Introduction to the historical development and current structure of American political ideals and institutions, including the Federal and California Constitutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political parties, campaigns and elections, and citizenship duties.

Introduction to the politics of California, both on the state and local levels. Students will learn how politics works locally and in Sacramento, and how to effectively enact change in politics and public policy. Emphasis on current issues and the influences of historical, geographical, political, economic and social factors on the political realities in California today.

Introduction to key themes in American public policy at a national, state, and local level. The roles of institutions and stakeholders are discussed in the context of theories of public policy and public administration. Students are introduced to tools used to evaluate and analyze public issue areas and the public policies created to address them.

Introduces the diverse domestic politics of countries around the world. The politics and problems in democratic, semi-democratic, and authoritarian states will be covered through an investigation of institutions, identity (race, gender, class, nationalism, religion, culture), social movements, political economy, political violence, and globalization. Students will be introduced to the diverse decision-making regimes that exist throughout the globe, such as parliamentary, semi-presidential, presidential, unitary, federal, and confederal systems.

An introduction to the study of political theory. Course introduces the fundamental questions of ethics and politics by analyzing works of political philosophy from antiquity to the present. Emphasizes core themes of political theory, such as justice, power, rights, liberty, and citizenship, and differing conceptions of the state. Students will learn how to interpret, analyze, and critically evaluate political theory texts in order to apply political theory to historical and current political realities.

Introduction to the basic concepts, theories, and principles of international relations. Course will examine contemporary world affairs including the importance of nationalism, imperialism, ideology, alliance systems, development, and the nature of international organizations.

An overview of the historical and contemporary political issues and concerns affecting the status and power of groups that have traditionally been politically and socially disadvantaged in the United States. These groups include, but are not limited to, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, Latinx, LGBT, and Women. The political histories of each group from their arrival in the territory today known as the United States through modern times will be discussed. Students will analyze how group identity impacts the processes of democratic governance. Public policy issues (i.e. education, health, criminal justice) will be considered in light of their impact upon marginalized groups.

The Political Science Internship course provides an opportunity for students to receive academic credit for participating in the Political Science Internship program. Units earned are based on hours worked in the internship during the semester. Please contact a Political Science faculty member to enroll.