An examination of the ways in which those who practice political science view the American political system. Students can expect to gain a basis for systematic, informed thinking about the processes by which Americans govern each other and govern themselves, the manner in which those processes affect the policies we adopt in response to issues, and the way in which issues influence changes in the decision making processes. Prerequisite: completion of GE A3. Satisfies general education requirement Area American Institutions-Government.

An examination of the basic elements influencing global politics. Central themes of the course include the emergence of the modern nation state system, the origins of international law and organization, and the impact of technology and globalization on society in the 21st century. The course concludes by focusing on contemporary world problems such as the threats posed by nuclear war and proliferation, environmental degradation, climate change, global inequality, and international financial crises.

An examination of selected contemporary political problems. Subjects vary from term to term but might include such topics as the politics of Black America, the politics of student protest, the politics of ecology, etc. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics up to a maximum of 6 units.

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to postgraduate students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

An analysis of political science methods and the design of political research. Includes an examination of social problems, formulation of research hypotheses, and introduction to social science statistics. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Required of all majors.

This course examines power as a central concept in politics from three angles: normative, theoretical, and pragmatic. It addresses several questions: What is power? How is the concept operationalized? Who or what has power? Who are the beneficiaries, and what are the consequences? How is power resisted? What are the benefits and perils of power? The theoretical lens include Liberal, Marxist, Feminist, Post-structuralist, Post-modern, and Post-colonial. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Course is required of all majors.

This course examines various theories of the nature of social and political life. Significant contributions to Western political philosophy, such as those of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Marx, and Rawls, will be examined along with the concepts of rights, equality, justice, obligation, liberty and utility. Additional readings may contribute to analysis of the development of political institutions and civil society in the West and their effects on non-European nations and cultures. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Cross listed with PLSI 3030.

An examination of theories and logic behind nation-state strategies with regard to power, defense, stability, and economic development, among other issues. This course examines the theories that explain how states prioritize goals by analyzing state actions via individual, state, and international levels of analysis. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Required of all majors.

An examination of the judicial role in American constitutional adjudication, both historical and contemporary. Particular emphases on federalism, separation of powers, and other topics on the exercise and extent of national power. Prerequisite: one course in PLSI.

This course investigates the theoretical foundations, functional processes, and contemporary critiques of the United States regime. Students investigate the political and social institutions established under the U.S. Constitution, review important changes in relations between government and citizens. Taken as a whole, the themes explored in this course lie at the intersections of politics, philosophy, history, and sociology and should appeal to students wishing to pursue a career in teaching civics or social studies at the secondary school level or the legal profession. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Pre-Law Emphasis.

Discussion and practice in the logic, analysis, data interpretation, and writing that characterizes Anglo Saxon jurisprudence. Special topics taken from contemporary issues include torts and remedies, administrative authority, freedom of speech, death penalty, entertainment law, and antitrust policy. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Pre-Law Emphasis.

An examination of Congressional decision making and the factors that shape legislative processes. Students will analyze the history of the institution, the electoral process that leads to service in the national legislature, and the rules and norms that govern its internal processes. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Power and Justice Emphasis.

An examination of the constitutional design and practical operation of the American presidency. The course, includes investigations into the nature of executive leadership, the constitutional and administrative powers of the president, legislative-executive relations, the impact of public opinion, and the role of personality as expressed in presidential character. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Power and Justice Emphasis.

Though we often hear that there is a separation between church and state, and a rise of the "Nones," (individuals who do not formally affiliate with a faith tradition) religion has long been an influence in the American political process. In this course, we critically evaluate the role of religion in politics. We will examine how religion has impacted American political leadership, policy, elections, government institutions, and legal outcomes. In doing so, we analyze the roles of both civil and traditional religion in America's ever- increasing pluralistic society. We analyze how, when, and if religion and politics should mix and the impact and consequences on the democratic process. Furthermore, students will examine how increased religious pluralism has revolutionized how religion is thought about in this country and its implication for social and political outcomes. In this course, we will also discuss survey research regarding individuals and religious organizations within the United States and how religion shapes their political identity and behavior. We also consider how race, minority religious groups, and female leadership in faith traditions brings forth tension between personal and institutional authority and how this dynamic impacts issues of political influence among the laity. Overall, this course provides an examination of various theories of religion and politics, its influence, limitations, challenges, and impact on the American political system. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of LD Area D. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDD and Theme R: Revolutionary Ideas and Innovations.

