Some courses displayed may not be offered every year. For actual course offerings by quarter, please consult the Quarterly Class Search
or GOLD (for current students). To see the historical record of when a particular course has been taught in the past, please visit the Course Enrollment Histories.
POL S 105.
Theories of Comparative Politics
(4)
FREEMAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
A comparison of federalism, political parties, and executive leadership in different countries. A core course generally recommended, and in some cases required, for advanced work in comparative government.
POL S 106AAZZ.
Special Topics in Political Science
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Upper-division, full POLS major standing.
Enrollment Comments: May be repeated for credit provided letter designations are different.
Lectures in special areas of interest in political science. Specific course titles to be announced by the department each quarter offered.
POL S 106AA.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106AB.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106AC.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106AF.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106AJ.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106AM.
Special Topics: African American Politics
POL S 106AP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106AT.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106BP.
Special Topics: Business and Politics in a Comparative Perspective
POL S 106CA.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106CE.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106CF.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106CI.
Special Topics in Political Science: Causal Inference
POL S 106CL.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106CP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106D.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106DD.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106DG.
Special Topics in Political Science: Designing Democratic Governments
POL S 106DP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106DQ.
Special Topics: Democracy and Inequality
POL S 106EA.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106EC.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106ED.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106EE.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106EI.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106EP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106ER.
Special Topics in Political Science: The Political Economy of Extractive Resources
POL S 106EU.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106FC.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106FP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106G.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106GL.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106GP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106GR.
Special Topics in Political Science: Gender Rights and Politics
POL S 106HR.
Special Topics: International Law and Human Rights
POL S 106I.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IC.
Special Topics in Political Science: Emerging Technology and International Security
POL S 106ID.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IE.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IG.
Special Topics: Intergovernmental Relations
POL S 106IL.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IM.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IR.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IS.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106IV.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106JP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106LA.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106LC.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106LP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106LR.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106MP.
Special Topics in Political Science: Politics of the Marginalized
POL S 106MR.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106MS.
Special Topics in Political Science: Media and Social Movements
POL S 106N.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106ND.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106NS.
Special Topics in Political Science: Nuclear Security
POL S 106PC.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PD.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PE.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PK.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PL.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PM.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PO.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PP.
Special Topics in Political Science: Psychology in International Relations
POL S 106PR.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106PS.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106RI.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106RM.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106RP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106SA.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106SL.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106SS.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106T.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106U.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106UN.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106UP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106W.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106WE.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 106WP.
Special Topics in Political Science
POL S 108.
Politics and Literature
(4)
BRUHN, NORRIS
This course will explore problems concerning alienation, obligation, power,freedom, and fulfillment as treated by ancient and modern authors.
POL S 109.
Revolution and Mass Movement
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
Analyzing the dynamics of revolution from the French and Soviet to contemporary revolutions in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
POL S 110AAZZ.
Political Concepts
(4)
DIGESER, NORRIS
Prerequisite: Political Science 1.
Enrollment Comments: Can be repeated for additional credit, provided letter designations are different.
Repeat Comments: Those who have completed PS 110 prior to Spring 2015 may repeat the course as a legal repeat.
Introduction to some of the main concepts of political theory, such as the individual and the state, freedom and equality, political obligation, and their relevance to modern society and government.
POL S 110AA.
Political Concepts
POL S 110AM.
Political Concepts
POL S 110AN.
Political Concepts: Critical Theory & Marxism
POL S 110CD.
Political Concepts: Civil Disobedience
POL S 110CT.
Political Concepts
POL S 110DT.
Political Concepts
POL S 110ET.
Political Concepts: Environmental Political Theory
POL S 110J.
Political Concepts
POL S 110OT.
Political Concepts
POL S 110PA.
Political Concepts
POL S 110PC.
Political Concepts: The Philosophy of Capitalism
POL S 110PO.
Political Concepts
POL S 110S.
Political Concepts
POL S 110U.
Political Concepts
POL S 114.
Democracy and Diversity
(4)
DIGESER, BARVOSA
Prerequisite: Chicana/o Studies 1B or Political Science 1.
