The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Requirements: 48 units

See General Education Requirements in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See "Diversity Requirement" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Requirements.

U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: 6 units

See "U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements". This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155 or approved equivalents. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.

Literacy Requirement:

See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 36-46 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option or advising pattern, are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 10 units

Foundation: 4 units

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 331	Introduction to Political Inquiry	3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher. An introduction to the discipline of political science, with emphasis on the major controversy of substance and method therein. Should be taken at the beginning of the junior year. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (007495)
POLS 331X	Techniques in Political Science Research	1.0	FS
This course covers use of computers and the Internet in political science research. 3 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (007496)

Political Theory: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 431	American Political Thought	3.0	FA
Considers tensions between the democratic and republican claims in formative periods: Puritan, Revolutionary, Constitution, Jacksonian, and Civil War. Addresses modern implications. Uses primary sources and novels. 3 hours lecture. (007551)
POLS 432	Recent American Political Thought	3.0	SP
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)
POLS 434	Origins of Western Political Thought	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as PHIL 434. The classical roots of western political philosophy and their relationship to contemporary political theory. 3 hours seminar. (007279)
POLS 437	Contemporary Political Thought	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as PHIL 437. 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)
POLS 438	Jurisprudence: Philosophy of Law	3.0	FS
This course is also offered as PHIL 438. 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)

International Relations: 3 units

1 course required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 341	International Relations		3.0	FS	GE
Concepts in international politics, with emphasis on the analysis of contemporary global issues. Recommended for secondary teachers. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007500)

Major Option Course Requirements: 26-36 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.

Option in General Political Science: 26 units

American Government and Politics: 6 units

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 324	Women and Politics	3.0	FS	GE
This course is also offered as WMST 324. 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. This is an approved General Education course. (007491)
POLS 327	The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States	3.0	FS	USD
This course is also offered as MCGS 327. 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. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000137)
POLS 402	State and Local Government	3.0	FS
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. 3 hours lecture. (007524)

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 404	Interest Groups and Lobbying	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: POLS 402 and POLS 473 are recommended. Course will focus on the lobbying process at the state and national level and will consider the role interest groups play within the American-state governmental milieu. 3 hours lecture. (007526)
POLS 422	Political Socialization and Behavior	3.0	SP
A study of the learning of political attitudes; the role of the family, school, peer group, and others in the political socialization process; the process of accommodation or non-accommodation to the value patterns of society and ultimate political behavior. 3 hours lecture. (007545)
POLS 423	Political Parties: Who Gets What, When, How	3.0	INQ
Evolution of American political parties; issues dividing the electorate; organization of parties; nominations, campaigns, elections, voting behavior; the role of money in the party process; party responsibility; evaluation and reform of parties; some reference to foreign parties. Considers parties as some of the major value maximizers among people. 3 hours lecture. (007488)
POLS 424	Public Opinion and Propaganda	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, CMST 350, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only. This course is also offered as CMST 424, JOUR 424. 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)
POLS 425	Survey Research Methods	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SOCI 310 or SWRK 330; SOCI 315 or other statistics course by permission of instructor. CMST majors: COM 202. POLS majors: POLS 421. A practical, integrative course in which a survey research project will be conducted. 3 hours seminar. (002245)
POLS 427	U.S. Campaigns and Elections	3.0	INQ
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)
POLS 471A	Public Policy Formation	3.0	FA
Critical examination of the process of policy formation in American governments. Relationship of executive, legislative, and judicial branches in policy formation. A significant policy area will be examined, with emphasis on both statutory and constitutional bases and the social/political factors influencing policy development. 3 hours lecture. (007607)
POLS 472	The Presidency	3.0	SP
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)
POLS 473	Congress	3.0	SP
Analysis of the structure, processes, and behavior in legislative bodies. Emphasis on a comparison of selected legislative bodies. 3 hours lecture. (007610)

