UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Alvarez, Linda

(2014) Associate Professor of Political Science. B.A. 2001, California State University, Northridge; M.A. 2005, California State University, Los Angeles; M.A. 2007, Ph.D. 2014, Claremont Graduate University.

[ View Faculty ]

Bayes, Jane H.

(1968) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1960, Smith College; M.A. 1963, Ph.D. 1967, University of California, Los Angeles.

[ View Faculty ]

Becker, Lawrence

(2002) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1991, University of California, San Diego; M.A. 1996, Ph.D. 2001, University of Massachusetts.

[ View Faculty ]

Beller, Dennis

(1970) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1957, Pomona College; M.A. 1961, Ph.D. 1970, University of California, Los Angeles.

[ View Faculty ]

Bradberry, Leigh A.

(2011) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1996, Birmingham-Southern College; M.A. 2007, Ph.D. 2011, University of California, San Diego.

[ View Faculty ]

Cahn, Matthew A.

(1991) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1986, University of California, Berkeley; M.A. 1988, Ph.D. 1991, University of Southern California.

[ View Faculty ]

Campbell, Warren M.

(1961) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1948, University of Minnesota; M.A. 1954, Ph.D. 1963, Stanford University.

[ View Faculty ]

Cole, Alexandra

(2000) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1989, University of California, San Diego; M.A. 1992, San Diego State University; Ph.D. 1999, University of California, Irvine.

[ View Faculty ]

De Maio, Jennifer

(2006) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1997, Georgetown University; M.Sc. 1998, London School of Economics and Political Science; Ph.D. 2005, University of California, Los Angeles.

[ View Faculty ]

Dungey, Nicholas W.

(2002) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1989, Ph.D. 1998, University of California, Santa Barbara.

[ View Faculty ]

Garcia-Acevedo, Maria R.

(2000) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1980, National University; M.A. 1992, University of New Mexico; Ph.D. 1996, University of Arizona.

[ View Faculty ]

Goldbach, John C.

(1964) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1952, Loyola University; M.A. 1955, University of Southern California; Ph.D. 1964, Claremont Graduate School.

[ View Faculty ]

Harrell, Roger H.

(1969) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1964, M.A. 1967, Ph.D. 1970, University of Southern California.

[ View Faculty ]

Hirata, Keiko

(2003) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1986, Nanzan University; M.A. 1989, University of Oregon; Ph.D. 2000, University of Hawaii.

[ View Faculty ]

Hogen-Esch, Tom J.

(2002) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1991, Ph.D. 2001, University of Southern California.

[ View Faculty ]

Hughes, Tyler

(2015) Department Chair of Political Science; Professor of Political Science. B.A. 2009, Fort Hays State University; M.A. 2011, Western Michigan University; Ph.D. 2015, University of Oklahoma.

[ View Faculty ]

Leitch, David G.

(2011) Associate Professor of Political Science. B.A 2000, Oberlin College; M.A. 2002, Ph.D. 2008, University of California, San Diego.

[ View Faculty ]

Leu, Christopher A.

(1967) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1960, University of California, Riverside; M.A. 1962, Ph.D. 1973, University of California, Los Angeles.

[ View Faculty ]

Littwin, Lawrence

(1968) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1956, Brooklyn College; Ph.D. 1967, New York University.

[ View Faculty ]

Lopez, Henry B.

(1971) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1970, M.A. 1975, California State University, Northridge.

[ View Faculty ]

Lussier, Virginia L.

(1999) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1963, Washington College; M.A. 1965, University of Pennsylvania; M.A. 1972, University of Maryland; M.B.A. 1983, Rutgers University; Ph.D. 1973, University of Maryland.

[ View Faculty ]

Michaud, Kristy E.

(2007) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 2001, San Diego State University; M.A. 2003, Ph.D. 2007, University of California, Santa Barbara.

[ View Faculty ]

Mitchell, James

(1990) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1975, Vassar College; M.A. 1977, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.A. 1979, Ph.D. 1985, Princeton University.

[ View Faculty ]

Morin, Jason L.

(2012) Professor of Political Science. B.A. 2002, M.A. 2005, Baylor University; M.A. 2008, Ph.D. 2012, University of New Mexico.