Introduction to the ancient and modern models of democracy which underpin contemporary democratic life. An analysis of the philosophical bases of democracy, diversity, political obligation, equality, liberty, consent, representation, and rights.
POL S 116.
The Political Consequences of Electoral Laws
(4)
STOLL
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 and 15.
Survey of the electoral systems in use throughout the world; their relationships with other political institutions, such as the system of government; and their effects upon political competition, democratic representation and policy outcomes.
POL S 117.
Social Movement Politics
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: Political Science 6
Enrollment Comments: Not available to students that have taken POL S 106SM.
Social movements embody pure politics. They mobilize citizens and are a form of collective action. Scholars have shown that outcomes as wide-ranging as quality of governance, the survival of regimes and nation states, electoral mobilization, citizenship rights, and levels of violence during civil wars can be explained by movements and their attributes.
POL S 118.
Comparative Ethnic Politics
(4)
KAPLAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7, and 15.
Examination of the political consequences of ethnicity. Theoretical approaches to issues addressing problems of multiethnic states in the developing world, and the successor states of the Soviet Union.
POL S 119AAZZ.
Ethical Issues in International Relations
(4)
DIGESER
Prerequisite: Political Science 1 and 7.
Enrollment Comments: Can be repeated for additional credit, provided letter designations are different.
Repeat Comments: May be repeated for additional units of credit as long as letter designations are different.
An examination of the possibility and desirability of normative international political theory and an exploration of the moral dimensions of statecraft; use of force, nuclear deterrence, humanitarian intervention,distributive justice, and human rights.
POL S 119AA.
Ethical Issues in International Relations
POL S 119DJ.
Ethical Issues in International Relations: Distributive Justice
POL S 119HR.
Ethical Issues in International Relations: Human Rights
POL S 119JW.
Ethical Issues in International Relations: Just War
POL S 120.
Negotiation in Theory and Practice
(4)
STOKES
Prerequisite: None.
Enrollment Comments: Designed for majors.
This course focuses on negotiation in theory and practice. It uses lectures and hands-on exercises in class to build students? skills. It draws on research on negotiation, with a focus on applying these ideas to political contexts and institutions. It also helps build practical skills in communication, leadership and decision-making.
POL S 121.
International Politics
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
An examination of theories concerning the actions, interactions, and relationships among nation-states.
POL S 123.
The Politics of International Monetary Relations
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
The politics of international monetary relations. The aim is to learn how to understand and evaluate the current functioning of money and finance in the global economy.
POL S 124.
International Organizations
(4)
MORSE
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
The nature and function of international organizations, including a study of the United Nations and the European community.
POL S 126.
International Security
(4)
NARANG, STRATHMAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 7 or 121, and 15.
Examines how states use diplomacy, strategic coercion, and military force to achieve political objectives.
POL S 127.
American Foreign Policy
(4)
NARANG, STRATHMAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
The United States in world politics. Policy making institutions, particularly the presidency, congress, state department, and the military establishment. Interaction between domestic and external politics.
POL S 128.
Russian Foreign Policy
(4)
KAPLAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7, and 15.
Examination of recent work on foreign policies of Russia, with attention to methodological and substantive issues. Topics include: strategic theory, East-West relations, trade and the monetary system, and relations among states of the former Soviet Union.
POL S 130.
Politics of South Asia
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
South Asia is home to 1.5 billion people and its politics has important implications for the rest of the world. This course is structured around several themes including: democratization, economic development, ethnic conflict and civil war.
POL S 132.
Politics of the Poor
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 and 15.
By drawing on examples from industrializing and post-industrial countries, we will examine a variety of aspects related to the politics of the poor. Some questions we will grapple with include: What does it mean to be poor? How economically and socially disadvantaged people resist oppression; how attempts at organizing these people succeed or fail; how the poor engage with democratic reforms; and why the democratic system fails them.
POL S 133.
Military Politics
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: POLS 6 or POLS 7.
Examines a military?s role in domestic politics by focusing on a diverse set of topics including civil-military relations, military?s role in citizen making, economic progress, conflict management, and nation building.
POL S 134.
