Political Science, Department of

College of Natural and Social Sciences

DEPARTMENT OFFICE

Engineering and Technology A523

Phone:       (323) 343-2230

E-mail:      polisci@calstatela.edu

Website:       www.calstatela.edu/dept/pol_sci/

Faculty and students of the Department of Political Science engage in teaching and learning--critically and systematically--about government, politics, public affairs, and public policy in the United States and the world.  Political Science courses embrace elements of the liberal arts, social sciences, and citizen education.  We offer pre-professional education for a variety of careers in government, non-profit organizations, and business, as well as for admission to graduate and law school.  The Department provides   four options for our majors: General Political Science; Global Politics; Prelegal Studies; and Public Administration.  We also offer minors in General Political Science, Prelegal Studies, Public Administration, and Global Politics to students majoring in other subjects.

The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to prepare students for professional careers in public service, law, international relations, and teaching, and for more effective civic participation.  The undergraduate program, the Master of Arts degree in Political Science and the Master of Science degree in Public Administration are described below.

The Faculty

Professors: Gregory D. Andranovich, Scott Bowman, Siegrun Fox Freyss, Nadine S. Koch, Timothy C. Lim, Stephen K. Ma,
James A. Regalado, Michael J. Siler.

Assistant Professors: Martin Adamian, Taylor E. Dark III, Michael Locke McLendon.

Emeriti: J. Theodore Anagnoson, Donald W. Bray, Naomi J. Caiden, Robert Bascom Callahan, Eugene P. Dvorin,Stanley D. Hopper, Edward Malecki, Thomas A. Rusch, Robert H. Simmons, Benjamin W. Smith, Virgil H. Stevens, Kenneth A. Wagner

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts Degree Political Science

Four options are offered in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, each adapted to a different objective as follows:

The General Political Science option is a general program of undergraduate preparation for active participation in public life or for graduate study.

The Global Politics option is a general program of undergraduate preparation focusing on the changing nature of international politics and the emergence of a global political space and preparing students for graduate study and active participation in public life.

The Prelegal Studies option provides undergraduate preparation for professions in law, education, and public service. While a strong emphasis is placed on developing skills of legal analysis and research, courses in this option also provide students with a critical understanding of the interrelationship between law and politics in American society.

The Public Administration option provides undergraduate preparation for career government service or positions in nonprofit organizations.  This option may be coordinated with a public service internship (see Cooperative Education).

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science is 180 units, of which 69 units are in the major.  Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Requirements for the Major  (69 units)

Major requirements consist of a common core of three lower division and six upper division courses (37 units) to be taken by all political science majors, and eight elective courses (32 units) in a selected political science option. It is recommended that 200- and 300-level requirements are completed prior to enrolling in 400 level courses.

The following courses are required in addition to the core:

Eight elective courses in political science, one of which may be at lower division level, with the approval of an adviser.

Select one course from each of the following four areas (16 units):

Select four elective courses in Political Science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (16 units).

Select four elective courses in Political Science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (16 units).

Select four elective courses in political science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (16 units).

Minors in Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers four minor programs for students majoring in other fields. The General minor requires 28 units and may interest majors in such related fields as history, economics, geography, sociology, anthropology, or English. The Global Politics minor requires 20 units and is designed for students whose career or personal interests would be enhanced by a study of international relations and comparative government. The Prelegal Studies minor, which requires 20 units, is available to students who may be interested in attending law school. The minor in Public Administration requires 20 units and is designed for students who may be interested in government service at the local, state, or federal level. All students are expected to complete POLS 150 and, if listed below, lower division requirements before enrolling in upper division courses in the minor programs in political science.

General Minor

Select 2 additional POLS courses with adviser approval to fulfill the goal for which the minor was chosen.

Global Politics Minor

Select two from the following: POLS 425, 426, 427
Select two from the following: POLS 450, 451, 452, 453, 455,
456, 457, 458

Prelegal Studies Minor

POLS 442

POLS 443

POLS 445 or 446

POLS 447

NOTE:  Specific courses should be chosen in consultation with a prelegal studies adviser.

