Political Science
Courses
Lower-Division
10. Introduction to Political Science: American Politics (4) This
course surveys the processes and institutions of American politics. Among
the topics discussed are individual political attitudes and values, political
participation, voting, parties, interest groups, Congress, presidency,
Supreme Court, the federal bureaucracy, and domestic and foreign policy
making.
11. Introduction to Political Science: Comparative Politics (4) The
nature of political authority, the experience of a social revolution,
and the achievement of an economic transformation will be explored in
the context of politics and government in a number of different countries.
12. Introduction to Political Science: International Relations (4) The
issues of war/peace, nationalism/internationalism, and economic growth/redistribution
will be examined in both historical and theoretical perspectives.
13. Power and Justice (4) An exploration
of the relationship between power and justice in modern society. Materials
include classic and contemporary texts, films and literature.
27. Ethics and Society (4) An examination
of ethical principles (e.g., utilitarianism, individual rights, etc.)
and their social and political applications to contemporary issues such
as abortion, environmental protection, and affirmative action). Ethical
principles will also be applied to moral dilemmas familiar in government,
law, business, and the professions. Satisfies the Warren College ethics
and society requirement.
30. Political Inquiry (4) Introduction
to the logic of inference in social science and to quantitative analysis
in political science and public policy including research design, data
collection, data description and computer graphics, and the logic of statistical
inference (including linear regression).
40. Introduction to Law and Society (4) This
course is designed as a broad introduction to the study of law as a social
institution and its relations to other institutions in society. The focus
will be less on the substance of law (legal doctrine and judicial opinions)
than on the process of lawhow legal rules both reflect and shape
basic social values and their relation to social, political, and economic
conflicts within society.
87. Freshman Seminar (1) The Freshman
Seminar Program is designed to provide new students with the opportunity
to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar
setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments and undergraduate
colleges, and topics vary from quarter to quarter. Enrollment is limited
to 15 to 20 students, with preference given to entering freshmen. May
not be used to fulfill any major or minor requirements in political science.
90. Undergraduate Seminar (1) Selected
topics to introduce students to current issues and trends in political
science. May not be used to fulfill any major or minor requirements in
political science.
Upper-Division
Minimum requirement for all upper-division courses is at least one quarter
of lower-division political science, or upper-division standing.
American Politics
100A. The Presidency (4) The role of the
presidency in American politics. Topics will include nomination and election
politics, relations with Congress, party leadership, presidential control
of the bureaucracy, international political role, and presidential psychology.
100B. The U.S. Congress (4) This course
will examine the nomination and election of congressmen, constituent relationships,
the development of the institution, formal and informal structures, leadership,
comparisons of House with Senate, lobbying, and relationship with the
executive branch.
100C. American Political Parties (4) This
course examines the development of the two major parties from 1789 to
the present. Considers the nature of party coalitions, the role of leaders,
activists, organizers, and voters, and the performance of parties in government.
100DA. Voting, Campaigning, and Elections (4) A
consideration of the nature of public opinion and voting in American government.
Studies of voting behavior are examined from the viewpoints of both citizens
and candidates, and attention is devoted to recent efforts to develop
models of electoral behavior for the study of campaigns. The role of mass
media and money also will be examined.
100E. Interest Group Politics (4) The theory
and practice of interest group politics in the United States. Theories
of pluralism and collective action, the behavior and influence of lobbies,
the role of political action committees, and other important aspects of
group action in politics are examined. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
100F. American State and Local Politics (4) This
course explores the changing role of state and local governments in modern
American politics. We will discuss state and local political institutions,
processes, and politics, and examine several current policy areas including
tax reform, water and land use, education, health policy, and welfare
reform.
100H. Race and Ethnicity in American Politics (4) This
course examines the processes by which racial and ethnic groups have/have
not been incorporated into the American political system. The course focuses
on the political experiences of European immigrant groups, blacks, Latinos,
and Asians.
100J. Race in American Political Development (4) Readings
examine how the multiracial character of the United States has shaped
the broad outlines of American politics. Cases include the founding/the
Constitution, southern politics, social organization in formerly Mexican
regions, the New Deal, consequences of limited suffrage.
102C. American Political Development (4) Examines
selected issues and moments in the political history of the United States,
comparing competing explanations and analyses of U.S. politics. Likely
topics include the founding, American exceptionalism, change
in the party system, race in U.S. politics, the new institutionalism.
102E. Urban Politics (4) (Same as USP107)
This survey course focuses upon the following six topics: the evolution
of urban politics since the mid-nineteenth century; the urban fiscal crisis;
federal/urban relationships; the new ethnic politics; urban
power structure and leadership; and selected contemporary policy issues
such as downtown redevelopment, poverty, and race.
102F. Mass Media and Politics (4) This
course will explore both the role played by mass media in political institutions,
processes and behaviors, and reciprocally, the roles played by political
systems in guiding communication processes.
102G. Special Topics in American Politics (4) An
undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of American politics.
102J. Advanced Topics in Urban Politics (4) (Same
as USP 110) Building upon the introductory urban politics course, the
advanced topics course explores issues such as community power, minority
empowerment, and the politics of growth. A research paper is required.
Students wishing to fulfill the paper requirement with field research
should enroll in the subsequent PS 102JJ course (offered Summer Session
2). Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
102JJ. Field Research in Urban Politics (2) (Same
as USP 111) To be taken with the approval of the PS 102J instructor, this
course allows students to do original field research on topics in urban
politics. This course is offered in Summer Session 2 subsequent to a 102J
course. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May not be used to fulfill
any major or minor requirements in Political Science.
103A. California Government and Politics (4) (Same
as USP 109) This survey course explores six topics: 1) the states
political history; 2) campaigning, the mass media, and elections; 3) actors
and institutions in the making of state policy; 4) local government; 5)
contemporary policy issues; e.g., Proposition 13, school desegregation,
crime, housing and land use, transportation, water; 6) Californias
role in national politics.