Constitutional Law: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 451A	Constitutional Law: Powers and Restraints	3.0	INQ
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as the powers of the courts, congress, and President; and the balance of federal-state power in such areas as commerce and taxation. 3 hours lecture. (007577)
POLS 451B	Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties	3.0	FS
This course is also offered as MCGS 451B. Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. 3 hours lecture. (005645)
POLS 453	Legal Process and Behavior	3.0	INQ
The study of law from the political, sociological, and behavioral perspectives examining recent and contemporary approaches to the legal process. Other questions about areas of study include: What, if any, are the boundaries of the legal process? To what extent should the legal process be a part of our everyday lives? To what extent is the law political? 3 hours lecture. (007580)

Community Service Internship: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 480	The Student Journal of Politics	3.0 -6.0	FS
Students in this course publish Studium: The California State University, Chico Student Journal of Politics. Students select, evaluate, and edit scholarly works on politics. There is significant work ourside the classroom environment, including developing skills in political science research and writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration for graphics, editing, formatting, and printing. Students also collaborate with student authors and with those producing student journals at other universities. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007613)
POLS 489A	Internship in Public Administration	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: 3.0 cumulative GPA and faculty permission. Work experience in selected governmental agencies supervised by faculty members and the staff of the cooperating agencies. Public Administration majors must take POLS 489A for at least 2 units. Public Administration students may substitute POLS 489P or POLS 493. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007614)
POLS 489C	Internship in Political Science	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: 3.0 cumulative GPA and faculty permission. Work experience with an elected official, political party organization, interest group, or media outlet. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007616)
POLS 489E	Internship in Criminal Justice	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Field work with criminal justice agencies in the areas of policing, courts, and corrections. Work supervised by the faculty internship coordinator and the staff of the internship office. Directed readings and writings may be assigned. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007618)
POLS 489K	Internship in Legal Studies	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. See description below. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007621)
POLS 489L	Internship in Public Law	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. POLS 489K and POLS 489L: Field work in law in various projects such as bail service, welfare rights, legal aid, penal law, consumer law, environmental law, housing law, etc. Work supervised by faculty and/or cooperating legal organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007622)
POLS 489P	Work or Community Experience in Selected Governmental or Community Agencies	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Senior standing, faculty permission. Credit for previously acquired work or community experience. Such credit determined by the Internship Coordinator, dependent upon length of service and experience. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007623)

Senior Capstone: 5 units

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 397	Tutorial in Political Science	1.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. Individual consultation with faculty in working on special projects, reading lists, or areas of deficiency. 3 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (007519)
POLS 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007523)

Take POLS 399 for 1 unit.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 429	Capstone in American Politics		3.0	FS
This is a seminar on selected topics in American 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)

Elective Requirement: 9 units

9 units selected from:

Any upper-division political science (POLS) courses (with no more than 6 units from internships and 3 units of independent research or study counting toward the major).

Option in Legal Studies: 29-36 units

Option Core Program: 17-18 units

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 351	Introduction to Legal Studies	3.0	FS
Social science-based analysis of the interaction of law and its social contexts. Course elements include fundamentals of legal systems, their institutional structures, and critical issues. Case studies and interpretive themes will provide analytical focus. 3 hours lecture. (007504)
POLS 451B	Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties	3.0	FS
This course is also offered as MCGS 451B. Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. 3 hours lecture. (005645)
POLS 454	Legal Research and Writing	3.0	FS
Learn techniques of legal research and writing. Write briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents based on library research with cases, treatises, law reviews, statutes, regulations, etc. 3 hours lecture. (007581)
POLS 459	Capstone in Public Law	3.0	FS
This course is a seminar on selected topics in public law. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007587)
POLS 489K	Internship in Legal Studies	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. See description below. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007621)

Note: POLS 489K must be taken for 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 491F	Simulation in Political Science: Public Law	2.0	FA
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing. Participation in mock trials and other law activities. Oral argument, legal research, and brief-writing. 4 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading. (007631)
POLS 491G	Trial and Applellate Advocacy	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing. Participation in mock trials and other law activities. Oral argument, legal research, and brief-writing. Must participate in the moot court competition. 6 hours lecture. Credit/no credit grading. (007632)

Advising Pattern Course Requirements: 12-18 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required depending upon the advising pattern chosen. Students must select one of the following advising patterns for completion of the major course requirements.