Public Administration Minor

Select one from the following: POLS 403, or 404

Select two from the following: POLS 461, 463, 466, 467, 472, 476, 479.

NOTE:  Specific courses should be chosen in consultation with a public administration adviser.

The Credential Program

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, administered by the Department of History has been approved for the Single Subject credential in Social Science by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  The program is listed under Social Science section of this chapter.  In addition, the department offers two supplementary authorizations for persons who hold a Single Subject teaching credential in another field.  These programs are described below.

Supplementary Authorizations for Single Subject Teaching Credential

Holders of a Single Subject teaching credential, issued by the state of California, may supplement that credential with an authorization for teaching comparative political systems/international relations at any grade level through grade 12 or in classes organized primarily for adults by completing the following program with a grade of C or higher in each course.  For other credential requirements, consult the Charter College of Education.

Complete or demonstrate proficiency in each of the following courses  (32 units):

Select two from the following (8 units): POLS 425, 426, 427, 457

Select one from the following (4 units): POLS 446, 450

Holders of a Single Subject teaching credential issued by the state of California may supplement that credential with an authorization for teaching U.S. Government and Civics at any grade level through grade 12 or in classes organized primarily for adults by completing the following program with a grade of C or higher in each course.  For other credential requirements, consult the Charter College of Education.

Complete or demonstrate proficiency in each of the following courses  (34 units):

Select one from the following (4 units): POLS 403, 414, 441

Select one from the following (4 units): POLS 400, 404,462

Select one from the following (4 units): POLS 418, 435, 440

Select one from the following (4 units): POLS 250 or 425

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs

The Graduate Program

Two master's degree programs are offered in political science, in order to satisfy varying career objectives of graduate students.  The Master of Arts degree emphasizes advanced studies for those interested in teaching, preparing for doctoral studies in political science, or preparing for political journalism, similar occupations, or various forms of citizen leadership.  Our nationally accredited Master of Science degree in Public Administration provides present and future public service employees the administrative skills and knowledge necessary for leadership of government and non-profit organizations.

Admission to the Programs

Application must be made to both the Department of Political Science and the University.  Forms for both may be obtained from the department office.  Please note that acceptance into the University does not guarantee admittance to the department.

Completed departmental applications with one copy of transcripts from all colleges attended and two letters of recommendation (normally from Cal State L.A. faculty in the case of recent Cal State L.A. graduates) must be sent to the Department of Political Science. University applications and two copies of official transcripts from all colleges attended must be sent to the Admissions Office. Deadlines and procedures for applying to the University can be found in the University catalog or on the web at www.csumentor.edu

Master of Arts Degree in Political Science

The program is built on the foundation of an undergraduate government or political science major and is designed to provide systematic study in political science and related fields at an advanced level.

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have:

     A grade point average in the last 90 quarter (60 semester) units of 3.00 or better and a major in political science. Majors with GPAs below 3.00 may be admitted at the discretion of the department's graduate admissions committee after completing prerequisite or conditional courses, if necessary.

     Non political science majors who have a GPA of 3.00 or better may be accepted on a conditional basis.  They must first complete the following conditional prerequisite courses from the upper division foundation core:  POLS 371, 372, 373 and 374 (minimum of three courses with earned GPA of 3.3 or above).  Students will not receive graduate credit for these prerequisite courses.  Non political science majors with GPAs below 3.00 may be admitted at the discretion of the department's graduate admissions committee after completing prerequisite or conditional courses.

     Two letters of recommendation.  At least one letter must come from a professor or an individual capable of evaluating the applicant's intellectual and academic qualifications.

     A statement of purpose letter.  A letter stating the applicant's purpose in applying for graduate study, the particular area of specialization or interest (American politics, global politics, or political theory), any special research interests, plans for future occupation or profession and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating the applicant's preparation and aptitude for graduate study at CSULA. The essay should be specific, well-organized, and well-thought out.  The statement of purpose is considered an integral element of the application.

     Applications will be considered for fall or spring admissions only.  Students seeking admission to the program effective fall quarter must apply to the department by the preceding May 1 and those seeking admission spring quarter must apply to the department by the preceding January 15.  Late applications will be considered on a space available basis.