103B. Politics and Policymaking in Los Angeles (4) (Same
as USP 113) This course examines politics and policymaking in the five-county
Los Angeles region. It explores the historical development of the city,
suburbs, and region; politics, power, and governance; and major policy
challenges facing the city and metropolitan area. Prerequisite: upper-division
standing.
104A. The Supreme Court and the Constitution (4) An
introduction to the study of the Supreme Court and constitutional doctrine.
Topics will include the nature of judicial review, federalism, race, and
equal protection. The relation of judicial and legislative power will
also be examined.
104B. Civil LibertiesFundamental Rights (4) This
course will examine issues of civil liberties from both legal and political
perspectives. Topics will include the First Amendment rights of speech,
press, assembly, and religion; other fundamental rights, such
as the right to privacy; and some issues in equal protection. Conflicts
between governmental powers and individual rights will be examined.
104C. Civil LibertiesThe Rights of Criminals and Minorities
(4) Examines the legal issues surrounding the
rights of marginal groups such as aliens, illegal immigrants,
and the mentally ill. Also includes a discussion of the nature of discrimination
in American society.
104F. Seminar in Constitutional Law (4) This
seminar will provide an intensive examination of a major issue in constitutional
law, with topics varying from year to year. Recent topics have included
equal protection law and the rights of civilians in wartime. Students
will be required to do legal research on a topic, write a legal brief,
and argue a case to the seminar. Prerequisites: PS 104A/B; department
stamp.
104I. Law and PoliticsCourts and Political Controversy (4) This
course will examine the role of the courts in dealing with issues of great
political controversy, with attention to the rights of speech and assembly
during wartime, questions of internal security, and the expression of
controversial views on race and religion. The conflict between opposing
Supreme Court doctrines on these issues will be explored in the context
of the case studies drawn from different historical periods.
104L. Positive Political Theory of Law (4) We
will discuss modern theories of the origins of law and legal behavior.
106A. Politics and Bureaucracy (4) This
course explores the problematic relationships between politics and bureaucracy.
The theoretical perspectives of Weber, the marxists, and pluralists will
be employed to understand the character of American bureaucratic development
in the twentieth century. Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
107A. Gay and Lesbian Politics (4) A consideration
of the historical interrelationship between religious, psychological,
and social constructs of homosexuality, the embodiment of these constructs
in the law, and their use in the political arena.
108. Politics of Multiculturalism (4) This
course will examine central issues in debates about race, ethnicity, and
multiculturalism in the United States. It will look at relations not only
between whites and minorities, but also at those among racial and ethnic
communities.
Political Theory
110A. Citizens and Saints: Political Thought from Plato to Augustine
(4) This course focuses on the development
of politics and political thought in ancient Greece, its evolution through
Rome and the rise of Christianity. Readings from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine,
Machiavelli, and others.
110B. Sovereigns, Subjects, and the Modern State: Political Thought
from Machiavelli to Rousseau (4) The course
deals with the period which marks the rise and triumph of the modern state.
Central topics include the gradual emergence of human rights and the belief
in individual autonomy. Readings from Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau,
and others.
110C. Revolution and Reaction: Political Thought from Kant to Nietzsche
(4) The course deals with the period which
marks the triumph and critique of the modern state. Central topics include
the development of the idea of class, of the irrational, of the unconscious,
and of rationalized authority as they affect politics. Readings drawn
from Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and others.
110DA. Freedom and Discipline: Political Thought in the Twentieth
Century (4) This course addresses certain problems
which are characteristic of the political experience of the twentieth
century. Topics considered are revolution, availability of tradition,
and the problems of the rationalization of social and political relations.
Readings from Nietzsche, Weber, Freud, Lenin, Gramsci, Dewey, Oakeshott,
Arendt, Merleau-Ponty.
110EA. American Political Thought from Revolution to Civil War (4) The
first quarter examines the origins and development of American political
thought from the revolutionary period to the end of the nineteenth century
with special emphasis on the formative role of eighteenth-century liberalism
and the tensions between progressive and conservative
wings of the liberal consensus.
110EB. American Political Thought from Civil War to Civil Rights (4) The
second quarter examines some of the major themes of American political
thought in the twentieth century including controversies over the meaning
of democracy, equality, and distributive justice, the nature of neoconservatism,
and Americas role as a world power.
110EC. American Political Thought: Contemporary Debates (4) This
course explores contemporary issues in American political thought. Topics
may include liberalism and rights, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity,
cultural diversity, and the boundaries of modern citizenship. Readings
include political pamphlets, philosophical treatises, court decisions,
and works of literature.
110H. Democracy and Its Critics (4) This
course will examine the historical development of the ideal of democracy
from Periclean Athens to the present in the light of criticism by such
thinkers as Plato, Tocqueville, and Mosca and difficulties encountered
in efforts to realize the ideal.
110J. Power in American Society (4) This
course examines how power has been conceived and contested during the
course of American history. The course explores the changes which have
occurred in political rhetoric and strategies as America has moved from
a relatively isolated agrarian and commercial republic to a military and
industrial empire.
110N. Theories of Nationalism (4) Nationalist
ideologies. Examination of the rhetoric of nationalist mobilization. Theories
about the relationship between nationalist movements and democracy, capitalism,
warfare, and the state.
110T. Modern Political Ideologies (4) An
examination of some of the ideas and values associated with major social
and political movements in Europe and the United States since the French
Revolution. Topics will vary and may include liberalism, populism, democarcy,
communism, nationalism, fascism, and feminism.
112A. Economic Theories of Political Behavior (4) An
introduction to theories of political behavior developed with the assumptions
and methods of economics. General emphasis will be upon theories linking
individual behavior to institutional patterns. Specific topics to be covered
will include collective action, leadership, voting, and bargaining.
114B. Marxist Political Thought (4) An
introduction to Marxist thought from its roots in the western tradition
through its development in non-western contexts. Emphasis is placed on
how adaptations were made in Marxism to accommodate the specific challenges
of each environment.