Focus on the political experiences of Latinos and African-Americas with comparisons to ethnic whites, Asians, and others. This course examines the major theories explaining American politics in light of race and ethnicity. Particular emphasis on intra-and intergroup conflict and cooperation and the nature and dynamics of American political values, discourse, leadership, organizations, institutions, and policies, when analyzed from the perspectives of the two largest U.S. ethnic and racial groups. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Power and Justice Emphasis.

The course presents a general understanding of feminist concepts and gender cultural differences that affect American and International politics. For American politics, the emphasis is on how gender ideas affect public opinion, voting patterns, campaigning and women and leaders. The course also applies a gender lens to basic questions of international relations, such as national security questions, economic development, and foreign policy. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of LD Area D. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDD and Theme Q: Quality of Life. Carries credit in Power & Justice Emphasis.

An examination of the organization and activities of political parties and electoral behavior in America combined with an analysis of the political, social, and psychological factors that promote and inhibit individual and group participation in electoral activity. Within the context of voting behavior, this course explores political parties in America and how they attempt to win popular control of government through the electoral process. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Carries credit in Power & Justice Emphasis.

Application of principles of social psychology to the understanding of small groups; experimentation and observation in group situations. Lectures and three hours of laboratory. This may be a service learning course. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Carries credit in Power & Justice Emphasis.

An examination of mobilization and policy at sub-national levels. Emphasis is on American metropolitan communities. Major concepts are space, structure, participation, leadership, and change. Policy analysis from the literature and local sources. Lecture/discussion. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Parallel listing in Sociology. Carries credit in Power & Justice Emphasis.

Examination of the cultural and social bases of politics, political processes in organized groups and social systems, and the role of minorities in politics. Lectures/discussion. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Parallel listing in Anthropology and Sociology. Carries credit in Power & Justice Emphasis.

An examination of institutions, participants, and processes of government in China. This course examines the impact of ideology and leadership in the processes of modernization and liberalization in contemporary China. Since the 1990's China has undergone significant changes. The course will focus on how these changes, especially in the economic realm, have shaped the tensions within Chinese society and the conflicts between state and society. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

An examination of the theoretical and pragmatic factors relevant to the formulation and execution of U.S. national defense policy. The course will focus on factors such as executive, legislative, public opinion, military, etc. in the defense policy-making process. This course also focuses on both international and domestic security problems. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

A comparative analysis of selected nations in Latin America, with a primary focus on the Southern Cone region (especially Argentina, Brazil, and Chile) and Central America. Emphasis is on social and economic structures as determinants of contemporary politics and policy change in Latin American society. Challenges to development are also examined within the contemporary "neoliberal" policies currently practiced throughout the region. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

An examination of contemporary conflicts and policies among nations in the Middle East and adjacent areas. Emphasis is on religion, nationalism, political sovereignty, and economic modernization affecting regional relations. The role of the United States will also be analyzed. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

An analysis of the historical and social roots of Mexican politics and contemporary policy issues in Mexico. Particular emphasis is given to U.S. Mexican relations, challenges of development and peasant economies, the history of one party rule in the 20th century, NAFTA, and the key issues surrounding "post-PRI" Mexico. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

Lectures, analysis, and field work on the relationships between physical and cultural geography and power in nations, states, and communities. Case studies in both U.S. and other nations and GIS exercises. Satisfies the Geography requirement for Liberal Studies. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

This course will examine terrorism from both the historical and international politics perspectives. The historical and ideological roots and development of terrorism will be explored along with the different types of terrorism, such as domestic terrorism, state-sponsored terrorism, and rebel terrorism. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Global Politics Emphasis.