A minimum of 45 units is required, with at least 23 in 500-level courses.

II. Concentrations - Select one of the following concentrations (16 units)

Comprehensive Examinations or Thesis  (0-5 units)

Students choose either to take the comprehensive exam or to write a thesis, the latter subject to the approval of the thesis chair, the M.A. graduate advisor, and the department chair. Students who take the comprehensive exam have the choice of doing 5 units of graduate research (POLS 597) directed by a faculty member or 5 units for a practicum (POLS 592) where they will intern in a political office, non-profit organization, campaign management firm, survey research center, or a comparable placement. Thus, students take either POLS 597 graduate research (5) or POLS 592 Political Science Practicum (5) and POLS 596 Comprehensive Exam  (0) or POLS 599 Thesis  (5).

Students electing to take the comprehensive examinations (POLS 596) should expect to take the examinations after the quarter they complete all course work on their program and must comply with college and departmental requirements.  Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts to complete the comprehensive examinations successfully.  Failure to pass the comprehensive examinations, or any portion thereof, will result in disqualification from the program.

Students who have made one attempt on the comprehensive examinations may not change to the thesis option; students who have taken POLS 599 thesis units may not change to the comprehensive examination option.

Master of Science Degree in Public Administration

The mission of the Master of Science in Public Administration program is to educate students for professional public and community service within a diverse urban environment through the development of creative management and analytical skills, enhanced leadership capabilities, and clear understanding of the issues of governance and institutional adaptation in a fast changing world.

There are two options in the MSPA Program. One is the regular MSPA program. The other is the MSPA Fast Track Option for International Executives, which is designed for non-US experienced practitioners who undertake their degree completion using an intensive format.

Admission to the Master of Science in Public Administration

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring quarters.  Complete applications must be submitted to the Department of Political Science as follows:

Deadline          Consideration For

April 10          Fall (September)

November 10          Spring (April of the Next Year)

Admission to the Master of Science in Public Administration requires a grade point average in the last 90 units taken in undergraduate status of 2.75, plus an acceptable departmental application, personal statement, current resume and recommendations.

Applicants who have failed to earn at least a 2.75 grade point average in their last 90-quarter units taken in undergraduate status will not be admitted to the M.S. degree program in Public Administration in the absence of clear and compelling evidence of their current capacity for satisfactory graduate academic performance.

Completion of the following political science courses or their equivalent is required of all students entering the MSPA program.  Students must earn a minimum B (3.0) grade in each of these courses. These courses must be satisfactorily completed before taking any 500 level course.

Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the student's academic background.

Requirements for the Degree (minimum 48 units)

A minimum of 48 units is required. In addition to course requirements, students must complete the equivalent of a one-quarter full-time internship in public administration or an approved field project. This requirement may be waived if the candidate holds, or has held, a position entailing managerial or professional level of responsibility in a public or private nonprofit agency.  To enroll in the following 500 level courses all students must have completed all required 400 level courses. All 500 level courses require a permit to enroll from the department of political science.

Take three 500-level courses, with adviser approval:

After completing all coursework on their programs, students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (POLS 596) in the next quarter in which it is offered. All course work on their programs must comply with college and departmental requirements.

Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts to complete the comprehensive examinations successfully.  Failure to pass the comprehensive examinations, or any portion thereof, will result in disqualification from the program.

A thesis, in lieu of the written examinations, may be authorized for exceptional students who present a proposal the department deems worthy of study. POL 599 (4 units) may  be taken in place of one of the elective courses.

Master of Science Degree in Public Administration

Option Requirements

The Department of Political Science and the Institute for Executive Leadership will enforce identical MSPA admission requirements of a minimum grade point average in the last 90 units taken in undergraduate status of 2.75, and a TOEFL score of 550 or above, in addition to the institute requirement of four-year recent experience in a non-us administrative agency.

