Political Science (POLS)
See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.
POLS 101 Vital Political Problems 3 Units GE
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
An examination of major political problems challenging America today. Emphasis on class discussion of controversial topics involving political policy in the context of the study of political science. 3 hours lecture. (007467)
General Education: Social Sciences (D)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
POLS 155 American Government: National, State, and Local 3 Units GE
Typically Offered: Spring, summer, fall
An investigation of Who gets What, When, and How in national, state, and local politics. Also includes principles of American governmental institutions, federal systems, congress, president, and courts. Fulfills California state graduation and credential requirements for the American Constitution. (Satisfies requirement in California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 40404.) 1 hour discussion, 2 hours lecture. (007475)
General Education: US2/US3 US Constitution CA State/Local Govt
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Lower Division
POLS 198 Special Topics 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (007487)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Lower Division
POLS 301 Vital Political Problems 3 Units
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
An examination of major political problems challenging America today. Emphasis on class discussion of controversial topics involving political policy in the context of the study of political science. 3 hours lecture. (015555)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 324W Women and Politics (W) 3 Units GE, W
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.
Typically Offered: Fall only
Analysis of the roles of women in politics; volunteer, candidate, elected official. Considers politics of the women's movement and women's issues. 3 hours lecture. (007491)
General Education: Upper-Division Social Sciences (UDD); Gender and Sexuality Pathway
Cross listing(s): WMST 324W
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course
POLS 327 The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States 3 Units USD
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Analysis of the role of race and ethnicity in the American political process, including a critique of their role in local, state, and national elections. Factors accounting for participation and non-participation will be analyzed. 3 hours lecture. (000137)
Cross listing(s): MCGS 327
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; US Diversity
POLS 328 Latino Politics 3 Units GE
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course offers a survey regarding Latinos in US politics. It explores both the political history of Latino subgroups and contemporary analyses of Latino political behavior and socialization. 3 hours lecture. (022100)
General Education: Ethnic Studies (F)
Cross listing(s): CHLX 328
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 331W Introduction to Research Methods (W) 4 Units W, GW
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
An introduction to research methods that includes framing research questions, evaluating and using scholarly resources, and developing an appreciation for multi-disciplinary and ethics in research. Emphasizes the critique of theory and paradigms of conducting research. 1 hour discussion, 3 hours lecture. (007495)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course; Graduation Writing Assessment
POLS 355 American Government: National, State, and Local 3 Units
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
An investigation of Who gets What, When, and How in national, state, and local politics. Also includes principles of American governmental institutions, federal system, congress, president, and courts. Fulfills California state graduation and credential requirements for the American Constitution. (Satisfies requirement in California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 40404.) Students cannot receive credit for both POLS 155 and POLS 355. 3 hours lecture. (015523)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 396 Research Symposium Experience 1 Unit
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course will culminate with the presentation of students work at a research conference or symposium, such as the department's fall student research symposium, the BSS spring research symposium, or other professional conferences. Student presentation of work may be accomplished through a variety of formats, such as oral presentations, poster presentations, or panel presentations. 3 hours supervision. (022164)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 397 Tutorial in Political Science 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Spring only
Individual consultation with faculty in working on special projects, reading lists, or areas of deficiency. 3 hours independent study. (007519)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1 unit
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 398 Special Topics 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is for special topics. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (007522)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 399 Independent Study 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is an independent study of special problems. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 0 hours independent study. (007523)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 402 State and Local Government 3 Units GE
Prerequisite: GE Oral Communication (A1); GE Written Communication (A2); GE Critical Thinking (A3); GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements, or consent of the instructor.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Analysis of the history and development of the American federal system and the role of state and local governments, with special emphasis directed to the government and politics of California. Among the major topics considered: the state and local political systems; the political environment; party, interest group, citizen, and media inputs; and current problems and changing functions affecting state and local governments. (Satisfies CA State and Local Government requirement in California Administrative Code, Title 5, Education, Sec. 40404.) 3 hours lecture. (007524)
General Education: US3 California State and Local Government; Upper-Division Social Sciences (UDD); California Studies Pathway
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 404 Interest Groups and Lobbying 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Course focuses on the lobbying process at the state and national level and considers the role interest groups play within the American-state governmental milieu. 3 hours lecture. (007526)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 421 Applied Research Methods 3 Units
Prerequisite: POLS 331W or faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Investigation of methodology and the techniques used in the study of political phenomena, with emphasis on the construction of appropriate research designs, data collection, and analysis. 3 hours discussion. (007542)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 424 Public Opinion and Propaganda 3 Units
Prerequisite: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331W, CMST 350 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Analysis of major factors in group and individual opinion formation, with emphasis on politics, opinion measurement, and the role of mass media in the political process. 3 hours lecture. (002029)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 427 U.S. Campaigns and Elections 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
An exploration of campaigns and elections in the United States with emphasis on the activities and strategies of candidates for office, the behavior of voters, the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media, and the financing of campaigns. 3 hours lecture. (007549)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 428 Politics and the Media 3 Units
Prerequisite: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331W, and CMST 350 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only.
