Courses

This course is designed to introduce Political Science majors to the academic field of Political Science and the Political Science Program. The course provides an overview of each subfield in Political Science and the curriculum options for studying that subfield. The course encourages students to examine their own philosophical presuppositions as they learn to think about the study of politics from a Christian perspective. There is also substantial opportunity for building connections with faculty and fellow majors. (1 unit; Fall)

The course provides an introductory overview of the American political system. It begins with a discussion of the principles of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights and an examination of their impact on the country. It also covers the avenues and means of democratic citizenship and political influence in American politics. The course further examines the major political institutions in the United States: Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, and Courts. In order to assess the impact of government on society, the course concludes with an exploration of public policy. (Meets state requirement in United States Constitution and California Government.) (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course studies the place and responsibilities of state and local governments in the United States and how they relate with other units of government. This includes an assessment of the citizenship and participation in state and local politics, both at the individual and collective level; and then an examination of state political institutions, such as governors, state legislatures, state courts, and administration. The course also covers city and county governments, and other local units of government. Although it is comparative, special attention is given to California politics. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course begins with an examination of the relevant international relations paradigms and evaluates several foreign policy decision-making models. The course considers important actors within the international system, such as intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations and concludes with an examination of contemporary international relations issues, such as interstate war, economic development, human rights, and trade. (3 units; Spring)

The course begins with an overview of factors (constitutions, political systems, and political ideology) political scientists use to understand and explain variations in policy outcomes at the national level. The course also examines actors (political parties, interest groups, social movements, and public opinion), processes (elections), and political institutions from a comparative perspective. The course concludes with an overview of the public policy process and examination of specific policy areas. (3 units; Fall & Online)

This goal of the course is the development of a Christian perspective toward politics. The course begins with an examination of the important role that Christianity played in the founding of the United States. The course carefully considers a number of political worldviews and ideologies from a Christian perspective. The course analyzes the impact of Christianity on political culture and behavior in the United States. Lastly, the course introduces students to the duties and obligations of American Christians in the arena of democratic politics. Prerequisites: Political Science major and Junior/Senior status. (3 units; Spring)

This course examines the research methods used in Political Science. Topics addressed in the course include the philosophical and theoretical foundations of social science research; ethical issues related to research; research design; descriptive and inferential statistic analysis; survey, qualitative field, unobtrusive, and evaluation research; and qualitative and quantitative data analysis with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Students will obtain the statistical knowledge necessary to read and critique scholarly articles and books. In addition, the course will prepare students to use statistical methods in their own research in graduate school or in their professional careers. (3 units; Fall & Online)

A senior capstone course designed to demonstrate the competence of Political Science majors in the discipline and showcase their research and writing skills. The portfolio produced by the student in completion of this project must conform to the departmental guidelines for Senior Projects. Prerequisites: POL 450 and Senior status. (3 units; Spring)

This class examines policy-making theory and practice in the United States. Theoretical models studied include rational, incremental, and institutional, group, elite, public choice, and game theory. Policy areas covered include civil rights, criminal justice, health, and welfare, education, environmental protection, economic policy, and national defense. (3 units; Spring, even years, & Online)

The study of the nature, development, organization, function, and methods of political parties. Also designed to furnish an understanding of the pluralist nature of the American system through the dynamics of group action and their methods and impact. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

The study of the place, responsibilities, and functions of Congress and the presidency in American politics is covered. This includes congressional organization and behavior, congressional elections, party leadership, congressional rules and procedures, and the committee system, with its effect on policy. The presidency roles, powers, and functions are also examined. The president’s relationship with both the media and public, other branches, presidential character and leadership are included. Both branches are examined in light of checks and balances. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course explores the relationship between the economy and politics and provides both a description and assessment of the economy. This entails an overview of economic theory, macroeconomics, savings, investments, microeconomics and markets, inflation, monetary policy, international economics and globalization, and the role of the private sector and government. (3 units; Fall, odd years, & Online)

The course analyzes the dominant role political parties played in the American political system in the past. The course explores the decline of American political parties in recent decades. The course considers the increasing importance of campaign consultants and interest groups. The course examines the consequences of the shift in the roles played by political parties, campaign consultants, and interest groups on the American political system. Since the nature of political campaigns strongly impacts the political agenda of successful candidates once they take office, the course devotes considerable attention to the role of campaign issues in mobilizing key groups of voters as well as the use of campaign strategies and tactics aimed at achieving electoral success. (3 units; Fall, even years)