115A. Gender and Politics (4) Our understanding
of politics, power, conflict, and quality continue to be challenged and
transformed by considering gender as it intersects with nationality, race,
class, and ethnicity. We will consider the importance of gender in each
of the subfields of political science.
116A. Feminist Theory (4) Readings in historical
and contemporary feminist theory; development of gender as a category
of political analysis; alternative perspectives on core concepts and categories
in feminist thought.
116B. Advanced Feminist Theory (4) Advanced
critical analysis of contemporary feminist theory; emphasis on the interrelationships
among discourses of gender, race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality in the
work of different feminist theorists; alternative perspectives on feminist
political strategies and practices. Prerequisite: PS 115B or PS 116A.
117. Violence and Social Order (4) This
course explores the relationship between violence and the elements of
social order, including social hierarchies, group boundaries, power, and
authority. Topics include both classic and contemporary works in political
theory, as well as some fiction and journalism.
118A. The Political in Systematic Theology (4) An
historical analysis of systematic theology in the Judeo-Christian tradition
as political theory. Emphasis is placed on the politicization of the political
dimensions of the early church, its encounter with positivism, and the
emergence of Catholic social doctrine.
118B. The Political Theory of Liberation Theology (4) A
comparative study of liberation theologies, including Continental, Latin
American, South African, and East Asian. Prerequisite: PS 118A.
119A. Special Topics in Political Theory (4) An
undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of political theory.
Comparative Politics
120A. Political Development of Western Europe (4) An
examination of various paths of European political development through
consideration of the conflicts which shaped these political systems: the
commercialization of agriculture; religion and the role of the church;
the army and the state bureaucracy; and industrialization. Stress will
be on alternative paradigms and on theorists.
120B. The German Political System (4) An
analysis of the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany with
an emphasis on the party system, elections, executive-legislative relations,
and federalism. Comparisons will be made with other West European democracies
and the Weimar Republic.
120C. Politics in France (4) This course
will examine the consequences of social and economic change in France.
Specific topics will include institutional development under a semi-presidential
system, parties, and elections.
120D. Germany: Before, During, and After Division (4) Consideration
of political, economic, and security factors that have kept Germany at
the center of European developments for more than a century.
120H. European Integration (4) This course
reviews the origins and development of the European Community/European
Union and its institutions, theories of integration and the challenges
inherent in the creation of a supranational political regime.
120I. Politics in Italy (4) This course
will provide a comparative perspective on the development and functioning
of the Italian political system. It includes analysis of political institutions,
ideological traditions, parties and elections, political elites in the
policy process, and the evolving importance of Italy within European integration.
120K. Politics of Developing Countries (4) This
course critically examines central concepts and theories of development,
and assesses their utility in understanding political, economic, and social
change in three regions of the developing world: Latin American, sub-Saharan
Africa, and Southeast Asia.
121. Government and Politics of the Middle East (4) This
course examines general themes affecting the region (social structure
and regime type, religion and modernization, bonds and tensions), the
character of major states, and efforts to resolve the conflict between
Israel and its Arab and Islamic neighbors. Prerequisite: upper-division
standing.
121B. Politics in Israel 4) An interdisciplinary
study of Israel as both a unique and yet a common example of a modern
democratic nation-state. We will examine Israels history, its political,
economic, and legal systems, social structure and multicultural tensions,
the relation between state and religion, national security, and international
relations.
122B. The Political Trial: Comparative Perspectives on the Politics
of Justice (4) A study of the political drawing
on cases selected from the French and Russian Revolutions, the Nuremberg
and Tokyo War Crimes Trials, revolutionary China and Cuba, and the Vietnam
War era. The course will examine critically the relationship between politics
and the administration of justice across time, culture, and political
systems.
123A. Comparative Parliamentary Studies (4) This
course surveys the academic literature on parliamentary studies, comparing
the research on legislative elections, behavior, and organization in American,
European, and Asian democracies. The course will also compare various
approaches to studying legislative activity. Prerequisite: PS 11.
124B. The Politics of Comparative Judicial Development (4) Focusing
on judicial systems in civil and common law traditions, and in authoritarian
as well as democratic politics, this course explores the judicial branchs
traditional weakness, even in some democracies. The course considers alternative
theories of judicial development and applies them to evidence from judicial
systems in several countries.
125. The Politics of Conservation in Developing Countries (4) Conservation
in developing countries concerns resources that are extremely important
to policymakers, militaries, environmental organizations, communities,
and individuals. This course examines these groups struggle for
control over wildlife and forestsfrom the capital to the villageon
several continents.
125A. Communities and the Environment (4) A
popular new idea in environmental protection is to include local communities
in conservation efforts. But what are these communities? What challenges
do they face in governing their own resources? This course uses both theory
and case studies to explore the political economy of community-based conservations.
126AA. Fundamentals of Political Economy: Modern Capitalism (4) This
course explores how economic factors affect political institutions and
how political action affects economic behavior in the United States and
Western Europe. Particular attention is given to relations between business
and labor, economic policy choices, and the impact of international trade.
Prerequisite: PS 11 or consent of instructor.
126AB. Politics and Economics in Eastern Europe (4) This
course explores the interrelationship of politics and economics in Eastern
Europe, analyzing the historic evolution of the area, the socialist period,
and contemporary political and economic change there.
126AC. Issues in Political Economy (4) Seminar
deals in-depth with one or some of the issues touched on in PS 126AA and/or
126AB. Potential topics may include: labor and politics, privatization
and divestment, regulation and deregulation, the welfare state, politics
of public and private bureaucracy, and other such issues. Prerequisites:
PS 126AA and/or 126AB or consent of instructor.
130AA. The Soviet Successor States (4) An
overview of the historical background and contemporary politics of the
fifteen successor states of the Soviet Union.
130AC. Seminar: Post-Soviet Politics (4) Undergraduate
research seminar on the Post-Soviet Union. Issues and research areas will
vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
130AD. The Politics of the Russian Revolution (4) An
examination of the dynamics of the Russian Revolution from 1905 through
the Stalinist period and recent years in light of theories of revolutionary
change. Emphasis is placed on the significance of political thought, socio-economic
stratification, and culturo-historical conditions.