This course explores the philosophy of democracy, with special attention to how democratic structures inform the quality of life of its members. Topics may include the historical development of the concept of democracy, the problem of democratic citizenship, the ideal kind of legislative institution, the limitations of democratic authority, and the tension between liberty and equality in contemporary pluralist democracies. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme Q: Quality of Life. Carries credit in Philosophy and Political Science.

Not only is California the most populous state in the union, but it is the 5th largest economy in the world. With the state's diversity in terms of population, geography, economic industries, and political views, California is an interesting government system to study. Moreover, during this unprecedented time we face in our nation, California provides an excellent example of not only the dynamics of state government but the tension, friction, and purposes of federalism. This course will provide an examination of the issues, institutions, and processes that affect public policy in California. Each module of the course draws connections between the topic at hand and issues of sustainability and social justice. Overall, the course modules/topics include an examination of the state's constitution, its history with particular attention to groups who have been left out and/or marginalized, political culture, and the impact of taxation, energy, education, immigration, and criminal justice policies. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of LD Area D and PLSI 1018 or PPA 2008. Satisfies general education requirement upper division Area UDD and Theme S: Sustainability and Justice.

An examination of the principles, reasoning, and politics of private and individual rights in American constitutional adjudication. Emphasis on Equal Protection, Criminal Justice Due Process, Freedom of Expression, and Right to Privacy. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Carries credit in Pre-Law and Power and Justice Emphases.

Analysis of federal, state, and local administration of environmental laws. Includes study of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and litigation under that act in the courts. Special attention paid to California. Comparison of the environmental regulation policies of California and other oil-producing states. Case studies of legislation, adjudication, and political conflict in the environmental issues area. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Parallel listing with Economics and Environmental Resource Management. Carries credit in Pre-Law and Power & Justice Emphases.

By the end of the 20th Century, international organizations challenged the nation-states' political authority and power on many levels. The subject matter of this course focuses on how the growing network of international organizations (IO) redefines global politics. Two types of international organizations are examined in this course: inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Pre-Law and Global Politics Emphases.

An analysis of the major schools and approaches in the study of U.S. Foreign policy. Particular attention is paid to historical, ideological, and economic influences on the decision-making processes. Includes a survey and evaluation of the major developments in U.S. foreign policy from the Cold War to the current Post-Cold War system. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher. Carries credit in Power & Justice and Global Politics Emphases.

An examination of the psychological processes involved in the formation and change of public opinion. Attention focused on the role of propaganda in attitude acquisition and change. Several examples of political propaganda and mass appeals will be examined. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Carries credit in Power & justice and Global Politics Emphases.

The study of Ideology, values, extremism, affiliation, leadership, and personality factors in politics. Included are psychological profiles of prominent political leaders, as well as traditional theories of voter behavior and media impact in elections. Prerequisite: PLSI 1018. Parallel listing with Psychology. Carries credit in Power and Justice and Global Politics Emphases.

This course examines why, how and with what consequences we produce, distribute, and consume food and in doing so addresses the politics of food. Broad areas of discussion include Industrial Meat and Plant Production, Climate and Environmental Change, Biotechnology, Labor (children/adults, women, migrants - legal and undocumented, slaughterhouse workers, and tipped wage), Subsidies, Over consumption, Food Security and Food Waste. Purpose is to examine the rules and policies that govern the American food system and the consequences thereof. The course also focuses on the ethical dimension of food. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of LD Area D. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDD and Theme S: Sustainability and Justice. Carries credit in Power & Justice and American Politics Emphases.

An intensive examination of issues of current political concern with attention to the evaluation of a political, economic, or social problem, and alternate ways of responding to these challenges. The issues examined vary from term to term but include political corruption, the political implications of multinational corporations, terrorism and political subversion, etc. Course credits can also be applied for the Model United Nations experience or other instructional experiences outside the classroom. May carry credit in one or more emphasis, depending upon content. Prerequisite: junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Work in an interactive group setting, students conduct and write up analyses under faculty supervision. Prerequisite PLSI 3010 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 15 units.