The Option in Legal Studies requires selection of one of the patterns listed below. The following patterns must be followed, unless prior approval is obtained from the Coordinator of the Legal Studies Program.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Pattern: 18 units

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
MGMT 345	Negotiation Techniques for Conflict Resolution	3.0	FA
This course explores creative, integrative approaches to conflict resolution. Includes bargaining games, role-plays, cases, issues in conflict management, interpersonal influence processes, cultural, and ethical implications of bargaining problems and personal negotiating styles. 3 hours lecture. (005703)
POLS 452	Alternative Dispute Resolution	3.0	INQ
Focus on the various methods of negotiation and dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration with primary emphasis on the legal rights and principles involved in alternative dispute resolution especially in the process of arbitration. Major social and scientific theories of conflict will be explored as well as conventional disciplines and new approaches of conflict avoidance and resolution. Ethical issues involved in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration will be covered. 3 hours lecture. (007579)
POLS 489L	Internship in Public Law	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. POLS 489K and POLS 489L: Field work in law in various projects such as bail service, welfare rights, legal aid, penal law, consumer law, environmental law, housing law, etc. Work supervised by faculty and/or cooperating legal organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007622)

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
BLAW 413	Employment Law	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: At least junior standing. An in-depth study of federal and California employment laws as they affect the management of human resources, with appropriate consideration of ethical and global dimensions. Emphasis is on the legal rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the employment relationship, primarily in a private-sector, non-union environment. 3 hours discussion. (001352)
BLAW 414	Labor Law and Collective Bargaining	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: At least junior standing or faculty permission. Intensive examination of unions in an organizational setting. Includes organizational and concerted activities, collective bargaining and employee/employer rights and responsibilities. Includes applied collective bargaining project. 3 hours discussion. (001343)
CMST 370	Introduction to Organizational Communication	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331 with a grade of C- or higher. The study and survey of major content areas of organizational communication theory and research. Contemporary theories related to organizational environments are reviewed with an emphasis on technology in organizations and its relationship to communication process. Content areas include ethics, networks, diversity and cultures, changing employer-employee relations, feedback, groups, home-workplace tensions, and various emerging topics in the field. 3 hours discussion. (002222)
PHIL 342	Roots of War and Prospects for Peace	3.0	FS	GE
A critical examination of diverse philosophical views regarding the causes of war and the prospects for peace. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved General Education course. (007224)
PHIL 344	Comparative Peace Studies	3.0	FS	GE
An interdisciplinary cross-cultural survey of prospects for peace. Focuses on non-violent modes of conflict resolution. Major philosophical and social scientific ideas from both the pacifist and non-pacifist traditions are examined in depth. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007228)
POLS 422	Political Socialization and Behavior	3.0	SP
A study of the learning of political attitudes; the role of the family, school, peer group, and others in the political socialization process; the process of accommodation or non-accommodation to the value patterns of society and ultimate political behavior. 3 hours lecture. (007545)
POLS 460D	Collective Bargaining	3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. An examination of basic concepts and practices found in the collective bargaining relationship. Special focus on the public sector in California. 3 hours lecture. (002663)
POLS 462	Organizational Theory	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: POLS 460A or concurrent enrollment. An intensive examination of the theory and research on organizational design, with an emphasis on applications of the theories. Focus is on how organizations develop structures to meet various internal (e.g., size, technology) and external (e.g., stakeholders, uncertainty) demands. 3 hours lecture. (007597)
POLS 464	Administrative Law	3.0	FA
Study of the role of administrative law in American government. Scope and implications of discretionary decision-making. 3 hours lecture. (007599)
POLS 466	Public Administration and Collaborative Management	3.0	INQ
This course is intended to introduce students to the individual and group processes which occur in collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations. Such processes include leadership, communications, cooperation and conflict management, motivation, group effectiveness, decision-making and community problem-solving. 2 hours lecture. (007601)
POLS 493	Community Research	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisites: Approval of the Department of Political Science. 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, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, or the Alternative Dispute Resolution minor. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (007655)
POLS 489M	Community Legal Information Center Directorship	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science. This course directs students through the process of being a director at the Community Legal Information Center (CLIC). As a director of CLIC, the students have the opportunity to take on significant administrative responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the on-campus law clinic. Registration for this course is attained through an application process in the spring semester. Enrollment in this course is required in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, each director will have CLIC responsibilities during the summer and intersession. Only a total of 3.0 units of this course may be counted towards the requirements of the major, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, the Paralegal Certificate, or the minor in Alternative Dispute Resolution. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (020651)
PSYC 395	Social Psychology	3.0	FS
An overview of social psychology, emphasizing the variety of social factors that influence individual behavior. 3 hours lecture. (007952)
SOCI 486	Sociology of Law	3.0	INQ
This course explores the social context of law, legality, and society, concentrating on the numerous ways that law permeates all forms of social behavior. The focus is on the relationships between law, social institutions and social change, and how they interact with issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and social justice. 3 hours lecture. (009016)