130B. Politics in the Peoples Republic of China (4) This
course analyzes the political system of China since 1949, including political
institutions, the policy-making process, and the relationship between
politics and economics. The main focus is on the post-Mao era of reform
beginning in 1978.
130H. Vietnam: The Politics of Intervention (4) This
course will examine the interventions of foreign powers in Vietnam between
1945 and 1975 (including France, the United States, China, and the Soviet
Union) and the effects of intervention.
131C. The Chinese Revolution (4) An analysis
of the dynamics of the Chinese Revolution from the fall of the Qing Dynasty
(16441911) to the present. Emphasis is placed on the relationship
between political thought and the dynamics of the revolutionary process.
132B. Politics and Revolution in China and Japan (4) An
intensive examination of the quests for modernity undertaken by Chinese
and Japanese leaders from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis
is placed upon the relationship among indigenous values, international
pressures, and issues concerning national identity.
132C. Political Development and Modern China (4) Political
development has dominated the study of comparative politics among U.S.
academicians since the revival of the Cold War in 1947. This course examines
critically this paradigm and its Western philosophical roots in the context
of the experience of modern China.
133D. Political Institutions of East Asian Countries (4) This
course discusses the following major topics in three East Asian countries
(Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan) from a comparative perspective: (a) economic
and political development (b) political institutions (c) public policies.
133E. Public Policy in Japan (4) This course
combines an examination of general models of the way in which public policy
is made in Japan, and a review of outcomes in several substantive policy
areas, such as education, public works, health and welfare, and pollution.
133F. Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia (4) This
course looks at one of the worlds most dynamic and complex regions.
The course has three parts: a review of the history and politics of the
region; a country-by-country study of several Southeast Asian states;
and a look at major challenges facing the region. Prerequisite: upper-division
standing.
134AA. Comparative Politics of Latin America (4) Comparative
analysis of contemporary political systems and developmental profiles
of selected Latin American countries, with special reference to the ways
in which revolutionary and counter-revolutionary movements have affected
the political, economic, and social structures observable in these countries
today. Analyzes the performance of revolutionary governments
in dealing with problems of domestical political management, reducing
external economic dependency, redistributing wealth, creating employment,
and extending social services. Introduction to general theoretical works
on Latin American politics and development. Prerequisite: PS 11 or
consent of instructor.
134B. Politics in Mexico (4) General survey
of the Mexican political system as it operates today. Emphasis on factors
promoting the breakdown of Mexicos authoritarian regime and the
transition to a more democratic political system. Changing relationship
between the state and various segments of Mexico society (economic elites,
peasants, urban labor, and the Church). New patterns of civil-military
relations.
134C. Politics in Mexico (4) Continuation
of PS 134B. Emphasis on government policies and performance affecting
economic development, job creation, population growth, social inequality,
poverty, rural-urban imbalances, and migration. Case studies of specific
government programs and regional variations in policy outcomes.
134D. Selected Topics in Latin American Politics (4) A
comparative analysis of contemporary political issues in Latin America.
Material to be drawn from two or three countries. Among the topics: development,
nationalism, political change.
134N. Politics in Central America (4) Focused
examination of political conflict in one or more countries of the region,
emphasizing issues, ideology, and process in grassroots political organization.
Limited coverage of international politics.
134R. Political Parties in Latin America (4) (Formerly
PS 146D) Compares and contrasts different types of political parties in
Latin America; conservative, liberal, populist, christian, democratic,
socialist, and communist. Investigates their origins, ideologies, programs,
leadership, followings, organizations, and successes or failures within
varying political systems in different countries. Cannot also receive
credit for PS 146D.
136A. Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict (4) Appropriate
case studies from around the world will be selected.
136B. Comparative Politics and Political Culture (4) This
course is designed to provide undergraduates with a sound introduction
to cultural interpretations of power and politics. The course will also
attempt to render an explicit account of the process of theory formation
in social science. Special attention will be given to Africa and Asia.
137A. Comparative Political Parties and Interest Groups (4) This
course serves as an introduction to the comparative study of political
parties and interest groups. The course has three parts: 1) an analytical
introduction to parties, interest groups, and their role in democratic
representation; 2) parties and interest groups in Great Britain; and 3)
parties and interest groups in Italy. Prerequisite: PS 11 or consent
of instructor.
138D. Special Topics in Comparative Politics (4) An
undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of comparative
politics.
139A. Politics of the Ancient World Order (4) An
introduction to the domestic and international political orders of the
ancient West. Primary focus will be on the strengths and limitations of
comparative and international relations theories when applied to the ancient
world of city-states, kingdoms, and empires.
International Relations
140A. International Law and Organizations (4) International
law and organizations are central to the efforts to create a world order
to limit armed conflict, regulate world economy, and advance programs
for economic redistribution among nations, and set minimum standards of
human rights. This course explains the theory of international law and
organizations that is accepted by diplomats and compares this viewpoint
to the analysis of social scientists concerning the past record and likely
future of world order concerning conflict, economic redistribution, and
human rights.
141. Seminar: Game Theory and International Relations (4) This
course covers the rudiments of game theory and its use in the study of
international relations to explore various substantive and theoretical
issues. Prerequisite: PS 12 or consent of instructor.
142A. United States Foreign Policy (4) United
States foreign policy from the colonial period to the present era. Systematic
analysis of competing explanations for U.S. policiesstrategic interests,
economic requirements, or the vicissitudes of domestic politics. Interaction
between the U.S., foreign states (particularly allies), and transnational
actors are examined. Prerequisite: PS 12 or consent of instructor.
142B. U.S. Foreign Economic Policy (4) Seeks
to explain U.S. foreign economic policies. Topics include: globalizationbenefits
and costs, winners and losers; interest group influence on trade policy;
domestic and international institutions; multinational corporations; exchange
rates; currency crises; environment and labor standards.
142I. National and International Security (4) A
survey of theories of defense policies and international security.