Student conducts and writes up a research project under faculty supervision. Typically, there will be regularly scheduled meetings with additional course time working independently, but in one-on-one consultation with faculty. Prerequisite PLSI 3010 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 5 units.

This course explores how the laws enacted in the U.S. impact the politics, demographics, economics, and security issues of immigration to the United States. A historical overview of immigration laws and policies in the U.S. with a special focus on current laws and procedures. Special consideration of rights of non citizens and immigration laws affecting refugees and asylum seekers. Comparisons to immigration and refugee laws and policies in other developed nations. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Carries credit in Pre Law and Power & Justice Emphases.

An examination of the international political economy focusing on the structures and patterns of trade and trade agreements. Particular emphasis is given to international banking, currency exchange, problems of international lending, debt management in developing countries and the former Soviet bloc, and multinational corporate approaches to economic development. Agreements and protocols of the post-WWII period and the World Trade Organization are emphasized throughout. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Carries credit in Power and Justice and Global Politics Emphasis.

This course reviews the arguments that drive the classic free market perspective and the reality behind how markets operate on a daily basis. Drawing from history, we look at how those who champion "free enterprise" have distorted our understanding of how modern markets actually work by ignoring how the modern state creates the conditions under which wealth is created. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Carries credit in Power & Justice and Global Politics Emphases.

Current concerns challenging the discipline's theories and methods. Topics include governmental regulation or innovation in medical treatment, ethics in the intelligence community, the impact of development on ideology, politics and mass media, etc. Offered periodically to respond to student and faculty interests. Prerequisite Upper Division standing. May be repeated for credit with different topics up to a maximum of 3 units.

This course provides for individual study that does not fit into PLSI 4770, PLSI 4080, PLSI 4081, PLSI 4860, or PLSI 4870. Its most common format is a readings course designed to expand students' immersion in the discipline, especially with the intention to pursue graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of Department. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 20 units.

Students are assigned to either public or private agencies involved in the public choice process. Supervision of internship is shared by agency director and the course instructor. Assigned readings and projects where appropriate. Up to three units may be applied to elective requirements in the major. With departmental approval, additional units (up to a total of six) may be used if the internship experience generating the additional units is in a different institutional setting or involves a significantly greater responsibility on the intern's part. Offered on a credit-no credit basis only. Prerequisite: consent of instructor; requires a minimum of CSUB GPA 2.0. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 units.

The Cooperative Education program offers a sponsored learning experience in a work setting, integrated with a field analysis seminar. The field experience is contracted by the Cooperative Education office on an individual basis, subject to approval by the department. The field experience, including the seminar and reading assignments, is supervised by the cooperative education coordinator and the faculty liaison (or course instructor), working with the field supervisor. Students are expected to enroll in the course for at least two semesters. The determination of course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the departmental faculty. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. (See statement on credit under PLSI 4860 above.) Prerequisite: consent of instructor; requires a minimum of CSUB GPA 2.0. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 15 units.

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to post graduate students. Interested students should contact the department office. Consent of instructor.

The Senior Seminar is the capstone course for undergraduate in Political Science. The course is integrative in nature and requires students to synthesize their substantive, methodological and theoretical understanding of the issues in the field. As a culminating experience it is intended to provide a holistic assessment of student learning and skill. Required of all Political Science majors. Prerequisite: PLSI majors must complete core courses (PLSI 1018, PLSI 3010, PLSI 3020, PLSI 3030, PLSI 3040, PLSI 3428) and have senior standing. Non-majors must get consent of instructor. Satisfies general education requirement Senior Capstone.

Investigation of an approved project leading to a written report. Project selected in consultation with professor in area of major interests; regular meetings to be arranged with professor. Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 units.