Department of Social Sciences

Political Science

• POLS 1. American Government (3)
  Lec-3
  An introduction to the institutions, operations, policies, and problems of American government today. Examination of such issues as U.S. Constitutional development; the impact of the President, the Congress, the bureaucracy, and the courts on daily life; civil rights and liberties; the press and the mass media; political parties, lobbies, and citizen action groups; voting and elections; the domestic and foreign policies of the federal government; the problems of state and local government; public administration of and the theories, values, and behavior underlying the American political system. CSU/UC/CAN GOVT 2

• POLS 2. Comparative Government (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A comparative study of the constitutional principles, governmental institutions, and political problems of selected governments abroad. CSU/UC

• POLS 3. Political Theory (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  Various theoretical approaches to politics and basic political problems and proposed solutions to them. An introduction to ways of thinking about politics and to the language and concepts of political theory. CSU/UC

• POLS 5. International Relations (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  An introductory survey of world politics involving a historical and theoretical analysis of the relations among states and international organizations. Contemporary problem-areas and issues in an international arena of conflict and order, such as: American foreign policy; diplomacy and international bargaining; global problems of war and nuclear armament; international finance and the world economy; economic development and the world's resources; terrorism and human rights; and, on a voluntary basis, student participation in the Model United Nations. CSU/UC

• POLS 6. Problems of Political Association (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  An introduction to modern Western Civilization, from a political perspective, providing an overview of politics from the origins of the nation state to super-power confrontation, with a focus on the triangular relationship of Europe, the U.S., and the U.S.S.R. The nature of government, law, ideology, revolution, and political and economic integration are discussed. CSU/UC

• POLS 7. American Politics and the African American Community (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  American political institutions and their relationship to African Americans. The unique manner in which Black people have had to function both within and outside of the political system. The future of African American politics. CSU/UC

• POLS 8. Political Problems of Latin Americans (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  The relationship between Latin American citizens and American political institutions. Emphasis on the political problems of Latin Americans, proposed solutions to these problems, and practical political techniques for achieving such solutions. CSU/UC

• POLS 9. Campaigns and Elections (3)
  Lec-3
  Offered spring and fall semesters of general election years
  Survey of the theory and practice of American political campaigns and elections. Emphasis on candidates, their issue positions, strategies and experience; ballot propositions, pro's and con's, role and effect of the media, money, polls, and the changing impact of political parties and interest groups. CSU/UC

• POLS 10. United States Foreign Policy (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  An introductory course emphasizing the study of current problems and issues in United States foreign policy. Major units of study include the making and carrying out of foreign policy, historical changes in American foreign relations, recent events influencing America's role as a world power, and future challenges to the United States in international affairs. CSU/UC

• POLS 12. Ethnic Politics in the United States (3)
  Lec-3
  This course surveys the contemporary history and role of race and ethnicity in the American political system. Theories of race, migration, and ethnic political patterns are discussed in an integrative, comparative, and multidisciplinary approach. The interplay of ethnic and racial factors in the political process is systematically examined and analyzed in the context of at least three of the following groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicano/Latino, Native Americans, and European Americans. Salient policy issues affecting all groups, such as civil rights, crime, immigration, and employment, are also examined.  Meets American Cultures requirement at UC, Berkeley.  CSU/UC

• POLS 18. Government and Politics of Latin America (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  The constitutional systems, political processes, and social problems of Latin-American nations. CSU/UC

• POLS 20. The Politics and Policies of Cities (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  An analysis of the problems, politics, and policies of American city governments, with special emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area. CSU

• POLS 22. Environmental Politics and Policy (3)
  Lec-3, field trips                                  CR/NC avail.
  This course examines the politics of environmental issues, including but not limited to, pollution, water quality, air quality, global climate, natural resources, endangered species, environmental justice, and development. The course focuses on the political, economic and social origins of environmental change and degradation and the policy and political activities of environmental movements, government agencies, interest groups, and political parties. the course examines the environmental politics of the United States, other nations comparatively and the global community as a whole, and also examines the theoretical underpinnings of ecological destruction and protection (ecopolitical thought). CSU/UC

• POLS 25. Political Action (3)
  Lec-3, field trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A practical guide to citizen political participation. Emphasis on institutional possibilities of change as well as the development of political strategies. Practical political experience encouraged. CSU

• POLS 35. Government and Politics of East Asia (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A survey of political developments and changes in East Asia, with emphasis on the governments and politics of China and Japan. The role of other world powers in this region, including the Soviet Union and the United States. CSU/UC

• POLS 41. Independent Studies in Political Science (1)
  Lec-1
  Repeat: if no topic repeat, max. 2 units
  An individualized reading or research program. CSU (UC upon review)

• POLS 42A-42B-42C-42D. Discussions in Political Science (1-1-1-1)
  Lec-1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  Lectures on varied subjects given by political scientists and practicing politicians (national, state and local). Seminar-type discussions and occasional field trips. CSU (UC upon review)

• POLS 43. The Constitution and Individual Rights (3)
  Lec-3, field trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A citizen's civil and criminal rights under the Constitution. Analysis of leading cases and legal principles which protect individual freedom. CSU/UC

• POLS 45. Government and Politics of Middle East (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A survey of political developments and changes in the Middle East, with emphasis on the Arab states and Israel. CSU/UC

• POLS 46. American Political Systems (3)
  Lec-3, field trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  Not designed to satisfy the American history and institutions requirement for the University of California nor for the California State Universities and Colleges.
  No credit for POLS 46 taken after completion of POLS 1
  A survey of the relevant aspects of events and policies that have brought about change at all levels of government on the American scene--local, state, and national. Emphasis on basic political problems and on an analysis and evaluation of the solutions offered historically, with consideration of relationships between California and the United States, as well as consideration of local government in the San Francisco Bay Area. CSU/UC

• POLS 47. Government and Politics of Southeast Asia (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A survey of political developments and changes in Southeast Asian states (the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore) and such other states as Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma. Internal politics and international relations. CSU/UC

• POLS 48. Government and Politics of Africa (3)
  Lec-3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  A survey of political development and change in contemporary Africa, with emphasis on Africa south of the Sahara. Major factors shaping African politics and institutions; ideology, nationalism, colonialism, political groups, and nation-building. CSU/UC

• POLS 51-52-53. Selected Topics in Political Science(1-2-3)
  Lec-1,2,3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. CR/NC avail.
  Repeat: if no subject repeat Selected topics in political science will be explored through lectures, discussions, film, video, and/or television leading to a critical analysis and understanding of the topic under discussion. CSU
• POLS 53A. “Tales of the City”: San Francisco Government and Politics
   

Department of Political Science Home Page