142J. National Security Strategy (4) A
survey of American strategies for national defense. Topics may include
deterrence, coercive diplomacy, limited war, and unconventional warfare.
142K. Politics and Warfare (4) This course
offers an exploration of general theories of the origins of warfare; the
impact of the state on war in the modern world; and the micro-foundations
of combat and compliance in the context of the costs of war and military
mobilization. The course should be of special interest to students in
international relations and comparative politics.
142L. Insurgency and Terrorism (4) Terrorism
uses illegitimate violence to achieve political goals. This
course uses philosophical, historical, and contemporary material from
distinct cultures to understand which actions are defined as terrorist,
who uses them, why, and when, as well as the determinants of their effectiveness.
142M. U.S. Foreign Policy/Regional Security (4) Lectures
and readings examine U.S. foreign policy in Europe, Latin America, and
East Asia with attention to current problems with specific nations (e.g.,
Bosnia) and issues (e.g., terrorism). This course integrates historical,
comparative, and foreign perspectives on regional security dynamics. Credit
will not be given to students who took PS 154 Special Topic/International
Relations with the subtitle U.S. Foreign Policy/Regional Security, in
spring 1998, spring 2001, or fall 2002.
144AA. Politics and the International Economic Order (4) This
course examines the interplay of politics and economics in international
relations and entails a review of the history of the international economic
order from the seventh century through the present. Stress is placed on
the evolution of the bargaining about money, trade, and investment.
144AB. Selected Topics in International Political Economy (4) This
course will consider major theories purporting to explain and predict
the workings of the international order from the point of view of political
economy. An extended discussion of one aspect of the economic order (e.g.,
the multinational corporation) will serve as the test case. PS 144AA and
one quarter of economics recommended. Prerequisite: PS 12.
144D. Political Dimensions of International Finance (4) (Conjoined
with PS 262, IP/Gen 402, and IP 202.) Examination of effects of national
policies and international collaboration of public and private international
financial institutions, in particular management of international debt
crisis, economic policy coordination, and the role of international lender
of last resort. Prerequisite: upper-division standing or permission
of instructor. Previous background in economics strongly recommended.
144E. The Politics of International Trade (4) Examines
theories of trade and protectionism, focusing both on relations among
advanced industrial nations and on relations between developed and developing
countries. Topics include standard and strategic trade theory, nontariff
barriers to trade, export-led growth strategies, regional trade agreements,
and the future of the WTO.
144F. The Politics of International Trade and Finance (4) Examines
the welfare and distributional aspects of international trade and finance
as they relate to the politics of economic policymaking. Topics include:
globalization in historical perspective; origins and consequences of trade
policy; exchange-rate arrangements; international capital flows; currency
crises; economic development.
145A. International Politics and Drugs (4) This
course examines the domestic and international aspects of the drug trade.
It will investigate the drug issues from the perspectives of consumers,
producers, traffickers, money launderers, and law enforcement. Course
material covers the experience of the United States, Latin America, Turkey,
Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Japan.
145B. Conflict and Cooperation in International Politics (4) Course
on how countries overcome problems of conflict and cooperation in their
dealings with one another. Focuses on theories of emergence of cooperation
among states and applies these to various issue-areas. Subjects examined
include international monetary relations, military alliances, economic
sanctions, human rights, arms control, international trade, and others.
Prerequisite: PS 12.
145C. International Relations After the Cold War: Theory and Prospect
(4) The nature of international politics appears
to have changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War in 1989. This
course applies different theoretical approaches to enhance our understanding
of the new international environment, the future prospects for peace and
war, and current problems of foreign policy.
146A. The U.S. and Latin America: Political and Economic Relations
(4) An analytical survey of U.S. relations
with Latin America from the 1820s to the present, with particular emphasis
on the post-Cold War environment. Topics include free trade and economic
integration; drugs and drug trafficking; illegal migration and immigration
control. Focus covers U.S. policy, Latin American reactions, dynamics
of cooperation, and options for the future.
146E. U.S.-Latin American Relations: Security Issues (4) This
course will examine the history of security relations in the western hemisphere.
They will be considered in global, regional, and rational contexts. International
institutions, economic relations, domestic politics, and military issues
will be examined for their contribution to explaining the evolution of
the inter-American security agenda from independence to the post-Cold
War. Prerequisite: PS 12.
146XL. 146E U.S.-Latin American Relations: Security Issues Foreign
Language Discussion Section (1) Students will
exercise advanced foreign language skills to discuss materials in the
PS 146E course. This section is taught by the course professor; has no
final exam, and does not affect grade in PS 146E. Prerequisite: must
be co-registered in PS 146E.
150A. Politics of Immigration (4) Comparative
analysis of attempts by the United States, western Europe, and Japan to
initiate, regulate and reduce immigration from Third World countries.
Social and economic factors shaping outcomes of immigration policies,
public opinion toward immigrants, anti-immigration movements, and immigration
policy reform options in industrializedcountries.
150B. Politics of Immigration (4) Continuation
of PS 150A. Impacts of U.S. immigration laws and policies on experiences
of specific immigrant groups (Mexicans, Central Americans, Chinese, Japanese,
Southeast Asians, Europeans). Immigrants as political actors in United
States, Europe, and Japan. Interactions between local and national immigration
policies.
152. Foreign Policy Analysis (4) This upper-division
course focuses on the comparative study of foreign policies in contemporary
and historical world affairs. Competing theoretical approaches drawn from
international, domestic, and individual levels of analyses will be examined.
War, security, alliances, and international crises will be used to evaluate
the utility of competing approaches. Prerequisite: PS 12.
154. Special Topics in International Relations (4) An
undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of international
relations.
Policy Analysis
160AA. Introduction to Policy Analysis (4) (Same
as USP 101) This course will explore the process by which the preferences
of individuals are converted into public policy. Also included will be
an examination of the complexity of policy problems, methods for designing
better policies, and a review of tools used by analysts and policy makers.
Prerequisite: PS 10 or 11.