Requirements for the Degree (minimum 48 units)

List of Courses (POLS) - Undergraduate Level

Lower Division Courses

POLS 120 Politics of Everyday Life  (4)

Learning how to negotiate a lifetime of personal politics:  the politics of family, peers, and work.GE E

POLS 150 Government and American Society  (4)

American political system with emphasis on role and function of government in social context of a democratic political system.  Satisfies U.S. Constitution and California state and local government requirements.  Not open to students who have completed an introductory college course in U.S. government.

POLS 155 Critical Analysis of Political Communication  (4)

Critical analysis of ideological messages, political biases, and manipulative devices in all forms of communication, from newspaper reporting to scholarly texts, from films to television news.  GE A3

POLS 200 California State and Local Government  (2)

Functions and structure of California state and local government units, current aspects of governmental process and problems in state.  Satisfies California state and local government requirement. GE AM

POLS 205 Introduction to Political Science (4)

Prerequisite: POLS 150. Lower Division Core Requirement. Introduction to the fundamental concepts, theories, and forms of analysis used by political scientists in the study of political phenomena. Emphasis on analysis of current events.

POLS 250 World Politics  (4)

Major issues and problems among nations; international organization and conflict resolution.  GE D

POLS 254 Special Topics in Political Science  (1–4)

Current topics of special interest in political science and related disciplines, as announced in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units.

POLS 281 Quantitative Methods in Political Science  (5)

Prerequisite:  POLS 150;  MATH 091 or satisfactory performance on mathematics placement examination given during registration.  Descriptive and inferential statistics;  emphasis on practical applications in political science.  Distributions on a single variable, associations between two variables, tests of hypotheses;  bivariate computer analysis, including individual projects.  Lecture 4 hours, laboratory 2 hours.

Upper Division Courses

POLS 150 is prerequisite to all upper division POLS courses except 310, 322, 330, 342, 351, 358, 360, 426, and 474.

POLS 310 Gender, Politics, and Government (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  The influence of gender and sexual orientation on political behavior, on elective and appointive government institutions, and on public policies; historical reasons for gender-related differences, political movements to overcome discrimination, and analysis of emerging trends.

     GE Theme C

POLS 322 Global Change and the Human Condition (4)  (also listed as GEOG 322)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  Explores the politics of global environmental concerns or the procedures by which states and organizations address pressing environmental problems.

     GE Theme G

POLS 330 Politics of Aging (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  Effects of older Americans on the political system.  Political and policy analysis of retirement, Social Security, Medicaid, disability programs.  Problems of intergenerational equity.     GE Theme F

POLS 342 Rights and Justice in Communication and Politics (4) (also listed as COMM 342)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  Freedom of communication, political rights, diversity, and justice:  the evolution of these rights in the United States; analysis of contemporary problems, global implications, and potential solutions in our multicultural world. Some sections of this course will be offered online.                                             GE Theme H

POLS 348 Issues in Ancient and Modern Political Thought (4)

Prerequisite: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and at least one course from Block D. This course will compare important ancient and modern authors, both eastern and western, on issues including, race, gender, justice, human nature versus culture, civil disobedience, freedom, colonialism and slavery.                                                                  GE Theme I

POLS 351 Beyond Conflict, Violence, and War (4)  (also listed as HIST 351)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  Nature, functions, and interrelationship of conflict, violence, and war: strategies of conflict resolution and peace examined in a global setting through theory and case studies.      GE Theme B

POLS 358 Environmental Policy and Politics  (4)  (also listed as HIST 358)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  Global environmental problems, United Nations programs, U.S. environmental movement, governmental policies on environment, politics, and the policy formations process. The role of government and policy in environmental sustainability.

POLS 360 Dynamics of Change in the Developing World (4)  (also listed as LAS 360 and PAS 360)

Prerequisites: Completion of G. E. Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.  How the Third World developed and how it is changing in relation to the rest of the world.     GE Theme A

POLS 371 Foundations of American Politics (4)

Prerequisite: POLS 150. Recommended prerequisite: POLS 205. Upper division core requirement. Analysis of the structure, functions and relationships among American national institutions, including executive, legislative and judicial branches, media, political parties, citizens and groups.

POLS 372 Foundations of Political Theory (4)

Prerequisite: POLS 150. Recommended prerequisite: POLS 205. Upper division core requirement. From an institutional perspective, this course examines: Who should rule? What are the limits of political obligation? What is social justice? What is human nature?