Other appropriate courses may be selected with the prior permission of the Legal Studies Coordinator.

Law and the Environment Pattern: 12 units

4 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
GEOG 423	Planning Methods	3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GEOG 315, GEOG 320. Identification and analysis of the vocational skills necessary for students of planning and regional development, with emphasis on the preparation of general plans and special plan elements. 6 hours activity. (003945)
GEOG 427	Environmental Impact Analysis	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: GEOG 320 or equivalent. Study of the legal antecedents to California environmental impact legislation; analysis of environmental review procedures, environmental research, preparation and evaluation of EIRs, and conditional negative declarations. 3 hours discussion. (003949)
POLS 461	Environmental Politics and Policy	3.0	FA
Investigation and analysis of the political nature of the environmental crisis in the United States and the development of legal and administrative mechanisms for handling environmental problems. 3 hours lecture. (007596)
POLS 464	Administrative Law	3.0	FA
Study of the role of administrative law in American government. Scope and implications of discretionary decision-making. 3 hours lecture. (007599)
POLS 468	Planning Law	3.0	SP
Review and analysis of the present and changing nature of planning and land-use control law, particularly as the law is applied in California. 3 hours seminar. (007605)
POLS 489G	Internship in Sustainability	1.0 -3.0	FS
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020622)
POLS 489L	Internship in Public Law	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. POLS 489K and POLS 489L: Field work in law in various projects such as bail service, welfare rights, legal aid, penal law, consumer law, environmental law, housing law, etc. Work supervised by faculty and/or cooperating legal organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007622)
POLS 489M	Community Legal Information Center Directorship	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science. This course directs students through the process of being a director at the Community Legal Information Center (CLIC). As a director of CLIC, the students have the opportunity to take on significant administrative responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the on-campus law clinic. Registration for this course is attained through an application process in the spring semester. Enrollment in this course is required in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, each director will have CLIC responsibilities during the summer and intersession. Only a total of 3.0 units of this course may be counted towards the requirements of the major, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, the Paralegal Certificate, or the minor in Alternative Dispute Resolution. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (020651)

Law and Theory Pattern: 12 units

4 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 451A	Constitutional Law: Powers and Restraints	3.0	INQ
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as the powers of the courts, congress, and President; and the balance of federal-state power in such areas as commerce and taxation. 3 hours lecture. (007577)
POLS 452	Alternative Dispute Resolution	3.0	INQ
Focus on the various methods of negotiation and dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration with primary emphasis on the legal rights and principles involved in alternative dispute resolution especially in the process of arbitration. Major social and scientific theories of conflict will be explored as well as conventional disciplines and new approaches of conflict avoidance and resolution. Ethical issues involved in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration will be covered. 3 hours lecture. (007579)
POLS 453	Legal Process and Behavior	3.0	INQ
The study of law from the political, sociological, and behavioral perspectives examining recent and contemporary approaches to the legal process. Other questions about areas of study include: What, if any, are the boundaries of the legal process? To what extent should the legal process be a part of our everyday lives? To what extent is the law political? 3 hours lecture. (007580)
POLS 456	Legal Analysis	3.0	INQ
The objective of this course is to teach students legal analysis using Socratic method, briefing cases, and law-school-type examinations. The course will be aimed at students considering law school. 3 hours lecture. (007583)
POLS 464	Administrative Law	3.0	FA
Study of the role of administrative law in American government. Scope and implications of discretionary decision-making. 3 hours lecture. (007599)
POLS 489L	Internship in Public Law	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. POLS 489K and POLS 489L: Field work in law in various projects such as bail service, welfare rights, legal aid, penal law, consumer law, environmental law, housing law, etc. Work supervised by faculty and/or cooperating legal organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007622)
POLS 489M	Community Legal Information Center Directorship	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science. This course directs students through the process of being a director at the Community Legal Information Center (CLIC). As a director of CLIC, the students have the opportunity to take on significant administrative responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the on-campus law clinic. Registration for this course is attained through an application process in the spring semester. Enrollment in this course is required in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, each director will have CLIC responsibilities during the summer and intersession. Only a total of 3.0 units of this course may be counted towards the requirements of the major, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, the Paralegal Certificate, or the minor in Alternative Dispute Resolution. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (020651)
SOCI 486	Sociology of Law	3.0	INQ
This course explores the social context of law, legality, and society, concentrating on the numerous ways that law permeates all forms of social behavior. The focus is on the relationships between law, social institutions and social change, and how they interact with issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and social justice. 3 hours lecture. (009016)