160AB. Introduction to Policy Analysis (4) In
this course, students will use their knowledge of the political and economic
foundations of public policy making to conduct research in a wide variety
of public policy problems. Prerequisite: PS 160AA.
161. Understanding Direct Legislation (4) The
purpose of the course is to examine how the referendum, initiative, and
recall (direct legislation) are used to determine policy. The class will
survey the historical and contemporary direct legislation literature in
order to understand the popular and academic debate concerning direct
legislations use.
162. Environmental Policy (4) This course
will explore contemporary environmental issues such as global warming,
endangered species, and land use. Students will be asked to analyze various
policy options and to write case analyses. Policies may be debated in
class.
165. Special Topic: Policy Analysis (4) An
undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of policy analysis.
166F. The American Welfare State (4) (Same
as USP 112) This course examines the building of the welfare state in
the twentieth century. Topics include the legacy of progressivism, the
New Deal and Great Society; Reaganite retrenchment; social programs, party
and electoral dynamics; and the welfare states impact on groups
and the class structure.
167A. Seminar: Public Policy Analysis (4) Students
are asked to analyze various policy options related to contemporary American
policy issues. Students are also required to do directed research on policy
issues, to write case analyses based on their findings, and to debate
policy alternatives in class. Prerequisite: PS 10 or 11.
168. Policy Assessment (4) The use of real
data to assess policy alternatives. Introduction to benefit/cost analysis,
decision theory, and the valuation of public goods. Applications to health,
environmental, and regulatory economic policy making.
Research Methods
170A. Introductory Statistics for Political Science and Public Policy
(4) Introduction to the use of statistics in
both political science and public policy, concentrating on regression
based approaches. Students undertake a series of small quantitative analyses
and one project. Prerequisites: PS 60, Soc. Sci. 60, PS 30, Psych.
60 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
181A. Field Research Methods for Migration Studies: Seminar (4) Introductory
survey of methods used by social scientists to gather primary research
data on international migrant and refugee populations, including sample
surveys, unstructured interviewing, ethnographic observation, and archival
research. Basic fieldwork practices and problem-solving techniques will
also be covered. Students planning to take the continuation of this course,
Political Science 181B, should note that conversational fluency Spanish
is a requirement for Political Science 181B. Prerequisites: upper-division
status, permission of instructor.
181B. Field Research Methods for Migration Studies: Practicum (12) Continuation
of Political Science 181A. Students will apply one or more data collection
methods learned in Political Science 181A to collect data from a sample
of international migrants, refugees, or returned migrants in a high-migration
community. Students participate in team field research, write a detailed
individual report on the fieldwork experience and submit a detailed outline
of a research paper to be based on data from the fieldwork, required of
students who take the continuation of this course, Political Science 181C.
Prior to fieldwork, students will read intensively about the research
site and write a literature review essay. Prerequisites: upper-division
status, Political Seicnec 181A, conversational fluency in Spanish, permission
of instructor.
181C. Field Research Methods for Migration Studies: Data Analysis
(4) Continuation of Political Science 181B.
Students will analyze primary data that they have helped to collect in
a field research site and write a major paper based on these data for
publication as a section of a co-authored report on the field research
project. Methods for organizing and processing field research data for
analysis, techniques of quantitative data analysis, and report preparation
conventions will be covered. Prerequisites: upper-division status,
Political Science 181B, permission of instructor.
Special Studies
191A-B. Senior Honors Seminar: Frontiers of Political Science (4-4) This
course is open only to seniors interested in qualifying for departmental
honors. Admission to the course will be determined by the department.
Each student will write an honors essay under the supervision of a member
of the faculty. Prerequisites: department stamp; senior standing; PS
major with 3.5 GPA or consent of instructor; significant writing project
and recommendation by political science faculty member.
194. Research Seminar in Washington, D.C. (4) (Same
as Com/Gen 194; USP 194, HIST 193, SocE 194, ERTH 194, COGS 194) Course
attached to six-unit internship taken by students participating in the
UCDC program. Involves weekly seminar meetings with faculty and teaching
assistant and a substantial research paper. Prerequisites: participating
in UCDC program.
197I. Political Science Washington Internship (6) This
internship is attached to the UC in DC Program. Students participating
in the UC in DC Program are placed in an internship in the Washington,
DC, area for twenty-four hours per week. Prerequisites: must be enrolled
in the UC in DC Program.
199. Independent Study for Undergraduates (2 or 4) Independent
reading in advanced political science by individual students. (P/NP grades
only.) Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Graduate
All graduate courses are categorized as either seminars or independent
study.
Seminars
200. Political Science: Scope and Methods (4) This
course examines a variety of approaches to the study of politics, focusing
on their intellectual history, canonical works that illustrate their major
themes, and methodological critiques and defenses. The course seeks to
clarify how interesting and important questions are discovered and how
appropriate research is designed and executed.
201. Politics, Political Science, and Political Theory (4) An
analysis of the intersections of political theory, political science,
and politics. Readings will vary from year to year. Themes include liberalism
and democracy, rights and interests, voting and representation, citizenship
and equality. This course is required of all graduate students in political
science. No prior work in political theory is presupposed. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
203. Math for Political Science (4) Mathematical
skills necessary for doing graduate work in political science. Topics
include optimization, linear algebra, probability, set theory, and formal
logic.
210A. Systems of Political Thought (I): Thucydides to Hobbes (4) This
course will review major texts and selected commentaries in the history
of political thought as preparation for the field examination. Readings
will include Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Machiavelli, and
Hobbes. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
210B. Systems of Political Thought (II): Locke to Nietzsche (4) This
course will review major texts and selected commentaries in the history
of political thought as preparation for the field examination. Readings
will include Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Marx, Mill, and Nietzsche. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
211A. American Political Thought (4) This
course explores American debates over political ideals, institutions,
and identity from the Puritans to the present. Themes will include freedom
and slavery, sovereignty and representation, individual and community,
diversity and equality. Readings will vary from year to year. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
212A. The Political Uses of Antiquity (4) This
course explores debates in the history of political thought about classical
antiquity and its relationship to the modern world. The meaning, motivation,
and significance of gestures toward antiquity as a model for judging contemporary
politics and culture will be discussed. Prerequisite: graduate standing
or consent of instructor.