POLS 373 Foundations of Comparative Politics  (4)

Prerequisite: POLS 150. Recommended prerequisite: POLS 205. Upper division core requirement. Study of the comparative method and of major research traditions and topics in comparative politics.

POLS 374 Foundations of Global Politics (4)

Prerequisite: POLS 150. Recommended prerequisite: POLS 205. Upper division core requirement. Global politics examines the far-reaching political implications of globalization on nation-states, international regimes and organizations, global security, and non-state actors.

POLS 395 Community Service in Political Science  (1–4)

Prerequisites:  prior approval of Political Science adviser in consultation with EPIC director, acceptance by community agency.  Participation in work of community agency or activity utilizing professional or vocational skills in service to community.  Credit not applicable toward political science major.  May be repeated to maximum of 9 units.  Graded CR/NC.

POLS 400-level Courses

The department recommends completion of the 300 level required courses before enrolling in 400 level courses.

POLS 400 Power and Policy in Washington:  Congress and the President  (4)

Structure, functioning, and interaction between Congress and the presidency.

POLS 403 State and Local Government  (4)

Nature of state politics, analysis of legislative, judicial, and administrative organization and process;  local government in metropolitan areas;  all with reference to California.

POLS 404 Urban Government and Politics  (4)

Problems of political influence, public policy, intergovernmental relations, and formal structure in American urban areas.

POLS 406 Los Angeles City Politics  (4)

Los Angeles within federal system; structures and functions; charter examination; policy issues; dominant individuals; social classes; minority influence; political coalitions; public vs. private sector relations and conflict.

POLS 408 Political Socialization and Public Opinion  (4)

The study of how individuals acquire their political beliefs and ways in which these opinions are communicated to others in society. Emphasis on subcultural and gender differences.

POLS 409 Minority Politics in the U.S.  (4)

Overview of ethnic politics in U.S. from both historical and contemporary perspectives; American Indian, Asian, black, and Hispanic political movements in U.S.

POLS 414 Politics and the Media  (4)

Relationships between government and the media; news-gathering techniques, journalist/government relations, role of media in presidential campaign politics.

POLS 418 U.S. Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections  (4)

Role of political parties in campaigns and elections;  role of the media, consultants, pollsters, and parties in recruiting, nominating, and electing candidates.

POLS 423 Political Sociology of Globalization and Resistance (4) (Also listed as SOC 423)

Political and Sociological analysis of globalization as a contested process; emergence of global societies and movements; social forces advancing global neo-liberalism; resistance by workers, indigenous, women's, and environmental transnational movements.

POLS 425 U.S. Foreign Policy in a Changing World  (4)

Theory and practice of contemporary American foreign policy.

POLS 426 International Political Economy  (4)  (also listed as ECON 426)

Prerequisites:  Four units each in POLS and ECON.  Interaction of politics and economics in the international arena.

POLS 427 International Relations  (4)

Theories and practice of international politics.

POLS 428  Asia and the Politics of Transnational Migration  (4)

Prerequisite: POLS 150. Systematic analysis of forced and voluntary migration within and to Asia. Political impact of migration on "host" and "sending" countries. Causes of migration.

POLS 429 U.S. National Security Policy (4)

The nexus between politics and military force in coercive diplomacy and limited war; nuclear weapons, arms control, and proliferation; the budgetary and operational consequences of defense organization.

POLS 431 Classical Political Theory  (4)

Exposition and critical analysis of ideas of major political thinkers from Plato to 17th century.

POLS 433 Modern Political Theory  (4)

Studies in character of contemporary normative political theory;  systematic political theories of Liberalism, Conservatism, Nationalism, Marxism, Communism, Fascism, Socialism, Democracy, and Irrationalism.

POLS 435 American Political Thought  (4)

American political ideas from Puritan period to present.

POLS 437 Twentieth Century Continental Political Thought (4)

Prerequisites: POLS 150 and 372. The course will examine answers to important questions of political theory from the perspective of several important European traditions of thought that developed in the twentieth century.