Relations Between the United States and Mexico
(4)
BRUHN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7, and 15.
A general examination of relations between the United States and Mexico in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Emphasis on issues such as the origins of conflict and cooperation, and current issue areas including immigration.
POL S 135.
Government and Politics of Japan
(4)
FREEMAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
The organization and operation of Japanese politics, with particular attention to domestic political forces and problems.
POL S 137.
Politics of Economic Development
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 and 15.
An exploration of the difference between economic growth and economic development. Why do some countries develop faster than others? The course will reflect on the political factors that impact a state's economic development, including order and violence, historical and contemporary institutions, collective action, culture, ethnic diversity, rural-urban linkages, international trade and foreign aid.
POL S 138.
Select Topics in Comparative Politics
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing. Political Science 6 and 15.
A comparison of federalism, political parties, and executive leadership in different countries, focusing on select topics in comparative politics.
POL S 140.
Water Politics
(4)
SINGH
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 OR Global Studies 2
Climate change and rapidly depleting water resources are the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Claims over water by powerful sectors including commercial farming, industrialization and urbanization will get stronger and water scarcity will further marginalize the poor from their livelihoods. This course has examples from around the world, deals with the pressing challenges related to water, and gives the students a better understanding of politics related to water.
POL S 141.
Civil War
(4)
COGGINS, NARANG
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
Patterns in the phenomenon of civil war and ethnic conflict. A survey of the causes of these conflicts and an exploration of the consequences. Special attention is given to several key cases of civil conflict to illustrate core concepts.
POL S 142.
Foreign Policy Decision Making
(4)
STRATHMAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
Examines how leaders and organizations make and implement foreign policy.
POL S 143.
Russian Domestic Politics
(4)
KAPLAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 and 15; not open to freshmen.
The course examines the basic characteristics of the Soviet ancient regime and the forces and institutions which shaped the emerging states and societies. Topics include: parliamentary and economic systems, political parties, interest groups, ethnicity, legitimacy, sovereignty and inter-state relations.
POL S 144.
West European Political Systems
(4)
MOOSBRUGGER
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
The politics and political institutions of Europe. Objective of the course is to familiarize students with both the political institutions that structure European politics and the issues that are the focus of political debates in Europe.
POL S 145.
The European Union
(4)
STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Same course as Italian 161AX.
Introduction to the history and organization of the European Union (the institutions, policies, goals, and successes of the EU). Focus on the ongoing process of economical, political, social, and cultural integration in Europe since the Second World War. In English.
POL S 146.
Globalization and Politics
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7; upper-division standing.
An examination and assessment of theories of globalization in relation to the distribution of political power on a global scale, future scenarios of global political domination, and the role of the nation-state in the international system of power.
POL S 147.
POLITICS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(4)
BRUHN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
A comparative analysis of the political system of a selected number of African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, with particular development and modernization common to all of them.
POL S 148.
Latin American Politics
(4)
BRUHN
Prerequisite: Political Science 6
An introduction to government and politics in Latin America.
POL S 149.
Israeli Politics
(4)
STOLL
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 and 15; not open to freshmen.
Recommended Preparation: Background in the history and politics of the Middle East, such as that obtained in Political Science 150A.
An introduction to the politics of Israel. Examines both Israeli domestic politics and Israel in comparative perspective.
POL S 150A.
Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
(4)
MASTERSON
This course provides an introduction to key theoretical debates in the comparative politics and international relations of the Middle East. We cover the major areas of political science research on the region while also building substantive knowledge about the politics of individual countries. This course aims to help students identify broad trends in the political, social, and economic development of the Middle East and critically evaluate existing explanations for those trends.
POL S 151.
Voting and Elections
(4)
SMITH
Prerequisite: Political Science 15.
Introduction to elections and voting, primarily in the U.S. but also cross-nationally; the role of electoral rules, party competition and campaigns in determining voter turnout and choice; the effect of elections on public policy.
POL S 152.
American Political Parties
(4)
SMITH
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 and 15.
The nature, characteristics, and history of American political parties; party organization; political campaigns and finance; nominations, elections, and electoral problems.
POL S 153.