215. The Self and the Political Order (4) The
course deals with the interrelationship of understandings of the political
order and understandings of the self. The course will focus on the two
great theorists of modernity, Rousseau and Nietzsche. Extensive readings
from primary and secondary sources. Prerequisite: graduate standing
or consent of instructor.
218A. The Political in Systematic Theology (4) An
historical analysis of systematic theology in the Judeo-Christian tradition
as political theory. Emphasis is placed on the politicization of the political
dimensions of the early Church, its encounter with positivism, and the
emergence of Catholic social doctrine. Prerequisite: upper-division
standing or consent of instructor. Two courses in philosophy, or political
or social theory are recommended, or graduate standing.
218B. The Political Theory of Liberation Theology (4) A
comparative study of liberation theologies, including Continental, Latin
American, South African, and East Asian. Prerequisite: graduate standing
or consent of instructor .
219. Special Topics in Political Theory (4) This
seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of
political theory. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course
is offered. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
220. Comparative Politics: State and Society (4) This
course will provide a general literature review in comparative politics
to serve as preparation for the field examination. Prerequisite: graduate
standing in any discipline in the social sciences or humanities, or consent
of instructor.
221. Comparative Politics: Institutions (4) This
is a second course in comparative politics designed as a preparation for
the field examination. It will focus on the comparative study of political
institutions. Prerequisite: graduate standing in any discipline in
the social sciences or humanities, or consent of instructor.
222. Measuring Democracy (4) Research seminar
that focuses on the problems of measurement, operationalization, and validity
in the comparative study of types, causes, and consequences of democracy.
222A. American Politics in Comparative Perspective (4) Research
seminar that focuses on the systematic comparison of the American political
system with about thirty other contemporary democracies, particularly
the other large industrialized countries. A central aim will be to assess
the claims about American exceptionalism. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
223A. Comparative Parliamentary Studies (4) This
course surveys the academic literature on parliamentary studies comparing
the research on legislative elections. Behavior and organization in American,
European, and Asian democracies. The course will also compare various
approaches to studying legislative activity. Prerequisite: graduate
standing.
225. The Politics of Divided Societies (4) Research
seminar that surveys the theoretical literature on divided societies in
Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, particularly conflict
and peacemaking in multiethnic countries. Cases to be studied in depth
will be selected in accordance with students area and country interests.
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
226. Authoritarian Politics (4) Research
seminar that surveys the theoretical literature on non-democratic political
systems. Readings draw from cases in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
229. Special Topics in Comparative Politics (4) This
seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of
comparative politics. Issues and research areas will vary each time the
course is offered. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
230A. The Mexican Political System (4) An
interdisciplinary graduate seminar covering selected aspects of Mexican
politics, economic development, and social change. Attention to both domestic
and international factors affecting Mexicos transition to a more
democratic system. Materials to be drawn from literatures in anthropology,
economics, history (twentieth century), political science, sociology,
urban studies, and communication. Topics vary from year to year partly
reflecting research interests of participating students. Students are
expected to write substantial research papers or thesis proposals. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
231A. Political and Economic Development in Eastern Europe: Historical
Perspective (4) This course deals with issues
in economic and political development in Eastern Europe prior to World
War II. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
231B. Socialism in Eastern Europe (4) This
course focuses on the economics and politics of the socialist regimes
in Eastern Europe. It will deal both with Marxist theory as well as its
practical ramifications as institutionalized in the economies and political
orders in Eastern Europe. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent
of instructor.
231C. The Post-Socialist Evolution of Eastern Europe (4) This
course focuses on the contemporary political and economic order that is
emerging in various states of Eastern Europe. Prerequisite: graduate
standing or consent of instructor.
231D. Politics of the Soviet Successor States (4) A
colloquium surveying major controversies in the analyses of Soviet and
post-Soviet politics. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of
instructor. Cannot also receive credit for PS 231.
231E. Politics of Development (4) This
course provides an overview of previous and current efforts to explain
political and economic development in non-western settings. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
232B. Politics and Revolution in China and Japan (4) An
intensive examination of the quests for modernity undertaken by Chinese
and Japanese leaders from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis
is placed upon the relationship among indigenous values, international
pressures, and issues concerning national identity. Prerequisite: graduate
standing or consent of instructor.
232C. Political Development and Modern China (4) Political
development has dominated the study of comparative politics among U.S.
academicians since the revival of the Cold War in 1947. This course examines
critically this paradigm and its Western philosophical roots in the context
of the experience of modern China. Prerequisite: graduate standing
or consent of instructor.
236. Immigration Policy and Politics (4) An
interdisciplinary seminar covering origins, consequences, and characteristics
of worker migration from Third World countries (especially Mexico, Central
America, and the Caribbean basin) to the United States, from the nineteenth
century to the present.
240. International Relations Theory (4) A
survey of the principal theories and approaches to the study of international
relations. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
243. International Security (4) A colloquium
surveying the major theoretical controversies in the study of international
and national security. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of
instructor.
244A. European Integration (4) This seminar
provides perspectives on the theories and politics of European integration.
Analysis will focus on the development of the European Union, the functioning
of core institutions, and the challenges of creating a supranational political
regime.
245. International Political Economy (4) A
seminar surveying the major theoretical controversies in the study of
international political economy. Prerequisite: graduate standing or
consent of instructor.
246. Formal Theory in International Relations (4) This
course covers the rudiments of game theory and its use in the study of
international relations to explore various substantive and theoretical
issues. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
247. Formal and Quantitative Approaches to International Relations
(4) This seminar explores formal models and
empirical research in international relations with special emphasis on
international conflict. Topics covered include theories on the causes
of war, the distribution of power and conflict, formal and informal alignment,
interdependence and conflict, linkages between domestic and international
processes, and issues of research design. Prerequisite: graduate standing
or consent of instructor.