[ View Faculty ]

O’Neill, Jack

(1966) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1962, California State University, Long Beach; M.A. 1964, Ph.D. 1966, University of Iowa.

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

CSUN in DC Internship Program The Political Science department hosts the CSUN in DC Internship Program in which students live and learn in the nation’s capital for the entire Spring or Summer term. Students intern on Capitol Hill for agencies, for nonprofit organizations, for think tanks or for private firms during the day while taking …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

This option offers a variety of courses in domestic and global politics and policy. The curriculum may be selected by students who (a) want a liberal arts education; (b) who desire to pursue graduate education in political science or other fields, such as law; (c) who want to enter government; or (d) who intend to …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

This option offers a variety of courses in Public Policy and Management and allows students to form a thorough understanding of the political institutions through which public plans are formulated and implemented. The option may be selected by students who want to prepare for careers in government, politics and public offices within public and nonprofit …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

This option offers students an in-depth study of public law and the philosophies upon which our legal system is based. The option may be selected by students who want to pursue a career in law or to prepare for careers in government, politics and public offices within public and nonprofit organizations or the private sector.

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

The minor in Political Science is designed for students who want to have a formal secondary area of concentration. A minor is not required for a baccalaureate degree.

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

The graduate program in Political Science is a liberal arts program based upon superior undergraduate preparation. It requires a higher level of achievement and places greater emphasis on independent study and research than does the baccalaureate program. Department evaluation and approval are required for admission to either classified or conditionally classified graduate standing. Additional information …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science

The graduate program in Political Science is a liberal arts program based upon superior undergraduate preparation. It requires a higher level of achievement and places greater emphasis on independent study and research than does the baccalaureate program. Department evaluation and approval are required for admission to either classified or conditionally classified graduate standing. Additional information …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option

The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, Title 5 (United States History and Government), and lower division core requirements for this major. See General Education Rules for more information. Lower division major requirements can be found by looking at the 4-Year Degree Road Map for this …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (satisfies GE B5*) 3 POLS 350 or …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (meets GE B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society (2023-Present)

This ADT/STAR Act Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option – AA-T in Political Science

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (satisfies GE B5*) 3 POLS 350 or POLS 411 or …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option – AA-T in Political Science

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (meets GE B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning) 3 POLS …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option – AA-T in Political Science (2023-Present)

This ADT/STAR Act Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option (2019-2020)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2019 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option 2020 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option (2021-2022)

This Transfer Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2021 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option 2022 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, the United States History and Government requirements, and lower division core requirements for this …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option (2021-2022)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2021 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option 2022 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option (2023-Present)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life Science 2 GE B3 Science Laboratory Activity …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Law and Society Option (2023-Present)

This Transfer Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Law and Society Option The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, the United States History and Government requirements, and lower division core requirements for this major. See General Education Rules for more …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option

The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, Title 5 (United States History and Government), and lower division core requirements for this major. See General Education Rules for more information. Lower division major requirements can be found by looking at the 4-Year Degree Road Map for this …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society

All lower division GE completed. Lower-division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (satisfies GE B5*) 3 POLS 350 or POLS …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society

All lower division GE completed. Lower-division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (meets GE B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning) …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society (2023-Present)

This ADT/STAR Act Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option All lower division GE completed. Lower-division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option – AA-T in Political Science

All lower division GE completed. Lower-division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (satisfies GE B5*) 3 POLS 350 or POLS 411 or POLS …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option – AA-T in Political Science

All lower division GE completed. Lower-division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 372 (meets GE B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning) 3 POLS 350 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option – AA-T in Political Science (2023-Present)

This ADT/STAR Act Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option All lower division GE completed. Lower-division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option (2019-2020)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2019 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option 2020 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option (2021-2022)

This Transfer Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2021 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option 2022 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, the United States History and Government requirements, and lower division core requirements for this …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option (2021-2022)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2021 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option 2022 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option (2023-Present)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life Science 2 GE B3 Science Laboratory Activity …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Politics and Government Option (2023-Present)

This Transfer Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Politics and Government Option The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, the United States History and Government requirements, and lower division core requirements for this major. See General Education Rules for more …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option