Law and Social Interests Pattern: 12 units

4 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
HCSV 332	Laws, Ethics, and Regulations in Health Services	3.0	FA
Study of specific areas of law, ethics, and regulations in health care. Examination of legal and ethical issues of licensing, health insurance, managed care, funding mechanisms, medical negligence and malpractice, informed consent, health care records, and patient and family rights. 3 hours seminar. (004452)
POLS 401	Sexual Minorities Law/Politics	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as MCGS 401. Students examine how the law (made by judges, legislators, and voters) has influenced and continues to influence the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Students critically analyze how the rights of sexual minorities have developed or failed to develop. The class includes discussion of gay movements' politics, accomplishments, and opponents. Finally, contemporary issues surrounding legal and political issues that impact sexual minorities are addressed. 3 hours lecture. (020186)
POLS 426	Women and the Law	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as WMST 426. In this class, students discuss how the criminal justice system and civil law affect women's lives and their experiences with the state. Students take a historical view on how women have made progress toward equality in the United States by using the legal system in a variety of ways and examine women's status as criminal justice professionals, victims, and perpetrators of crime and how the criminal justice system deals with women in these positions. 3 hours lecture. (007547)
POLS 443	International Law	3.0	INQ
Analysis of the development of international law, the role of international law on international relations, legal problems of world order, and contemporary international legal issues. Case analysis and critical writing required. 3 hours lecture. (007562)
POLS 457	American Indian/Federal Law	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is also offered as AIST 457. This course in Indian/Federal law examines 200 years of legal relationships of tribes with the Federal government, state government, and with tribal members. It has its origins in constitutional law, and is the only body of law directly relating to a single group or minority in this country. We will examine and analyze the practical application of these laws as they apply to the legal rights of tribes and the states in which the tribes reside. 3 hours lecture. (000393)
POLS 459A	Criminal Procedure	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: POLS 250. The machinery of criminal justice in theory and practice; the significance of the rule of law and its exceptions in the actual administration of justice. This course will concentrate on the application of the fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments to the U.S. Constitution in the administration of justice and the application of modern behavioral research as it applies to police and court administration. 3 hours discussion. (007588)
POLS 461	Environmental Politics and Policy	3.0	FA
Investigation and analysis of the political nature of the environmental crisis in the United States and the development of legal and administrative mechanisms for handling environmental problems. 3 hours lecture. (007596)
POLS 465	The Administration of Justice	3.0	INQ
The machinery of justice in theory and practice; the significance of the rule of law and its exceptions in the actual administration of justice. 3 hours lecture. (007600)
POLS 481	Law and Disadvantaged Persons	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as SWRK 481. Explores legal issues facing the poor, older adults, disabled, and minorities, and how to advance the legal rights of the disadvantaged. Family law, consumerism, small claims court, Social Security, welfare law, and landlord/tenant rights are addressed from theoretical and practical perspectives, with an emphasis on advocating those rights. 3 hours lecture. (009431)
POLS 489L	Internship in Public Law	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. POLS 489K and POLS 489L: Field work in law in various projects such as bail service, welfare rights, legal aid, penal law, consumer law, environmental law, housing law, etc. Work supervised by faculty and/or cooperating legal organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007622)
POLS 489M	Community Legal Information Center Directorship	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science. This course directs students through the process of being a director at the Community Legal Information Center (CLIC). As a director of CLIC, the students have the opportunity to take on significant administrative responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the on-campus law clinic. Registration for this course is attained through an application process in the spring semester. Enrollment in this course is required in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, each director will have CLIC responsibilities during the summer and intersession. Only a total of 3.0 units of this course may be counted towards the requirements of the major, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, the Paralegal Certificate, or the minor in Alternative Dispute Resolution. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (020651)