Political Interest Groups
(4)
HAN, WEATHERFORD
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 and 15.
The nature and function of organized interest groups and their impact upon public opinion and government.
POL S 154.
Public Opinion
(4)
JENNINGS, SMITH, WEATHERFORD
Prerequisite: Political Science 15 or 104 or Sociology 3 or 104A or Psychology 5 or Communications 88.
A study of the formation and nature of public opinion including: the public's political sophistication; the role of emotion in political thinking; nature of political culture; growth of political alienation and the forms of political participation.
POL S 155.
Congress
(4)
SMITH
Prerequisite: Political Science 12; concurrent enrollment in Political Science 155L.
The organization, operation, and politics of congress; problems of representation, leadership and relations with interest groups, the white house and the bureaucracy.
POL S 155L.
Congress Simulation Lab
(2)
SMITH
Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with Political Science 155.
A simulation of the U.S. House of Representatives designed to teach the operation and politics of Congress.
POL S 157.
The American Presidency
(4)
WOOLLEY
Prerequisite: Political Science 15 or 104 or 104A or Sociology 3 or Psychology 5 or Communications 88 AND Political Science 12.
Analysis of the institution of the presidency, its functions, formal and informal relationships, and its limitations within the American political system. Emphasis on the dynamics of the presidency, including presidential personality, conceptions of role, impact of public opinion, and responses to changes in the environment.
POL S 160.
Asian American Politics
(4)
LIEN
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 or Asian American Studies 1 or Asian American Studies 2.
Enrollment Comments: Open to non-majors. Designed for majors.
Survey of the historical and contemporary political experiences of Asian Americans and their pursuits for immigration, equality, citizenship, political identity, racial justice, cross-racial/ethnic coalition building and incorporation into the U. S. political system.
POL S 161.
U. S. Minority Politics
(4)
LIEN
Prerequisite: Political Science 12. Not open to freshmen.
A comparative study of recent literature on the historical and contemporary political experiences of the four major racial and ethnic minority groups (Blacks/African Americans, American Indians, Latinos/Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans) and their interactions with the dominant racial group (non-Hispanic white Americans) in the U.S.
POL S 162.
Urban Government and Politics
(4)
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
Problems of politics and administration in urban and metropolitan areas.
POL S 165.
Criminal Justice
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 and 15.
Problems and functions of police, prosecution and defense relating to such problems as plea-bargaining, exclusionary rule, trials, bail, and sentencing.
POL S 166.
US Immigration Politics and Policy
(4)
LASALA-BLANCO
Prerequisite: Political Science 15.
Examines the politics of US immigration policy.
POL S 170.
Public Policy Analysis
(4)
MCDONNELL, WOOLLEY
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 and 15.
The assumptions, goals, content, and consequences of selected domestic policies, concentrating on the period since 1960. Discussion of the nature of collective action, methods of policy analysis and evaluation, and problems of implementation.
POL S 172.
Political Communication in the U.S.
(4)
BIMBER
Prerequisite: Political Science 15.
Political communication in the United States. Covering the interplay of news, social media, and other forms of communication with public opinion and political behavior.
POL S 173.
Media and Politics in Comparative and Historical Perspective
(4)
FREEMAN
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
A comparative examination across countries of the theory and history of media and politics.
POL S 175.
Politics of the Environment
(4)
SMITH
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 or Environmental Studies 3; upper-division standing.
Enrollment Comments: Same course as Environmental Studies 178.
Analysis of environmental policy issues and their treatment in the political process. Discussion of the interplay of substantive issues, ideology, institutions, and private groups in the development, management, protection, and preservation of natural resources and the natural environment.
POL S 176.
Energy Politics and Policy
(4)
STOKES
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 12, or Environmental Studies 1 or 3.
Repeat Comments: Students who had taken POLS 106EP or POLS 106PE, and who earned a repeatable grade (a C- or lower), MAY retake the course with its new number.
Introduces students to the politics and policy of the contemporary global energy system. Covers major public policies and politics related to both the electricity and transportation systems. Students learn energy technology characteristics and understand contemporary political debates over the energy system.
POL S 177.