The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, Title 5 (United States History and Government), and lower division core requirements for this major. See General Education Rules for more information. Lower division major requirements can be found by looking at the 4-Year Degree Road Map for this …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 350 or POLS 411 or POLS 412 or POLS 414 3 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 350 or POLS 411 or POLS 412 or POLS 414 3 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option – AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society (2023-Present)

This ADT/STAR Act Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option – AA-T in Political Science

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 350 or POLS 411 or POLS 412 or POLS 414 3 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option – AA-T in Political Science

All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS 225 (if not completed prior to transfer) 3 POLS 350 or POLS 411 or POLS 412 or POLS 414 3 …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option – AA-T in Political Science (2023-Present)

This ADT/STAR Act Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option All lower division GE completed. Lower division major requirement of American Political Institutions (POLS 155) completed as part of the AA-T in Political Science. Transfer Year 1: First Semester Course Units POLS 156 or POLS …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option (2019-2020)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2019 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option 2020 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option (2021-2022)

This Transfer Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2021 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option 2022 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, the United States History and Government requirements, and lower division core requirements …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option (2021-2022)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2021 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option 2022 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option (2023-Present)

This 4-Year Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option YEAR 1: 1st Semester Course Units GE Basic Skills: A2 Written Communication 3 GE Basic Skills: B4 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning 3 GE B1 Physical Science or GE B2 Life Science 2 GE B3 Science Laboratory …

[ View Faculty ]

Political Science/Public Policy and Management Option (2023-Present)

This Transfer Degree Road Map applies to the following catalog year(s): 2023 Political Science, B.A./Public Policy and Management Option The Transfer Degree Road Map on this page presumes the completion of lower division General Education, the United States History and Government requirements, and lower division core requirements for this major. See General Education Rules for …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 155. American Political Institutions (3)

Examination of the development and dynamics of American political institutions and political processes including a special emphasis on the role of minority groups. (Available for General Education, D3/D4 Constitution of the United States/State and Local Government.)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 156. Introduction to Comparative Politics (3)

Introduction to the comparative study of government and politics. Its purpose is to familiarize students with the basic themes, concepts and theoretical approaches that are used by political scientists to explain governmental institutions and political processes in different regions of the world. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 197. Racial and Ethnic Politics (3)

Examination of the problems and politics of racial and national subgroups in America. Focuses on problems of ethnic identity, inequality and discrimination, and the impact of minority group politics on public policy. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 225. Elements of International Relations (3)

Analysis of the basic historical, geographical, economic, ideological and strategic factors that underlie and condition conflict and cooperation among actors in the contemporary international system. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 310. Problems of Political Economy (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the interaction of politics and economics in selected problem areas involving global, national and urban political-economic systems. The political role of global corporations and the political dimensions of trade, taxation and budgeting are considered. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 321. Comparative Political Ideologies (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines, compares and contrasts a range of political ideologies and their interpretation and application in contemporary societies. Attention is paid to defining the role and function of ideologies in specific contemporary states. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 332. Politics of Latin America (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Introductory study of the politics of Latin America. Topics treated include dependency theory, revolution, the national security state, women in politics, theologies of liberation and redemocratization. Selected nations are used as case studies. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (WI)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 347. The Judicial Process (3)

Examination of the dynamics of the national and state judicial systems, with emphasis on the workings of the Supreme Court within American separation of powers; internal procedures of decision making; external influences on the courts; the politics of selecting judges; and relations with other political institutions.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 350. Great Questions in Politics (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Analysis of perennial political questions about power, authority, justice, equality and freedom. Materials include political and literary writings, films, case studies and legal cases. Aims throughout to relate these questions to contemporary political situations. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 355. American National, State and Local Governments (3)

Prerequisite: Not open to students who have taken POLS 155; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Detailed study of the structures and functions of the national government, and California state and local governments. Special attention given to the legislative and executive branches in the policy-making and administrative processes, as well as the constitutional bases …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 360. Public Administration (3)

Analysis of the executive function in governmental processes together with a survey of the principles of administrative organization, personnel management, financial administration and public relations. Problems and trends in government service as a career are discussed.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 361. Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Introduction to public policy approaches, contexts, processes and outcomes.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 372. Principles and Methods of Political Science (3)

