate credit. Course Title POLS 471A American Government POLS 471B Comparative Government POLS 471C International Relations POLS 471D Political Theory POLS 471E Public Administration and Pubic Policy POLS 471F Public Law

Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Introduction to some of the major changes that have accompanied the processes of globalization during the last 30 years, including identifying and addressing the positive and negative consequences of these changes. Discussion of different approaches to globalization; its technical and historical roots; and the economic, political, ethical and cultural consequences of …

Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Concerned with three major phenomena of the modern world—globalization, democratization and feminization, as well as their interrelationships and their impacts on gender regimes (or gender relationships) in various parts of the world. Incorporates gender analysis into a critical study of the processes of globalization and democratization. Identifies a number of gender regimes …

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Individual, supervised studies in California government. (Available for General Education, D4 California State and Local Government.)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite: POLS 494IA. Approximately 120 hours of supervised fieldwork required. Students complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internships. Students will meet as a seminar group with a faculty member during the semester. Available for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite: POLS 494I. Approximately 125 hours of supervised internship fieldwork required. Students complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internships. Students will meet as a seminar group with a faculty member during the semester. Available for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite POLS 494JA. Students are assigned to a Superior Court judge to observe the inner workings of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Through observation of trials, settlement conferences, plea bargains and preliminary hearings, students develop a familiarity with the processes of the judicial system and the issues facing the legal system. Available …

Selected topics in political science, with course content to be determined. Available for graduate credit.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Does not carry credit for the master’s degree.

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status or instructor consent. Inquiry into major contemporary theories in international relations, including treatment of the problems of theory building and testing. Course Title POLS 522A Theory and Methodology POLS 522C International Organizations POLS 522D Comparative Foreign Policies POLS 522F International Relations of Selected Areas POLS 522G Selected Topics

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status or instructor consent. Inquiry into major contemporary theories in comparative government relations, including treatment of the problems of theory and the study of selected areas. Course Title POLS 530A Democratization POLS 530C Development POLS 530D Western Europe POLS 530H Latin America POLS 530J Selected Areas

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status or instructor consent. Inquiry into major contemporary theories in American government including treatment of the problems of theory, law, institutions and political behavior. Course Title POLS 540B Behavior POLS 540D Public Law POLS 540E Institutions POLS 540F Policy POLS 540G State and Local Government POLS 540H Municipal Government POLS 540J Selected …

Prerequisites: Open to graduate students in the social and behavioral sciences; Instructor consent for upper division students. Graduate survey seminar course in political theory. Engages students in in-depth analysis of the arguments of some of the defining figures of political theory, both ancient and contemporary.

Study of representative literature in the field of political science, with emphasis on the underlying methodological assumptions, analysis of statistical techniques employed with respect to appropriateness, evaluation of research design and application, and evaluation of validity of conclusion, with recommendations for replication or improvement.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission required. This culminating course requires students to demonstrate their mastery of their specialization in political science. Students will revise an existing research paper that they produced in one of their graduate seminars in political science and develop it into a manuscript that could be submitted as a conference paper, journal article, or academic writing …