Paralegal Studies Pattern: 18 units

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 455	The Legal Para-Professional	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: POLS 454. The study of the field of paralegalism and the laws that the paralegal will be dealing with. Deals both with substantive law and the methods and role of the paralegal case study method used. 3 hours lecture. (007582)
POLS 489L	Internship in Public Law	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. POLS 489K and POLS 489L: Field work in law in various projects such as bail service, welfare rights, legal aid, penal law, consumer law, environmental law, housing law, etc. Work supervised by faculty and/or cooperating legal organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007622)

4 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
BLAW 413	Employment Law	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: At least junior standing. An in-depth study of federal and California employment laws as they affect the management of human resources, with appropriate consideration of ethical and global dimensions. Emphasis is on the legal rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the employment relationship, primarily in a private-sector, non-union environment. 3 hours discussion. (001352)
BLAW 414	Labor Law and Collective Bargaining	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: At least junior standing or faculty permission. Intensive examination of unions in an organizational setting. Includes organizational and concerted activities, collective bargaining and employee/employer rights and responsibilities. Includes applied collective bargaining project. 3 hours discussion. (001343)
EDAD 614	The Law and Education	3.0	FS
An examination of the effect of school law upon public school personnel. Special emphasis will be given to the areas of liability, contracts, tenure, and pupil-parent-teacher rights. 3 hours seminar. (002756)
FINA 453	Estate Planning	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: FINA 307. To give students a basic understanding of the major methods and techniques of preserving and transmitting an individual's wealth, including gift-giving, the use of various trusts, the use of life insurance, and the proper preparation of a will. Students will be expected to be aware of the causes and consequences of an inefficient transfer of wealth and therefore must acquire a working knowledge of the institutional constraints, including the law of property, wills, and intestate distribution, the probate process, and State and Federal estate, gift, inheritance, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. 3 hours lecture. (001047)
HCSV 332	Laws, Ethics, and Regulations in Health Services	3.0	FA
Study of specific areas of law, ethics, and regulations in health care. Examination of legal and ethical issues of licensing, health insurance, managed care, funding mechanisms, medical negligence and malpractice, informed consent, health care records, and patient and family rights. 3 hours seminar. (004452)
JOUR 320	Mass Communication Law	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: JOUR 101, JOUR 260. The law as it applies to the press, pictures, and broadcasting. Philosophical basis and historical evolution of legal precedent governing the media. Practical limitations of libel, slander, privacy, copyright, information access, free press-fair trial, contempt and reporter's rights, advertising and media concentration as they affect freedom of the press. Required for news-editorial option; elective for public relations option. 3 hours lecture. (002032)
POLS 443	International Law	3.0	INQ
Analysis of the development of international law, the role of international law on international relations, legal problems of world order, and contemporary international legal issues. Case analysis and critical writing required. 3 hours lecture. (007562)
POLS 451A	Constitutional Law: Powers and Restraints	3.0	INQ
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as the powers of the courts, congress, and President; and the balance of federal-state power in such areas as commerce and taxation. 3 hours lecture. (007577)
POLS 452	Alternative Dispute Resolution	3.0	INQ
Focus on the various methods of negotiation and dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration with primary emphasis on the legal rights and principles involved in alternative dispute resolution especially in the process of arbitration. Major social and scientific theories of conflict will be explored as well as conventional disciplines and new approaches of conflict avoidance and resolution. Ethical issues involved in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration will be covered. 3 hours lecture. (007579)
POLS 453	Legal Process and Behavior	3.0	INQ
The study of law from the political, sociological, and behavioral perspectives examining recent and contemporary approaches to the legal process. Other questions about areas of study include: What, if any, are the boundaries of the legal process? To what extent should the legal process be a part of our everyday lives? To what extent is the law political? 3 hours lecture. (007580)
POLS 456	Legal Analysis	3.0	INQ