The course facilitates an understanding of the Constitution and its relationship to the three branches of government and their functions and a greater appreciation of the role of the court in affecting their balances. Included aspects of study are the court system, judicial review, presidential power, Congress and commerce, Federalism, contracts, due process, and civil liberties. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course studies the most important decisions of the Supreme Court on individual rights and the conflicts from which they have arisen, which means examining the trinity of individual values and rights in American civil liberties—freedom, due process, and equality. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course begins with an in-depth examination of the dominant and alternative theories found within the international relations literature. Having established a solid theoretical foundation, the course will consider important disagreements between the dominant theories (e.g., the structure of the international system) and the corresponding predicted outcomes (e.g., conflict or cooperation within the international system). The course concludes with an examination of several contemporary international relations issues, such as globalization and terrorism. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course studies the world's geographic areas and the outstanding human, social, and physical features of realms and regions. In doing so, special attention is given to the more important features of histories, societies, cultures, and religions of the people living in the region. It also examines the relationship between human life and natural environment. The purpose is to help students better understand the world, our relationship with the environment, and human connections around the globe. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

The course provides a critical assessment of political economy with a special emphasis on the increasing pace of globalization. The course begins with an overview of economics, which is the study of how human beings cope with the problem of provisioning themselves. After discussing the relevant economic principles, the course examines the causes and consequences of economic globalization. (3 units; Fall, even years)

The course examines many theoretical explanations for international conflict, such as religious differences, groupthink, territorial demands, domestic politics, misperception, shifts in the balance of power, and ideological differences. Following an extensive discussion of these theories, the course analyzes relevant case studies to determine the validity and relevance of the theoretical explanations. The course concludes with an examination of the diplomatic and political options available to states and intergovernmental organizations seeking to reduce the intensity and frequency of wars in the 21st century. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course is a history of the diplomatic relations of the United States and the development of the leading principles of foreign policy set within the context of an analysis of various geo-political models. (3 units; Spring, odd years, & Online)

This course will examine the development of modern international law. The course will consider the foundations of customary and conventional international laws, as well as treaties that bear upon the conduct of members of the international community. (3 units; Fall, odd years, & Online)

The course begins with an examination of the relevant empirical and theoretical studies on International Organizations (IOs), with an emphasis on Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) in the global arena. Having established solid empirical and theoretical foundations, he course will explore the impact of international organization son several issue areas. The second principal portion of the course will utilize the same approach in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course examines the origin, political goals, means, and long-term strategy of terrorism. The course distinguishes between terrorist organizations with and without state support. The course also differentiates between domestic and regional/international terrorism. The course utilizes case studies of several terrorist organizations, such as Al Qaeda, to illustrate the emergence of terrorism as a significant threat. The course concludes with an examination of the military and political options available to governments interested in reducing or eliminating the threat posed by terrorism. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

This course explores the relationship between the economy and politics and provides both a description and assessment of the economy. This entails an overview of economic theory, macroeconomics, savings, investments, microeconomics and markets, inflation, monetary policy, international economics and globalization, and the role of the private sector and government. (3 units; Fall, odd years, & Online)

This course examines the origin of Western political, social, and legal thought in order to understand the present through the great political works of the past. It begins in ancient Greece in early democratic Athens and moves through Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. From there, the course explores classical Rome, focusing on Polybius and Cicero. Since the advent of Christianity shapes the development of medieval political thought, the political thought of St. Augustine, John of Salisbury, St. Thomas Aquinas, Marsilio of Padua, Dante, and Thomas More are discussed. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course entails a comparative study of modern social, legal, and political philosophy, from the Renaissance toward the present by focusing on the great works of the Western traditions, including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Montesqueie, Kant, Hegel, Bentham, Marx, Mill. The course examines the relationship between these various political philosophers and the modern political world. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course provides an exploration of the founding of the American Republic. It begins with the colonial period, noting the relationship between religion, liberty, and politics, and then moves to ideas that shaped the American Revolution. From there it analyzes the discussions on the Constitution by both the Federalists and the Antifederalists. The course also examines the discussions surrounding the new Republic and the growth of the nation, including the struggles regarding individualism, liberty, equality, race, gender, wealth, economic regulation, and community responsibility. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course examines 20th century responses to modernity and its political and social theories. It focuses on continental philosophers and relates their ideas to contemporary society and politics. It begins with the Frankfurt School of critical theory and its criticisms of modern culture, and then moves from Nietzschean and Heideggerian thought to the hermeneutic theory of Gadamer and Ricoeur. After this, the course assesses the political relevance of the poststructuralism of Foucault, Derrida, and Lyotard. It concludes with Habermas' discourse ethics and deliberative democracy. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

