Course Descriptions
POLS 103 Critical Thinking and Political Analysis (3 units)
This course examines the definitional and contextual nature of political analysis. It develops a critical thinking approach, which integrates interdisciplinary principles and incorporates a comparative framework utilizing literary criticism, logic, argumentation, and persuasion to analyze and compare the content and validity of political problems. This course specifically explores how different political perspectives and experiences affect everyone’s daily lives. Combining critical thinking tools with political analysis will help students to question the assumptions that surround them through social media and influence human behavior. Formerly PLSC 103.
POLS 130 Introduction to International Relations (3 units)
This course examines the major theories of international politics as well as the practical issues that affect world politics today. Students explore the inter-relationship between theory and practice as it relates to the international arena, especially in regards to religion and ethnic conflict. And in the light of the international environment today, students address issues surrounding the continuing "War on Terrorism" and its relationship to past major wars (i.e. Peloponnesian War, World Wars and Cold War). Formerly PLSC 130.
POLS 150 Introduction to Political Theory (3 units)
This class provides the foundation for the study of political science, politics and the nature of government. Examination of various fundamental theoretical approaches to politics and of basic political problems, as well as proposed solutions found in an evolving liberal social contract and other proposed solutions. Analysis of selected political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary problems. Critically thinking about the role of morality, power leadership, religion, government, civic culture and class are the framework. Formerly PLSC 150.
POLS 170 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 units)
This course introduces students to the technique of comparing nation-states using different approaches to study multiple government types including their history, political institutions, processes and policies, the environments in which they occur as well as their consequences. Political cultures are compared in order to critically analyze the viability of particular governments on a global scale. Topics include: regime change, civic culture, group politics, functionalism, dependency, legitimacy and leadership. Formerly PLSC 170.
POLS 310 California State and Local Government (3 units)
California State and Local Government with special emphasis on the US and California Constitutions as providing the basic framework for our political institutions and processes of Federal, State and Local Government. Relationships between Federal, State and Local Governments are explored, especially as it relates to political issues that directly affect the greater good as well as individuals. Additionally, this course provides the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the political, social and economic quiltwork that can be contributed to the diverse ethnicities and cultures of America, in general, and the State of California, in particular. Formerly PLSC 310.
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3 units)
This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. The United States is a contradiction on a winding road of democracy. Its founding principles embrace the ideals of freedom and equality, but it is a nation built on the systematic exclusion and suppression of many groups of people. We will look and find value in the contributions of many different peoples to our government process and that shaping of our culture and traditions. We will closely examine the rights and obligations of all “citizens” (community members) as established by the U.S. Constitution in conjunction with evolving concepts of democratic principles. Contemporary relationships between federal, State and local governments are consistently explored as we continually focus on current events and our dutiful obligation to vote/support our democratic processes. Formerly PLSC 210.