Course Descriptions
PLSC 103 Critical Thinking About World Politics (3 units)
This introductory course is designed to improve the student's ability to think clearly about problems in world politics and their social, political, and economic implications. Reasoning skills will be applied when evaluating and constructing convincing arguments about current world political controversies.
PLSC 130 Introduction to International Relations (3 units)
This course examines the major theories of international politics as well as the practical issues that affect world politics today. Students explore the inter-relationship between theory and practice as it relates to the international arena, especially in regards to religion and ethnic conflict. And in the light of the international environment today, students address issues surrounding the continuing "War on Terrorism" and its relationship to past major wars (i.e. Peloponnesian War, World Wars and Cold War).
PLSC 150 Introduction to Political Theory (3 units)
This class provides the foundation for the study of political science, politics and the nature of government. Examination of various fundamental theoretical approaches to politics and of basic political problems, as well as proposed solutions found in an evolving liberal social contract and other proposed solutions. Analysis of selected political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary problems. Critically thinking about the role of morality, power leadership, religion, government, civic culture and class are the framework.
PLSC 170 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 units)
This course introduces students to the technique of comparing nation-states using different approaches to study multiple government types including their history, political institutions, processes and policies, the environments in which they occur as well as their consequences. Political cultures are compared in order to critically analyze the viability of particular governments on a global scale. Topics include: regime change, civic culture, group politics, functionalism, dependency, legitimacy and leadership.
PLSC 210 American Politics (3 units)
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes as well as political actors with foci on the political philosophies of its framers and the inter-related functions of the three branches of the federal government. Examination of political behavior, political issues and public policy, as well as contemporary relationships between federal, state and local governments are consistently explored.
PLSC 310 California State and Local Government (3 units)
California State and Local Government with special emphasis on the US and California Constitutions as providing the basic framework for our political institutions and processes of Federal, State and Local Government. Relationships between Federal, State and Local Governments are explored, especially as it relates to political issues that directly affect the greater good as well as individuals. Additionally, this course provides the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the political, social and economic quiltwork that can be contributed to the diverse ethnicities and cultures of America, in general, and the State of California, in particular.