Typically Offered: Fall only
An examination of the relationships of politics and the mass media. Topics may include politics, visual rhetoric, the public sphere studies, media analysis, public policy decisions, political media campaigns, and social movements. 3 hours seminar. (002246)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 429W Senior Seminar in U.S. Politics (W) 3 Units W
Typically Offered: Spring only
This is a seminar on selected topics in U.S. politics, including American political theory, institutions, and processes. This seminar assesses the substantive knowledge, critical analysis, writing, speaking, and computer skills of senior-level students. 3 hours seminar. (007550)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course
POLS 432 American Political Thought 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Considers competing democratic and republican claims in the context of social Darwinism, Populism, Progressivism, New Deal, and Post-World War II. Uses primary sources and novels. 3 hours lecture. (007554)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 434 Origins of Western Political Thought 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
The classical roots of western political philosophy and their relationship to contemporary political theory. 3 hours seminar. (007279)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 435 Black Political Thought 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course is designed to expose students to an area of black political thought.
Drawing on the works of black scholars from several disparate yet inter-related backgrounds and disciplines - political science, philosophy, sociology, history, feminist studies, and law - this course is structured around issues such as slavery, Reconstruction, Black Nationalism, race and racism, and feminism that are central to black political thought and African American politics. 3 hours lecture. (022162)
Cross listing(s): AFAM 435
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 437 Contemporary Political Thought 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
An extended discussion of the nature of anarchy, corporatism, oligarchy, classical liberalism, radical liberalism, democratic socialism, communism, and fascism, with a continued focus on these political cultures and their ideological expressions in contemporary politics. 3 hours seminar. (007281)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 438 Jurisprudence: Philosophy of Law 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
The philosophical nature and origins of law. Topics to be examined include theories of law, justice, the relationship of law to morality, natural law, responsibility, punishment, and other basic concepts. Approach is both theoretical and via case studies. 3 hours lecture. (007282)
Cross listing(s): PHIL 438
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 472 The Presidency 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
A comparative analysis of the executive component of government. Emphasis on the national executive, selected state executives, and selected executives in other nations. 3 hours lecture. (007609)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 473 Congress 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Analysis of the structure, processes, and behavior in legislative bodies. Emphasis on a comparison of selected legislative bodies. 3 hours lecture. (007610)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 489C Internship in Political Science 1-3 Units
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Spring, summer, fall
Work experience with an elected official, political party organization, interest group, or media outlet. 0 hours independent study. (007616)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 489G Internship in Sustainability 
1-3 Units
1-3 Units Typically Offered: Spring, summer, fall
Field work with legal, political, or governmental agencies or with an elected official, political party organization, or interest group in the areas of sustainability, environmental issues, and/or the management of scarce resources. Work is supervised by faculty and the staff of cooperating agencies organizations. 0 hours independent study. (020622)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Sustainable Course
POLS 493 Community Research 1-15 Units
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-15.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Organized research and development of a problem in community administration. Students may enroll for 1 to 15 units, and will engage for a part or the whole of their time in the community. A seminar focusing on analysis of the project and the experience will be held weekly or at other appropriate times. Only a total of 6 units of POLS 489 and POLS 493 may be counted toward the requirements of the major or the Paralegal Certificate. 0 hours supervision. (007655)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 498 Special Topics 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Study in political science related to specialized subjects of topical and current interest. Intensive reading. Topics may be offered in American Government, Comparative Government, Political Behavior, Political Theory, International Relations, Public Law, or Public Administration. 1 hour seminar. (007665)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 499 Independent Study 1-3 Units
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is an independent study of special problems. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. (007682)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 499H Honors in Political Science 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Independent study resulting in a piece of scholarly or creative work involving substantial research to be completed and publicly presented. This course is not available to graduate students. 3 hours lecture. (007683)