Study of the history, nature and current development of research in politics.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 380. Los Angeles: Past, Present, Future (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Multidisciplinary investigation of the Los Angeles urban area–its patterns of population and resources distribution; its historical, economic, social and cultural developments; and policies models designed to cope with its problems and to develop its potential as an ethnically diverse metropolis on the Pacific Rim. Application of social science …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 403. State and Local Government (3)

Study of the political, administrative, and judicial systems of states, counties, cities, and special districts. Intergovernmental relations, functions, trends and current problems. Available for graduate credit. (Available for General Education, D4 California State and Local Government.) (WI)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 404. Urban Politics (3)

Study of the structures and processes that determine public priorities and programs in urban areas. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 405. Policy Framing and Agenda Setting (3)

Preparatory: At least one upper division course in public administration or American government. The allocation of attention within government precedes actionable policy decisions, but this process is often overlooked in the study of public policy. This course examines how the images, ideas, and rhetoric attached to societal problems dictate whether government chooses to address these …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 406. Analyzing Policy Problems (3)

Prerequisite: POLS 372. Policymakers and advocates often use predictions of future policy outcomes and societal trends to identify issues government should address. This course serves as an introduction to the fundamental skills of policy analysis and to the difficult choices governments make when identifying, analyzing, and addressing policy problems. Students will develop a conceptual and …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 407. Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation (3)

Prerequisite: POLS 372. Overview of policy implementation and program evaluation by looking at the strategies, techniques and tools used most frequently by policy makers and evaluators. Students are introduced to the major theories and applications so as to be able to use the techniques of evaluation to assess projects and programs in terms of impact, …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 410. Advanced Comparative Politics (3)

Recommended Preparatory: POLS 156. An advanced study of comparative politics. This course focuses on major theoretical frameworks, concepts and approaches in the field. Key concepts covered include the state, democratization, modernization, political culture, social movements and underdevelopment. The course is designed to help students investigate world phenomena systematically and theoretically. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 411. Greek, Roman, and Medieval Political Theory (3)

Analysis of the major political theories and ideologies from the sophists, Plato and Aristotle through the epicureans, cynics, stoics, Cicero, St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 412. Modern Western Political Theory (3)

Analysis of the major political theories and ideologies from Machiavelli and the Renaissance through Hobbes, Locke, the Enlightenment, Rousseau, Burke and Marx. Regular written assignments required.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 413. American Political Thought (3)

American political ideologies from the colonial period through the Revolution and the period of the Constitution to the end of the 19th century.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 414. Western Political Theory in the 20th Century (3)

Study of major contemporary theories in Western Europe and the U.S. Included are such theorists as Sarte, Camus, Easton, Lasswell, Dewey, McLuhan, Marcuse and Fanon, among other existentialists, behavioralists, Marxists and structuralists.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 420A-H. International Relations of Selected Areas (3)

Intensive study of the international relations and impact on the world of nations or areas of special interest that are not included in other courses. Available for graduate credit. Course Title POLS 420A Latin America POLS 420D Middle East POLS 420H Northeast Asia

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 422. International Politics (3)

Advanced study of international politics from the standpoint of theories of international politics, individual, group and state behavior; the relation between continuity, conflict and change in the international order; and an extensive examination of the paths and obstacles to world peace. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 423. Security Studies (3)

An analysis of security issues as they affect the nation-state. The course explores the actors, institutions and decision-making processes involved in the historical and contemporary development of defense policy. Various theoretical models will be utilized to assess issues of bargaining, mediation, war prevention and grand strategy doctrines. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 426. International Law (3)

Case studies of legal precedents affecting the regulation of the international community, together with an evaluation of the efficacy of international judicial sanctions. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 427A/L. Model United Nations and Lab (1/2)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite: POLS 427AL. Begins with a general analysis of the role of the U.N. in world politics and comparative foreign policy. Particular emphasis is then placed on the foreign policy of the country to be represented and the internal and external factors on which that policy is based. Seminar format with group …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 428. International Organization (3)