POLS 440 Judicial Process  (4)

Judicial process as function of American government;  survey of schools of legal thought, role of legal theory in functioning of courts.

POLS 441 American Constitutional Law:  Federalism  (4)

Recommended prerequisites for POLS majors in Prelaw option:  POLS 440, HIST 479.  Role of Supreme Court in American government;  judicial review;  relationship between national and state governments, especially in areas of commerce and taxation;  relationship between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

POLS 442 American Constitutional Law: Civil Rights (4)

Recommended prerequisite for POLS majors in prelaw option:

POLS 440. The constitutional rights of persons arising from the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the constitution with particular emphasis on equal protection of the laws and discrimination, and the right to privacy.

POLS 443 American Constitutional Law:  Civil Liberties  (4)

Recommended prerequisite:  POLS 440.  The constitutional liberties of persons arising from the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the constitution with particular emphasis on freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

POLS 445 Judicial Behavior  (4)

Recommended prerequisite for POLS majors in prelaw option:  POLS 440.  Contemporary approaches to study of judicial behavior, including judicial role, decision making, small group analysis, socialization, and analysis of judicial voting behavior.

POLS 446 Comparative Legal Systems  (4)

Recommended prerequisite for POLS majors in prelaw option:  POLS 440.  Survey and systematic analysis of selected legal systems and functional relationships with social systems;  emphasis on social context of legal systems and comparative approach to their study.

POLS 447 Legal Research and Writing  (4)

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of the WPE. Recommended prerequisite: Completion of POLS 441, 442 and/or POLS 443. Individual and group research and writing projects in public law.

POLS 450 European Politics  (4)

Course content varies, focusing on contemporary politics in selected European countries.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units as topic varies.

POLS 451 Latin American Politics  (4)

Course content varies, focusing on contemporary politics of selected Latin American countries.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units as topic varies.

POLS 452 Government and Politics of China  (4)

Analysis of the government and politics of China.  Review of recent development in China's modernization and its international impact.

POLS 453 Politics of Africa and the Mid-East  (4)

Course content varies, focusing on contemporary politics of selected African and Middle Eastern nations.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units as topic varies.

POLS 454 Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (1-4)

Selected topics in comparative government as announced in the schedule of classes.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units as topic varies.

POLS 455 Canadian Politics: A Comparative Perspective (4)

Examining and evaluating government and politics in Canada and reviewing recent development in the relationship between Canada and the United States. Course includes research and writing projects in comparative politics.

POLS 456 Politics of the Caribbean and Central America  (4)  (also listed as PAS 456)

Political development and dependency in the Caribbean and Central America.

POLS 457 Comparative Politics (4)

Approaches, theories, and current research in comparative politics.

POLS 458 Politics in Asian-American Immigration (4)

Examining and evaluating the politics of Asian-American immigration in the United States, and reviewing the impact of Asian Americans on political development at home and abroad.  Course includes research and writing projects in comparative politics.

POLS 459  Politics of East Asia (4)

Course content varies. Political and economic processes of development in East Asia. The region's impact on the world.

POLS 460 Foundations of Public Administration  (4)

Politics of administrative power;  methods of controlling bureaucracy;  changing agency environments;  dynamics and processes of public management;  government as a career.

POLS 461 Dynamics of Urban Administration  (4)

Politics of governing urban U.S.; problems caused by multiple governmental and administrative bodies, overlapping jurisdictions, tax revolts; existing system’s capabilities to respond to those problems.

POLS 462 Public Policy (4)

Introduction to public policy making and implementation, stressing the politics of the policy making process.

POLS 463 Public Sector Human Resource Management (4)

Recommended prerequisite:  POLS 460. Best practices and theories of human resource management in government; merit systems versus at-will employment; compensation policies; recruitment; performance management; grievance and disciplinary procedures; labor-management relations.

POLS 466 Public Financial Administration  (4)

Recommended prerequisites:  courses in accounting and statistics.  Role of financial administration and budgeting in determination of governmental policy, administrative planning and management, control of government operations, intergovernmental relations, and relation to private economy.