Grade Basis: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Upper Division
POLS 600 American Institutions and Public Organizations 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
This is a first-semester course. It provides an introduction to the relationship of American political institutions and public organizations. The focus of this graduate course is on developing an understanding of the interdependency of American political institutions (e.g., Congress, parties) and the performance of public organizations. The major objective is to familiarize the new graduate student with the broad field of public administration in preparation for the more direct focus offered by subsequent courses in the Master of Public Administration degree program. A legislative analysis paper is required. 3 hours seminar. (007684)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 601 State and Local Government 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
Intensive reading and research on topics related to this sub-field of political science. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007685)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 602 Public Administration and Democracy 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only
The purpose of this course is to assist students in developing an understanding of the most prevalent theories, issues, problems, institutions, and actors related to American public administration. Students explore literature that investigates the origins of American government. Specifically, the course examines questions of decision making and span of control in public administration. 3 hours seminar. (007686)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 604 Seminar in Political Communication 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This seminar examines various political communication phenomena both in the United States and the international stage. Aspects of political communication research covered include: media and politics, image politics, visual rhetoric, and public sphere studies. The course emphasizes literature on political communication while simultaneously encouraging students to consider the boundaries of the political as it relates to the study of communication. 3 hours seminar. (002255)
Cross listing(s): CMST 604
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 611 Seminar in Comparative Government 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to this sub-field of political science. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (015552)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 621 Seminar in American Politics 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to this sub-field of political science. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007687)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 624 Seminar on Public Opinion 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive readings and research on topics related to the scholarly examination of public opinion in the United States. Topics include the relationship of public opinion to democratic theory, research methodology in public opinion, the major sociological and psychological theories of public opinion, perception and opinion formation, and the historical and contemporary content of public opinion in the United States. 3 hours seminar. (007689)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 626 Interest Groups, Protest Movements, and Political Change 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course is a graduate-level seminar on interests and movements in the United States. The objective is to gain an advanced knowledge of the various theories and research findings in the literature dealing with political groups in American politics, especially protest groups, movements and mainstream interest groups. The course also examines the practical effect of these groups and movements, as measured by demonstrable political change. 3 hours seminar. (007690)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 627 U.S. Campaigns and Elections 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive readings and research on topics related to the scholarly examination of U.S. campaigns and elections. Topics include the role of elections in a representative democracy, the history of campaigns and elections in the U.S., the role of parties and interest groups, the behavior of voters, and the activities and strategies of candidates for office, the financing of campaigns, and the role of the media. 3 hours seminar. (007691)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 631 Research Methods 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Rigorous investigation of methodological techniques, with intensive readings, papers, and oral presentations as appropriate. Applications of research methods to policy problems and to problems in Political Science will be stressed. 3 hours seminar. (007692)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 632 Seminar in Political Theory 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Rigorous investigation of theoretical techniques, with intensive readings, papers, and oral presentations as appropriate. Applications of theoretical issues to policy problems and to problems in Political Science will be stressed. 3 hours seminar. (007693)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 635 Healthcare Policy 1.5 Units
Prerequisite: Open to declared Online MBA students only.
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course analyzes private and public political forces which impact how healthcare is delivered and paid for in the United States and the major political issues related to health services. 1.5 hours lecture. (022363)
Cross listing(s): PHHA 635
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1.5 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 638 Healthcare Law 1.5 Units
Prerequisite: Open to declared Online MBA students only.