Analysis of the roles of various types of international organizations in contemporary world politics. Focus is on the United Nations, specialized (functional) agencies, regional organizations and non-governmental organizations such as multinational corporations, foundations and other “transnationals.” Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 429. United States Foreign Policy (3)

Analysis of the contemporary declaratory and action policies pursued by the U.S. in the conduct of its foreign relations. Various conceptual models such as ends/means analysis, decision making and economic determinist are tested and evaluated in terms of their descriptive, analytical and predictive utility. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 432A. Politics of Mexico (3)

Prerequisite: POLS 156 or POLS 225 or instructor’s permission. Study of the genesis and development of Mexico’s political system. Examines the different interpretations of the Mexican political system and provides the background of the development of the modern Mexican state. Special emphasis in the challenges of contemporary Mexican politics, including the rising participation of civil …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 433A. The Politics of Central America (3)

Study of the politics of Central America emphasizing current socioeconomic and political crises and U.S. involvement in those crises. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 435A. Government and Politics of China (3)

Analysis of the Peoples Republic of China, including its ideology, revolutionary origin, party organization, central and local government, role of the military, mass participation, economic modernization, cultural policies and foreign policy. Changes from the Maoist to the post-Mao period will be emphasized. The question of Taiwan will be discussed. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 436A. Government and Politics of Europe (3)

Comparative analysis of recent and contemporary European politics, focusing on the political, economic and social structures that have shaped European affairs since the end of World War II. Emphasis on the role played by the modern state, the interstate system, nationalism and the world economy in shaping postwar European politics. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 438. Governments and Politics of the Middle East (3)

Study of contemporary social and political movements, governmental institutions and politics of the Arab states, Israel and Iran. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 439A. Government and Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa (3)

Study of the national governments, emerging political patterns and problems of new states of West and East Africa. Study includes an overview of traditional societies and the politics of cultural sub-nationalism. Major focus on contemporary nationalism, modernization and ideological developments, and on single-party, military and other political structures. Seminar format with individual presentations. Available for graduate …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 440. American Political Parties and Politics (3)

Study of the rise of American political parties, their structure, operation, control and political leadership. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 441. Interest Groups (3)

Study of the tactics and aims of interest groups in their efforts to mold public opinion and to influence legislators, executives, judges and administrators. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 441A. Latina/o Politics (3)

This course examines how Latina/os engage the U.S. political system both at the elite and the mass level. It will also examine how political science understands both intra- and inter-group politics in the context of the evolving power of Latina/os in the United States. Students will explore politicized group identity and formation, political incorporation, political …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 443. Congress and The Legislative Process (3)

This course covers the historical origins, development, and contemporary politics of the United States Congress and, to some extent, other American legislatures (state and local). The course examines the tension between Congress’ representational and policymaking functions, the details of the lawmaking process, and the way in which the Congress interacts with other political institutions. Students …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 444. Elections and Voting Behavior (3)

Study of the electoral process in the U.S., presented in terms of the history of elections, election and campaign techniques, and patterns of voting behavior. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 445. Political Behavior (3)

Introduction to political behavior; the influences of culture, ideology and social structure on political life; group influences on political behavior and major factors in leadership; and psychological bases of participation in normal and extreme politics. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 446. The Presidency (3)

The course will cover the historical origins, development, and contemporary politics of the American presidency. The course will examine the president’s place in the American constitutional framework, the historical development of the presidency, and the development of the presidential selection system. Students will learn about sources of presidential power, explanations for variation in presidential power, …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 447A. Media and Politics (3)

The focus of this course is a reconciliation of common perceptions of media influence on public opinion, elections and policy making with empirical evidence of media effects on these components of the political system. The term “media” will be defined through its organization and workings that includes print, broadcast and Internet sources. Students will learn …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 448. Women and Politics in the United States and the World (3)

Examines feminist theories and public policies as they shape the various political possibilities and strategies for women in the U.S. and in other selected countries. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 449DC. DC Politics, Culture, and History (3)

Prerequisite: Admission to and satisfactory standing in the CSUN in DC Internship Program. Students will learn about the politics, history and culture of Washington, D.C. by living in and experiencing the city through activities, walking tours and attendance at events throughout the city. Among potential activities, students will visit museums, participate in walking tours, attend …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 449PR. Professional Development in DC (3)