POLS 467 The Third Sector and Nonprofit Organizations (4)  (also listed as YAA 467)

Starting and managing nonprofit enterprises; differences between public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations; nature and scope of the third sector; grant writing project.

POLS 472 Organization and Management  (4)

Recommended prerequisite:  POLS 460.  Organization structure, human factors in organization, dynamics of organizational change, internal adaptability to external environment;  problems, limitations, and trends in governmental organization and management.

POLS 476 Administrative Law  (4)

Recommended prerequisites:  POLS 440, 460.  Process in administrative adjudication, regulation, and rule making;  duties and liabilities of public officers, appeal procedures, trends in regulation.

POLS 479 Computers in the Public Sector  (4)

Recommended prerequisites: POLS 460,  CS 190 .  Public sector computing and applications;  governmental issues regarding computing.

POLS 490 Special Studies in Political Science  (4)

Intensive study of selected areas and special problems in political science.  May be repeated as subject matter changes.

POLS 498 Senior Capstone Seminar (4)

Prerequisites: Lower and Upper Division Required Core Courses, Senior Standing, and satisfactory completion of the WPE. Students will select a major research paper topic and further develop discipline based research, writing and oral communication skills. Examination of career paths and development of post graduation plan. Must pass with a grade of C or better.

POLS 499 Undergraduate Directed Study  (1–4)

Prerequisite:  Department approval.  Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration;  progress meetings held regularly.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units.

Graduate Courses (POLS)

Classified graduate standing is required for admission to all 500-level courses..

POLS 504 Seminar: American Political Behavior (4)

Prerequisite: Department approval. Research and quantitative analysis of various forms of American political behavior. Topics may include: voting, participation, group behavior, policymaking, institutional decision-making, public opinion.

POLS 505 Seminar:  American Political Studies  (4) 

Prerequisites:  Baccalaureate; superior academic performance in political science.  Analysis of selected issues and problems of national significance in the U.S.  May be repeated as subject matter changes. 

POLS 509 Seminar:  Foundations of Empirical Political Theory  (4)

Prerequisite:  Departmental approval.  Values and limitations in past and current applications of philosophy and methods of science to study of politics.

POLS 510 Seminar: Political Theory  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 431, 433, or 435.  Selected topics in political philosophy.  May be repeated as subject matter changes. 

POLS 526 Seminar:  International Political Economy  (4)  (also listed as ECON 526) 

Prerequisite:  ECON/POLS 426 plus POLS 427.  Research and analysis of the interactions of politics and economics in the international arena. 

POLS 527 Seminar:  Advanced Studies in International Relations  (4) 

Prerequisites:  POLS 427 plus 4 units in POLS 425, 426 or 429, or LAS 424.  Selected topics in international politics.  May be repeated for a total of 8 units, with adviser approval, as subject matter changes.

POLS 531 Seminar:  Latin American Government  (4) 

Prerequisite:  POLS 451.  Analysis of selected topics in Latin American politics. 

POLS 550 Seminar:  Comparative Politics  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 457 plus 4 units in POLS 450-456.  Selected topics in comparative politics.  May focus on specific geographic areas, particular political processes, and/or specific stages of political development.

POLS 565 Seminar:  Public Sector Labor Relations  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462.  Collective bargaining in federal, state and local government, with emphasis on California.  Differences between the public and private sectors, bargaining legislation, negotiations, impasse resolution.

POLS 567 Seminar: The Third Sector and Nonprofit Organizations (4)

Study of increasingly integrated relationship between government and third sector service providers; professional management of nonprofit organizations in a complex environment; grant writing project.

(Students who have taken POLS 467 cannot receive credit for POLS 567.)

POLS 568 Seminar:  Community Development Administration  (4)

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent.  Theory and process of planned development; role of administration in formulating and implementing development goals at all political community levels; planning, strategy, obstacles, assistance, development of competent personnel, institution-building. 

POLS 571 Intergovernmental Relations  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462.  Dynamics and patterns of vertical and horizontal intergovernmental relations; challenges to the contemporary urban administrator in dealing with other governments at all levels. 