248. Special Topics in International Relations (4) (Same
as IRGN 290) This seminar is an examination of the different approaches
to the study of international relations. Issues and research areas will
vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisite: graduate standing
or consent of instructor.
250. American Politics (4) This course
will provide a general literature review in American politics to serve
as preparation for the field examination. Prerequisite: graduate standing
in any discipline in the social sciences or humanities, or consent of
the instructor.
251. American Political Institutions (4) A
critical examination of major contributions to the theoretical and empirical
literature on the U.S. Congress, presidency, and federal bureaucracy.
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
252. American Politics: Behavior Theoretical
and empirical perspectives on voting and other forms of political participation,
parties, interest groups, and public opinion in the United States. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
254. American Political Development (4) This
course examines the historical evolution of the American state with particular
attention to theories of political development. Special topics include
the development of the party system, electoral and policy realignments,
and the evolution of national political institutions. Prerequisite:
graduate standing in any discipline of the social sciences or humanities
or consent of instructor.
255. Urban Politics (4) Examines central
works on the development of political institutions in U.S. cities; analyses
of community power structures; who governs, why, and to what ends; processes
and prospects for minority empowerment; the prominence of growth
machines; the political economy of contemporary cities. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
256. Jurisprudence and Public Law (4) An
introduction to the field, including discussion of major jurisprudential
theories (Dworkin, Ely, etc.) and constitutional controversies (e.g.,
abortion, the First Amendment). Prerequisite: graduate standing.
257. Voting and Elections (4) This course
is designed to acquaint graduate students with the central themes and
issues in the study of voting in national elections. Prerequisite:
graduate standing or consent of instructor.
258. Advanced Topics in Jurisprudence and Public Law (4) This
seminar will explore a single broad topic in depth, using both case material
and discussions of the topic in empirical and theoretical literature.
Examples of topics include race and the law; and sexuality, gender, and
the law. Intended for graduate students preparing general exams in jurisprudence
and public law, American politics, and political theory.
259. Special Topics in American Politics (4) This
seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of
American politics. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course
is offered. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
271A-B. Advanced Statistical Applications (4-4) Use
of advanced quantitative techniques in political science. Students will
use political science data to complete small exercises and a major project.
Prerequisites: PS 270A for 271A, 271A for 271B.
273A. Basic Game Theory (4) The first of
a two part sequence, this course introduces students to the rudiments
of decision theory and game theory. Emphasis will be placed on modeling
and solving games. Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
273B. Game Theory and Political Applications (4) This
course builds on the concepts and methods in 273A, exploring the use of
formal models in political science. Prerequisite: PS 273A or consent
of instructor.
282A-B-C. Workshop on State and Society (4-4-4) Examination
of recent research in American politics, comparative politics, and political
theory concerning the relationship of politics to society; development
and presentation of research projects by graduate students; presentations
of research projects by faculty. Second-year students present seminar
paper; third-year students present dissertation prospectus; candidates
make yearly presentations of dissertation research. Prerequisite: PS
202 or consent of instructor.
283A-B-C. Workshop in International Relations (4-4-4) Examination
of recent research in international politics; development and presentation
of research projects by graduate students; presentations of research projects
by faculty. Second year students present seminar paper; third year students
present dissertation prospectus; candidates make yearly presentation of
dissertation research. Prerequisite: PS 202 or permission of instructor.
284. Workshop on Scientific Communication (4) Forms
of scientific communication, practical exercise in scientific writing
and short oral communication, and in criticism and editing; preparation
of illustrations, preparation of proposals; scientific societies, and
the history of scientific communication. Examples from any field of science,
most commonly political science, economics, and law. Prerequisite:
PS 202 or consent of instructor.
286A-B-C Workshop in Political Analysis (4-4-4) Students
will read and critique new research articles in political analysis. Students
will present these critiques to the workshop. Students will also present
their own methodological analyses to the workshop. Prerequisite: graduate
standing or consent of instructor.
Independent Study
291A. Research Tutorial in American Politics (4) Tutorial
in a selected area of American politics leading to a research paper. The
content of each tutorial will be determined by the professor. Prerequisite:
graduate standing in political science.
291B. Research Tutorial in Comparative Politics (4) Tutorial
in a selected area of comparative politics leading to a research paper.
The content of each tutorial will be determined by the professor. Prerequisite:
graduate standing in political science.
291C. Research Tutorial in International Relations (4) Tutorial
in a selected area of international relations leading to a research paper.
The content of each tutorial will be determined by the professor. Prerequisite:
graduate standing in political science.
291D. Research Tutorial in Political Theory (4) Tutorial
in a selected area of political theory leading to a research paper. The
content of each tutorial will be determined by the professor. Prerequisite:
graduate standing in political science.
298. Directed Reading (1-12) Guided and
supervised reading in the literature of the several fields of political
science.
299. Dissertation Research (1-12) Independent
work by graduate students engaged in research and writing of second-year
paper and doctoral dissertation, under direct supervision of adviser.
500. Apprentice Teaching (1-4) A course
in which teaching assistants are aided in learning proper teaching methods
by means of supervision of their work by the faculty: handling of discussions,
preparation, and grading of examinations and other written exercises,
and student relations. Twenty-four units of teaching apprenticeship meets
the department teaching requirement for the Ph.D. degree.
501. Seminar on Teaching DevelopmentAmerican Politics (1-4) A
seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants
in American politics, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques,
and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations,
under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisite:
graduate standing.
502. Seminar on Teaching DevelopmentComparative Politics (1-4) A
seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants
in comparative politics, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques,
and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations,
under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisite:
graduate standing.
503. Seminar on Teaching DevelopmentInternational Relations
(1-4) A seminar designed for graduate students
serving as teaching assistants in international relations, includes discussion
of teaching theories, techniques, and materials, conduct of discussion
sessions, and participation in examinations, under the supervision of
the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
504. Seminar on Teaching DevelopmentPolitical Theory (1-4) A
seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants
in political theory, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques,
and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations,
under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisite:
graduate standing.
Political Science Courses
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