Prerequisite: Admission to and satisfactory standing in the CSUN in DC Internship Program. This course is meant to expose students to professional development and careers in Washington, D.C. The class will feature a series of speakers including professionals who work on Capitol Hill, in agencies, for nonprofits, and with advocacy organizations. Students will also work …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 450. Jurisprudence (3)

Critical survey of the modern schools of jurisprudence and their treatment of law and such legal concepts and problems as obligation, responsibility, punishment and the limits and purposes of law. The works of students of jurisprudence or legal philosophy are supplemented with descriptive accounts of the nature and operation of modern legal systems. Available for graduate …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 455. Criminal Procedures (3)

Critical examination of the law and practices of the criminal process. Emphasis on the major problems involved in pretrial procedures. These include search and seizure, self-incrimination, bail, plea bargaining and the enforcement of constitutional rights. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 457A. Constitutional Law I (3)

General principles of federal and state constitutional law, the powers of the national government and federal-state relations. Study of the leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 457B. Constitutional Law II (3)

Limitations on the national government and the scope of constitutional rights and liberties. Study of the leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 461. Environmental Policy (3)

Study and evaluation of the political process governing the making of environmental policy. Specific issues covered include energy policy, land use, air and water pollution, and hazardous and toxic waste disposal. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 462. Ethics in Politics and Administration (3)

Examination of the various kinds of ethical problems faced by elected and non-elected government personnel. Focus is on the scope and limits of individual responsibility in the practice of politics and the management of public organizations. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 464. Comparative Public Policy (3)

Examines why different nations formulate and implement different public policies for similar problems. Systematic and critical approach to understanding the effect of ideological orientations, political institutions and governmental processes on the public policies of modern states. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 465. Administrative Behavior (3)

Analysis of classic theories and case studies in administrative behavior; relations of organizational structure and personality types; and survey of approaches to rationality in decision making through study of the factors influencing administrative choices. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 466. The Politics of Public Spending (3)

Critical analysis of how government financial policies are formulated and controlled within a setting of conflicting views and interests. Examines the influence of the system of checks and balances: the effects of cooperation between chief executives, administrators, budget bureaus, legislators, pressure groups and the general public; and the impact of government spending on the private …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 467. Urban Administration (3)

Analysis of public executives, including mayors, city managers and chief administrative officers, and their relationships to the structures of urban government and the public priorities and programs of urban areas. Focus includes the executive’s relationships with the formal structures, councils, civil servants, budgets, political parties, interest groups, independent agencies, the media and other levels of …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 471A-F. Proseminar (3)

Prerequisites: POLS 372; Intended for seniors only (juniors require instructor consent). Advanced research in a subfield in political science. Available for graduate credit. Course Title POLS 471A American Government POLS 471B Comparative Government POLS 471C International Relations POLS 471D Political Theory POLS 471E Public Administration and Pubic Policy POLS 471F Public Law

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 480. The Politics of Globalization (3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Introduction to some of the major changes that have accompanied the processes of globalization during the last 30 years, including identifying and addressing the positive and negative consequences of these changes. Discussion of different approaches to globalization; its technical and historical roots; and the economic, political, ethical and cultural consequences of …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 481. Globalization, Gender and Democratization (3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing. Concerned with three major phenomena of the modern world—globalization, democratization and feminization, as well as their interrelationships and their impacts on gender regimes (or gender relationships) in various parts of the world. Incorporates gender analysis into a critical study of the processes of globalization and democratization. Identifies a number of gender regimes …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 490CA. Supervised Individual Project—California Government (1)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Individual, supervised studies in California government. (Available for General Education, D4 California State and Local Government.)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 494I/A. Political Science Internship (1/2)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite: POLS 494IA. Approximately 120 hours of supervised fieldwork required. Students complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internships. Students will meet as a seminar group with a faculty member during the semester. Available for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 494IB. Political Science Internship (3)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite: POLS 494I. Approximately 125 hours of supervised internship fieldwork required. Students complete learning contracts and submit written reports related to their internships. Students will meet as a seminar group with a faculty member during the semester. Available for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 494J/A. Judicial Internship (1/2)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Corequisite POLS 494JA. Students are assigned to a Superior Court judge to observe the inner workings of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Through observation of trials, settlement conferences, plea bargains and preliminary hearings, students develop a familiarity with the processes of the judicial system and the issues facing the legal system. Available …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Political Science (3)