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course focuses on the study of specific areas of health services related laws and regulations with an emphasis on the analysis of legal and regulatory issues, including regulatory, compliance, torts and patient rights and responsibilities. 1.5 hours lecture. (022362)
Cross listing(s): PHHA 638
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1.5 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 641 Seminar in International Relations 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to this sub-field of political science. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (015551)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 651 Seminar in Judicial Politics 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive reading and research on topics related to a scholarly examination of the American judiciary. Topics may include judicial appointments, theories of judicial decision making, judicial impact and social change, the relationship between courts and public opinion, and judicial politics in state courts. 3 hours seminar. (015550)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 652 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health and Human Services 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
A seminar providing an integrative analysis of ethical and legal forces in the environment of health and human services as they relate to health and human services organizations' behavior and management decision making. 3 hours seminar. (004471)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 653 Environmental Policy and the Law 3 Units
3 Units Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Development and implementation of environmental policies by the various levels of government within the U.S. federal system, with a particular focus on the legal context of environmental policy making. 3 hours seminar. (007694)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division; Sustainable Course
POLS 654 Behavioral Health Policy and Administration 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Relationship of behavioral and physical health policy in the U.S. and selected other countries. Considers elements essential to administration of community mental health programs and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAP efforts at helping employees deal with personal problems that affect job performance are considered. History, theory, legal and policy issues related to the above are considered. Focuses on behavioral health administrative issues and behavioral health personnel issues. 3 hours seminar. (007704)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 655 Aging Policy 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Due to demographic trends, public administrators must increasingly consider the needs of older adults in their work. In this course, students gain familiarity with the aging process and the evolving role of older adults in U.S. society. Students also explore a variety of policy issues with particular relevance to older adults, including retirement income, health and long-term care, family caregiver supports, elder abuse, housing, and end of life issues. 3 hours lecture. (022024)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 656 International Public Administration 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Can common global interest prevail against particular sovereign desires? In this course, students survey selected contemporary issues in global politics such as wars of intervention, ethnic conflict, globalization, global environmental protection, and some of the different ways in which they are understood and explained. 3 hours lecture. (022023)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 657 The Criminal Justice System: Institutions and Public Policy 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only odd years
This seminar is an exploration of the key institutions in the American Criminal Justice system, including law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal defense, the courts, corrections, and community corrections. The investigation of these institutions is in part based on the assessment of pertinent criminal justice public policies, including policy development, implementation, and evaluation. 3 hours seminar. (022097)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 658 Criminological Theory 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only even years
This graduate seminar begins with an examination of some of the major theories developed to explain crime and criminal behavior, followed by a discussion of theories of punishment and societal control, and concluded with a debate about the present state and future prospects of criminological theory. 3 hours seminar. (022098)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 659 Collaborative Community Management 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
With increasing frequency, many government programs have moved beyond privatizing to encouraging, or even mandating, collaboration between governmental and nongovernmental organizations in resolving community problems. As an introduction to the theory and practice of collaborative management, this course provides students an opportunity to examine case studies of successful practices of collaboration as well as to critique strategies and methods used in fostering collaborative management. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice collaboration both in the classroom, and in the community through a community project. 3 hours seminar. (020919)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 660A Public Management 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
This course will review, analyze, and test strategies of public management. Emphasis will be on areas of decision-making, planning, development, budgeting, and collective bargaining. Purpose is to familiarize students with the various approaches to public sector problem-solving and decision-making, primarily by using the case study format. 3 hours seminar. (007698)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 660B Public Personnel Administration 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only
A survey of the processes of recruiting and managing personnel in the public service. The philosophy of public personnel administration, organization for personnel administration, history, and evolution of the career system, comparative modern structures, and general processes of personnel. Both traditional and behavioral literature. 3 hours seminar. (007699)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 660C Public Budgeting and Finance 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only
Survey of budgeting problems, issues, and applications of theories, research, and approaches toward use of cost-benefit analysis in the public sector. Activities are focused on surveying the literature and researching public programs using Program Planning and Budgeting Systems and cost-benefit analysis. 3 hours seminar. (007700)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 661 Seminar in Public Administration 3 Units
Typically Offered: Spring only
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to this sub-field of political science and community services. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. Topics vary, dependent upon seminar leader. 3 hours seminar. (007701)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 662 Organizational Theory in the Public Sector 3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall only