Nature of criminal law and its philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crime; elements of crimes and penalties using California and federal statutes as illustrations; defenses to criminal responsibility; criminal responsibility. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

A study of the judiciary in the criminal justice system; history and structure of the California and federal court systems; prosecution; criminal defense, right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence; appeals, sentencing. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course examines the place and impact of executive agencies on the formation and implementation of administrative law and regulation in the United States. This includes an overview of the administrative process, a discussion of administrative power, and bureaucratic organization. The course then examines the steps, stages, and participants of the administrative process, such as delegation of authority, administrative rule making, agency adjudication, and judicial review. The course concludes with a discussion of tort liability and sovereign immunity, the relationship between the bureaucracy and the other branches, and administrative reform. (Spring even years & OPS; 3 units).

A systematized study of the canons and criteria of validity in thought and its rational expression by considering the processes of reasoning and inference with applications in propositional logic, natural deduction, predicate logic, and induction. Prerequisite: HON 101, PHI 213 or WLD 181. (3 units; Fall)

An exploration of the application of various metaethical theories to ethical questions and issues that arise in various arenas of life. The study involves both the examination of methods as well as cases. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course is designed to examine the role and function of narrative in law, and the role and function of law in major works of literature, to understand better both law and literature. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course will examine the development of modern international law. The course will consider the foundations of customary and conventional international laws, as well as treaties that bear upon the conduct of members of the international community. (3 units; Fall, odd years, & Online)

The course facilitates an understanding of the Constitution and its relationship to the three branches of government and their functions and a greater appreciation of the role of the court in affecting their balances. Included aspects of study are the court system, judicial review, presidential power, Congress and commerce, Federalism, contracts, due process, and civil liberties. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course studies the most important decisions of the Supreme Court on individual rights and the conflicts from which they have arisen, which means examining the trinity of individual values and rights in American civil liberties—freedom, due process, and equality. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course introduces students to the executive and management skills necessary for successful leadership in public organizations. Emphasis is on assessment of personal growth needs and enhancement of administrative skills, including communication, decision-making, motivation, leadership styles, and team building. (3 units; Fall odd years & OPS).

This course examines the place and impact of executive agencies on the formation and implementation of administrative law and regulation in the United States. This includes an overview of the administrative process, a discussion of administrative power, and bureaucratic organization. The course then examines the steps, stages, and participants of the administrative process, such as delegation of authority, administrative rule making, agency adjudication, and judicial review. The course concludes with a discussion of tort liability and sovereign immunity, the relationship between the bureaucracy and the other branches, and administrative reform. (Spring even years & OPS; 3 units).

This class examines policy-making theory and practice in the United States. Theoretical models studied include rational, incremental, and institutional, group, elite, public choice, and game theory. Policy areas covered include civil rights, criminal justice, health, and welfare, education, environmental protection, economic policy, and national defense. (3 units; Spring, even years, & Online)

The course includes theory and current practices in personnel management at the local, state, and national levels of government. Topics covered include the history and development of public personnel management, the constitutional dimensions of employment law, employee training and development, and current human resource issues such as affirmative action, sexual harassment, and cultural diversity. (3 units; Fall, even years, & Online)

This course examines the scope of public administration. Emphasis on practice as well as theory in personnel administration, financial administration, problems of management, administrative organization, merit systems, and intergovernmental relations by the use of case studies. (Spring even year & OPS; 3 units).

This course explores the relationship between the economy and politics and provides both a description and assessment of the economy. This entails an overview of economic theory, macroeconomics, savings, investments, microeconomics and markets, inflation, monetary policy, international economics and globalization, and the role of the private sector and government. (3 units; Fall, odd years, & Online)