Selected topics in political science, with course content to be determined. Available for graduate credit.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Does not carry credit for the master’s degree.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 522A-G. Seminar in International Relations (3)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status or instructor consent. Inquiry into major contemporary theories in international relations, including treatment of the problems of theory building and testing. Course Title POLS 522A Theory and Methodology POLS 522C International Organizations POLS 522D Comparative Foreign Policies POLS 522F International Relations of Selected Areas POLS 522G Selected Topics

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 530A-J. Seminar in Comparative Government (3)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status or instructor consent. Inquiry into major contemporary theories in comparative government relations, including treatment of the problems of theory and the study of selected areas. Course Title POLS 530A Democratization POLS 530C Development POLS 530D Western Europe POLS 530H Latin America POLS 530J Selected Areas

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 540B-J. Seminar in American Government and Politics (3)

Prerequisite: Classified graduate status or instructor consent. Inquiry into major contemporary theories in American government including treatment of the problems of theory, law, institutions and political behavior. Course Title POLS 540B Behavior POLS 540C Parties and Interest Groups POLS 540D Public Law POLS 540E Institutions POLS 540F Policy POLS 540G State and Local Government POLS …

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 570. Seminar in Political Theory (3)

Prerequisites: Open to graduate students in the social and behavioral sciences; Instructor consent for upper division students. Graduate survey seminar course in political theory. Engages students in in-depth analysis of the arguments of some of the defining figures of political theory, both ancient and contemporary.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 571. Seminar in Methodology (3)

Study of representative literature in the field of political science, with emphasis on the underlying methodological assumptions, analysis of statistical techniques employed with respect to appropriateness, evaluation of research design and application, and evaluation of validity of conclusion, with recommendations for replication or improvement.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 597. Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)

Open by special permission to students electing to complete a comprehensive examination in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 599C. Independent Study (3)

Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

[ View Faculty ]

POLS 698D. Graduate Culminating Project (3)

Prerequisite: Instructor permission required. This culminating course requires students to demonstrate their mastery of their specialization in political science. Students will revise an existing research paper that they produced in one of their graduate seminars in political science and develop it into a manuscript that could be submitted as a conference paper, journal article, or academic writing …

[ View Faculty ]

Present, Phillip E.

(1968) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. Principia College; M.A. 1962, University of California, Los Angeles; Ph.D. 1966, University of Southern California.

[ View Faculty ]

Ricks, Boris E.

(2008) Associate Professor of Political Science. B.S. 1989, Mississippi Valley State College; M.P.A. 1991 University of Mississippi; M.A. 1996, Ph.D. 2003, University of Southern California.

[ View Faculty ]

Ringsmuth, David C.

(1970) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.S. 1963, Iowa State University; M.A. 1965, Ph.D. 1970 Columbia University.

[ View Faculty ]

Roy, Ram M.

(1967) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1953, M.A. 1955, Osmania University; Ph.D. 1969, Claremont Graduate School.

[ View Faculty ]

Saiz, Martin R.

(2000) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1978, Arizona State University; M.P.C.D. 1981, University of Colorado, Denver; Ph.D. 1991, University of Colorado, Boulder.

[ View Faculty ]

Snowiss, Sylvia

(1968) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1960, City College of New York; M.A. 1962, Ph.D. 1968, University of Chicago.

[ View Faculty ]

Theodoulou, Stella Z.

(1990) Special Assistant to the Provost; Professor of Political Science. B.A. 1977, City of London Poly; M.A. 1979, University of Essex; Ph.D. 1984, Tulane University.

[ View Faculty ]

Windsor, Faith

(1967) Professor Emeritus of Political Science. B.A. 1958, University of California, Los Angeles; M.A. 1963, Pennsylvania State University; Ph.D. 1973, University of Southern California.

[ View Faculty ]