POLS 572 Public Sector Organization and Management  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462. Organization structures and theories of management in the public sector.  Decision-making, human relations, goal setting, leadership in government organizations.

POLS 573 Public Sector Human Resource Management  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462. Case studies of personnel problems encountered in governmental agencies; examination of varying roles of boards, commissions, and official legislative bodies;  new frontiers in personnel research and personnel legislation.

POLS 574 Public Budgeting and Financial Administration  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462.  Issues and problems in budget authorization, execution, and control, including public policy implications; special emphasis on program and performance budgeting.

POLS 575 Seminar:  Administrative Systems in Pacific Rim Nations  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462. Comparison of public sector administrative systems in selected Pacific Rim nations.  Analysis of the impact of the administrative environment on governmental institutions.

POLS 578 Research Design for Public and Nonprofit Managers (4)

Prerequisites: POLS 281 or equivalent, 460 and 462. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in public and nonprofit administration focusing on research designs and measurement, resulting in the preparation of an individual applied research design.

POLS 579 Public Sector Information Management and Computing  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462.  Public sector computer management trends, issues and applications.  Issues of particular concern to public sector managers; information policy and public access, privacy, security, computer crime.

POLS 580 Data Analysis for Public and Nonprofit Managers  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 281 or equivalent, 460 and 462, 578 and 579. Concepts and techniques of data analysis for decision making, including measurement, sampling, graphical analysis, and computerized data analysis.  Individual projects.

POLS 583 Seminar: Health Politics and Policy (4)

Health politics and policy at the national level and in California.  Role of Congress, executive branch, media, interest groups, and industry.  Policy tradeoffs, design, implementation, and evaluation of health policy.

POLS 584 Seminar: Issues in the Metropolitan Area (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462.  This seminar surveys the special problems of cities at the turn of the 21st century, focusing on the discovery of characteristics of the ideal community and their use in administration.

POLS 585 Seminar:  Regulation, the Environment and California Public Policy  (4)

Prerequisites:  POLS 460 and 462.  The interrelationships among regulatory policies, environmental problems and public policy in California.

POLS 587 Seminar: Aging Policy, Politics, and Administration (4)

Older Americans in the political system.  Political and policy analysis of retirement, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, disability programs.  Discussion of administration and policy alternatives, including privatization.

POLS 590 Seminar:  Philosophy of Public Service  (4) 

Prerequisites:  POLS 561, instructor consent.  Past and present philosophies of public service;  bureaucracy in modern society;  social-psychological and ethical aspects of public service;  case studies of decision making.

POLS 591 Seminar:  Administrative Theory and Behavior  (4) 

Prerequisite:  POLS 472.  Analysis of administrative theory and utilization of advances in behavioral research as they apply to studies of administrative process and organization. 

POLS 592 Political Science Practicum (5)

Prerequisite: Advisor approval. Independent supervised field experience in a political or non-profit organization, or public agency. Major report or paper required.

POLS 594 Applied Research in Public and Nonprofit Administration (4)

Prerequisites: POLS 578, 579, 580. Implementation and completion of applied research in public or nonprofit administration. Follows individual research design developed in POLS 578.

POLS 595 Selected Issues in Public Administration  (4) 

Prerequisite:  Twelve units in public administration, including one seminar.  Presentation and discussion of selected issues and trends in administrative processes at all levels of government.  Topics change.  May be repeated to maximum of 8 units with adviser approval.

POLS 596 Comprehensive Examination  (0)

See the Comprehensive Examination in the requirements for the Masters Degree section of this chapter.

POLS 597 Graduate Research  (5)

Prerequisites:  Consent of faculty sponsor and graduate adviser; proposed study must be approved prior to registration.  Directed research on a problem in Political Science from conception through design, data gathering, analysis and final written report.

POLS 598 Graduate Directed Study  (4) 

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent to act as sponsor.  Independent study of advanced topics in field; regular conferences with sponsor.  May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units. 

POLS 599 Thesis  (1–5) 

Prerequisites:  Advancement to candidacy, instructor consent to act as sponsor, departmental approval of topic prior to registration.  Independent research resulting in a thesis.  Graded CR/NC.