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The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

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

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 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. You can view MAPs on the Major Academic Plans page or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

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

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

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

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

Option in U.S. Politics

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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. This is an approved Writing Course. (007550)

Option in Legal Studies

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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. This is an approved Writing Course. (007581)

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

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.

Course Requirements for the Major: 42-43 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 are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 22 units

Research Methodology: 4 units

1 course required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.
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. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (007495)

Introductory Political Science: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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. This is an approved General Education course. (007467)
An introduction to the structure, composition, and performance of the judicial process and its role in the resolution of societal conflicts. Following an examination into the nature of law, the course focuses on the essential actors in the process and review the performance of their roles. Issues critical to a free society freedom of speech, rights of the accused, equal protection and their impact on certain populations are studied to illustrate the politics of distributing "justice" by means of the courts. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (007470)

International Relations/Comparative Politics: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Introduces students to concepts and theories in International Relations, with an emphasis on contemporary issues. This is a pre-requisites for upper-division International Relations courses. 3 hours lecture. (021819)
This course introduces students to concepts and theories in Comparative Politics, as well as the politics of the different regions of the world. This course is a pre-requisite for upper-division comparative politics courses. 3 hours lecture. (021810)

Political Theory: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
The classical roots of western political philosophy and their relationship to contemporary political theory. 3 hours seminar. (007279)
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)
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)

U.S. Politics: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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)
Analysis of the structure, processes, and behavior in legislative bodies. Emphasis on a comparison of selected legislative bodies. 3 hours lecture. (007610)

Public Policy/Public Administration: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
The history and philosophy of criminal justice in America; recapitulation of the system and how it disproportionately impacts different groups in America; identifying the various sub-systems, role expectations, and their interrelationships; theories of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation; ethics, education, and training for professionalism in the criminal justice system. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001563)
Course analyzes post-World War II American foreign policy. It examines the origins and development of the cold war, with attention to nuclear capabilities, the growth of national security bureaucracy, and the impact on American society. Special attention is given to the decision-making process as well as to theories of personality, organizational behavior, and the political process as these affect the cold war basis of American foreign policy. 3 hours lecture. (007503)
Executive function in government; survey of the principles of administrative organization, personnel management, financial administration, administrative law, administrative policies. Problems and trends in government as a career. 3 hours lecture. (007592)
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)
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)

Constitutional Law: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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)

Major Option Course Requirements: 20-21 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.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.



Option in U.S. Politics: 20 units

Research Methodology: 3 units

1 course required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: POLS 331W or permission of instructor.
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)

U.S. Politics: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is also offered as WMST 324W.
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 Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (007491)
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)
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)
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)

U.S. Political Institutions: 3 units

1 course selected from:

These courses may be used to satisfy this requirement if not used above in the major core.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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)
Analysis of the structure, processes, and behavior in legislative bodies. Emphasis on a comparison of selected legislative bodies. 3 hours lecture. (007610)

Internship or Practicum: 3 units

3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007614)
Prerequisites: 3.0 cumulative GPA and faculty permission.
Work experience with an elected official, political party organization, interest group, or media outlet. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007616)
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)
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Field work in a public or private law office. Work supervised by attorneys in cooperating legal organizations. POLS 454 Legal Research and Writing is highly recommended for placement in private or public law offices. 9 hours independent study. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007621)
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)
Students engage in practical work at the on-campus Community Legal Information Clinic under the supervision of a faculty member and also participate in seminar and training workshops that focus on the substantive law, doctrine, theory, skills, and ethical questions that arise in the legal practice area. 3 hours clinical. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021759)

Senior Seminar: 5 units

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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)
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. This is an approved Writing Course. (007550)

Note: take POLS 399 for 1 unit.

Elective Requirement: 3 units

3 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: 21 units

Courses listed in multiple requirements can be used only once towards completion of the major.

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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. This is an approved Writing Course. (007581)
Prerequisite: POLS 454W (may be taken concurrently).
In this course, students learn court system and jurisdictional issues, as well as follow a civil case from the first client interview through preparation for trial. The course focuses on the legal ethics and professional responsibility of paralegals and legal professionals in the civil litigation process, including topics such as calendaring, pleadings, court forms, discovery methods, motion practice, and other legal documents and tasks encountered by professionals in the legal field. 3 hours lecture. (007582)
This course is a senior seminar on selected topics in legal studies. 3 hours seminar. (007587)

Internship or Practicum: 6 units

6 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.
Field work in a public or private law office. Work supervised by attorneys in cooperating legal organizations. POLS 454 Legal Research and Writing is highly recommended for placement in private or public law offices. 9 hours independent study. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007621)
Students engage in practical work at the on-campus Community Legal Information Clinic under the supervision of a faculty member and also participate in seminar and training workshops that focus on the substantive law, doctrine, theory, skills, and ethical questions that arise in the legal practice area. 3 hours clinical. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021759)

These courses may be taken more than once for credit.

1 course selected from:

POLS 451A, POLS 451B, or POLS 461 may be used to satisfy this requirement if not used above in the major core.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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)
Prerequisite: MGMT 450 (may be taken concurrently).
This course presents an in-depth study of California, federal, and international laws as they affect the management of entrepreneurial and small business enterprises. Emphasis is placed on social policy dimensions as much as practical aspects of the dynamic and ever-changing relationship between government and entrepreneurial ventures. 3 hours lecture. (020569)
Prerequisite: 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)
Prerequisites: JOUR 260W.
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)
Prerequisite: PHHA 331.
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)
Prerequisites: POLS 250 or faculty permission.
Examines current and developing programs and issues in the field of criminal justice. 3 hours seminar. (001603)
This course introduces students to the theories and practices of justice, as well as the administration of justice. As a writing intensive course, students examine pertinent justice issues of local, national, or international significance, identify the theory (or theories) of justice relevant to the situation, and investigate how justice was (or was not) administered. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (007600)
This course is also offered as MCGS 401W.
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. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (020186)
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 lecture. (007588)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Study of the role of administrative law in American government. Scope and implications of discretionary decision-making. 3 hours lecture. (007599)
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)
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)
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.
This course directs students through the process of being a director at the Community Legal Information Clinic (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 or the Paralegal Certificate. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (020651)
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Introduction to the study of law applicable to recreation, hospitality, and parks management. Examines general legal principles; organizational structure; contracts; and contracting for recreation, hospitality, and park settings. Introduces human resources law; liability and litigation; and special topics which apply to hotels, restaurants, events, recreation, and parks providers. 3 hours lecture. (008818)

Note: POLS 495 must be taken for 3 units.

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.

Advising Requirement:

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

Catalog Cycle:20