The objective of this course is to teach students legal analysis using Socratic method, briefing cases, and law-school-type examinations. The course will be aimed at students considering law school. 3 hours lecture. (007583)
POLS 457	American Indian/Federal Law	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is also offered as AIST 457. This course in Indian/Federal law examines 200 years of legal relationships of tribes with the Federal government, state government, and with tribal members. It has its origins in constitutional law, and is the only body of law directly relating to a single group or minority in this country. We will examine and analyze the practical application of these laws as they apply to the legal rights of tribes and the states in which the tribes reside. 3 hours lecture. (000393)
POLS 459A	Criminal Procedure	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: POLS 250. The machinery of criminal justice in theory and practice; the significance of the rule of law and its exceptions in the actual administration of justice. This course will concentrate on the application of the fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments to the U.S. Constitution in the administration of justice and the application of modern behavioral research as it applies to police and court administration. 3 hours discussion. (007588)
POLS 461	Environmental Politics and Policy	3.0	FA
Investigation and analysis of the political nature of the environmental crisis in the United States and the development of legal and administrative mechanisms for handling environmental problems. 3 hours lecture. (007596)
POLS 464	Administrative Law	3.0	FA
Study of the role of administrative law in American government. Scope and implications of discretionary decision-making. 3 hours lecture. (007599)
POLS 465	The Administration of Justice	3.0	INQ
The machinery of justice in theory and practice; the significance of the rule of law and its exceptions in the actual administration of justice. 3 hours lecture. (007600)
POLS 468	Planning Law	3.0	SP
Review and analysis of the present and changing nature of planning and land-use control law, particularly as the law is applied in California. 3 hours seminar. (007605)
POLS 481	Law and Disadvantaged Persons	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as SWRK 481. Explores legal issues facing the poor, older adults, disabled, and minorities, and how to advance the legal rights of the disadvantaged. Family law, consumerism, small claims court, Social Security, welfare law, and landlord/tenant rights are addressed from theoretical and practical perspectives, with an emphasis on advocating those rights. 3 hours lecture. (009431)
POLS 489M	Community Legal Information Center Directorship	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science. This course directs students through the process of being a director at the Community Legal Information Center (CLIC). As a director of CLIC, the students have the opportunity to take on significant administrative responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the on-campus law clinic. Registration for this course is attained through an application process in the spring semester. Enrollment in this course is required in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, each director will have CLIC responsibilities during the summer and intersession. Only a total of 3.0 units of this course may be counted towards the requirements of the major, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, the Paralegal Certificate, or the minor in Alternative Dispute Resolution. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (020651)
POLS 493	Community Research	1.0 -15.0	FS
Prerequisites: Approval of the Department of Political Science. 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, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate, or the Alternative Dispute Resolution minor. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (007655)
RECR 428	Recreation Law and Legal Principles	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: RECR 200; concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 220, RECR 240, RECR 250, or RECR 260; or faculty permission. Introduction to the study of law applicable to the management of recreation resources in providing valuable recreational experiences for clientele of public and commercial recreation programs and facilities. Examines general legal principles, legal aspects of provision of services by the private sector, contracts and contracting for recreation and park services, legal authority and methods in resource-based recreation areas, and legal liability in parks, recreation, and athletic programs. 3 hours lecture. (008818)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

The Pre-Law Professional Pattern

Those Pre-Law students majoring in Political Science who plan to enter law school should consider, as part of, or in addition to, the regular degree requirements for the major in Political Science, the following courses: law courses in POLS 450 series; the Public Law internship courses, POLS 489K or POLS 489L; POLS 443, International Law; POLS 438, Jurisprudence; POLS 464, Administrative Law; POLS 465, The Administration of Justice; POLS 398W, Special (Law) Topics; and various Business Law courses. See Pre-Law Advisor for additional information.