Conceptual examination of the theory and behavior of large and small bureaucracies. 3 hours seminar. (007702)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 664 Public Policy in Health and Human Services 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
A graduate seminar which focuses on initiation, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of Health and Human Services policies. An exploration of policy development, policy analysis approaches, new policy directions. This course will focus on how to develop a policy issue paper, including how to identify values, develop alternatives, and make policy recommendations. Health and Human Services policy will be explored at the national, state, and local levels, including the public, private, non-profit, and profit-making sectors. Policy of other nations will be examined for their implications for American Health and Human Services policy. 3 hours seminar. (007703)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 665 Issues in Global Public Health 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
An examination of the health care industry in relation to health financing, insurance, grants, contracting, and resource allocation as they relate to management decision making in health and human service organizations. 3 hours seminar. (004475)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 667 Administration and Planning 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Comprehensive consideration of political, social, and administrative issues related to the rural and town planning process. 3 hours seminar. (007707)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 668 Public Policy Formation 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course examines complex information embedded in the theory and practice of public policy formation and analysis at the professional level. The course includes an examination of the approaches, methods, and concepts used in public policy analysis. Further the course examines the statutory, social, and political factors influencing policy development in a wide range of substantive policy areas including but not limited to the environment, business, labor, health, and criminal justice. A policy evaluation paper and oral presentation are required. 3 hours seminar. (007708)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 669 Public and Non-Profit Program Evaluation 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course applies specific techniques for evaluating both program operations and the outcome of program activities. It applies the research methodologies and techniques employed for policy and program assessment including use of social indicators, quantitative and qualitative methods, and quasi-experimental designs used in applied policy and program research. Finally, students learn about writing grant proposals and managing contracts. 3 hours seminar. (007709)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 671 Topics in American Politics 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive reading and research on a topic related to American national government. Written and oral presentation of research usually required. 3 hours seminar. (007710)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 672 The U.S. Presidency 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
This course explores the office of the chief executive through several academic lenses. In addition to an analysis of the constitutional debates regarding this office, presidential power, the modern presidency, presidential war powers, presidential personality and character, presidential decision making, and presidential selection are all possible topics for exploration through reading and research. 3 hours seminar. (007711)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 673 The U.S. Congress 3 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
Intensive readings and research on topics related to Congress include the constitutional context and debates over the role of Congress, congressional elections, the nature of Congress as an institution, the behavior of its members, and the role Congress plays in shaping public policy. 3 hours seminar. (007712)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 680A Research Plan/Culminating Practicum 1 Unit
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
In this course, students develop a research plan with their graduate committee the semester prior to registering for the culminating professional policy analysis paper course, POLS 680B. 3 hours supervision. (021800)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1 unit
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 680B Culminating Practicum 3 Units
Prerequisite: POLS 680A.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This is a culminating activity whereby students demonstrate competence acquired in the MPA program. Each student will complete a professional policy analysis paper that requires the application of both theory and methods. This professional paper will be presented at the end of the course. Prior to taking this course, a majority of the core graduate seminars must be completed. 9 hours supervision. (007713)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 683 Practicum in Teaching Political Science 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Provides a forum for the exploration and analysis of effective teaching techniques in political science. This course prepares students to become graduate teaching assistants or community college instructors. 3 hours seminar. (007714)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 9 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 689 Intern/Fieldwork Public Admin 1-3 Units
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Internship and directed field work in selected public and quasi-public agencies. 3 hours supervision. (007715)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 689P MPA Professional Internship 3 Units
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Internship and directed field work in selected public and quasi-public agencies. Particularly encouraged for students who lack a significant professional work background. 300 hours of service required. 9 hours supervision. (021069)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 695 Graduate Student Research Symposium Experience 1 Unit
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course culminates with the presentation of graduate student work at a research conference or symposium, such as the department's fall student research symposium, the BSS spring research symposium, or other professional conferences. Student presentation of work may be accomplished through a variety of formats, such as oral presentations, poster presentations, or panel presentations. 3 hours supervision. (022297)
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 697 Independent Study 1-6 Units
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Open to all MA and MPA candidates. Adequate preparation as determined by the Department of Political Science. 9 hours supervision. (007730)
Grade Basis: Report in Progress: Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 699P Master's Project 1-6 Units
Typically Offered: Inquire at department
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. The Master's Project is developed in consultation with Graduate Coordinator. 0 hours supervision. (022434)
Grade Basis: Graduate Graded
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once
Course Attributes: Graduate Division
POLS 699T Master's Thesis 1-3 Units
Typically Offered: Fall and spring
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 0 hours supervision. (007734)
Grade Basis: Report in Progress: CR/NC
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units
Course Attributes: Graduate Division