Comparative Environmental Politics
(4)
MILDENBERGER
Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 1 or Political Science 6
Enrollment Comments: Same course as Environmental Studies 177.
Course is structured around the major issues in environmental politics, for example: global warming, nuclear waste, deforestation, and chemical pollution. The roles of economics, technology and social organization are each considered as explanatory variables for understanding environmental problems.
POL S 178.
Democracy and the Internet
(4)
BIMBER
Prerequisite: POLS 12
Examines challenges to democratic process and public spheres associated with digital media, including: harms to privacy, misinformation, propaganda, anti-social behavior, political extremism and violence, and corporate power, with an emphasis on the US.
POL S 180.
Bureaucracy and Public Policy
(4)
MCDONNELL
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 and 15.
The nature of American bureaucracy, its organization and culture and its role as a political institution.
POL S 185.
Government and the Economy
(4)
WOOLLEY
Prerequisite: Political Science 12 and 15; and Economics 1 and 2, or Economics 109.
Government's evolving role in economic life; the cultural, political, and philosophical setting of government-business relations; the maintenance and moderation of competition; the goals, methods, and politics of regulatory administration.
POL S 186.
Introduction to International Political Economy
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Enrollment Comments: Same course as Global Studies 123. Not open for credit to students who have completed Political Science 186A.
Introduction to the politics of international economic relations. Examination of alternative analytical and theoretical perspectives for their value in helping to understand and evaluate the historical development and current operation of the world economy.
POL S 187.
Classical Political Theory
(4)
DIGESER, NORRIS
Prerequisite: Political Science 1; upper-division standing.
A careful examination of major texts and thinkers in the ancient world and in medieval times.
POL S 188.
Modern Political Theory
(4)
Prerequisite: Political Science 1; upper-division standing.
Development of political ideas from the sixteenth century to the nineteenthcentury.
POL S 189.
Recent and Contemporary Political Theory
(4)
DIGESER
Prerequisite: Political Science 1.
A reconstruction of the contending theories of political order with which western intellectuals, from the nineteenth to the present century, have confronted an era of world historical changes.
POL S 192.
Field Research in Political Science
(1-8)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; consent of department prior to enrollment.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a 3.0 grade-point-average.
Directed research on the political process through participant observation and relevant reading. Individually assigned, instructed, and supervised fieldwork. Students will examine first hand behavior in leading political roles in American politics.
POL S 194.
Group Studies
(1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; upper-division standing.
Enrollment Comments: Subject to departmental approval, students may repeat this course. Only 4 units may apply to the major.
Themes will vary according to instructor.
POL S 195.
Honors Seminar
(4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An intensive analysis of the approaches, problems, and methodologies of a particular subfield of political science.
POL S 196.
Senior Seminar in Political Science.
(4)
STAFF
Enrollment Comments: Designed for majors. Students should have a recommended minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall.
Senior seminar in political science.
POL S 197A.
Honors Thesis Seminar in Political Science
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Senior standing; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Requires a 3.3 cum GPA and 3.5 major GPA. A three-quarter course. Final grade issued upon completion of POLS 197C. By petition, 8 units allocated to core concentration, with 4 units toward electives.
Political Science 197A-B-C is a three quarter sequence course with the final grade issued upon completion of 197C. Honors students, in three-quarter sequence of seminars, write original theses under close faculty supervision.
POL S 197B.
Honors Thesis Seminar in Political Science
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Senior standing; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Requires a 3.3 cum GPA and 3.5 major GPA. A three-quarter course. Final grade issued upon completion of POLS 197C. By petition, 8 units allocated to core concentration, with 4 units toward electives.
Political Science 197A-B-C is a three quarter sequence course with the final grade issued upon completion of 197C. Honors students, in three-quarter sequence of seminars, write original theses under close faculty supervision.
POL S 197C.
Honors Thesis Seminar in Political Science
(4)
STAFF
Prerequisite: Senior standing; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Requires a 3.3 cum GPA and 3.5 major GPA. A three-quarter course. Final grade issued upon completion of POLS 197C. By petition, 8 units allocated to core concentration, with 4 units toward electives.
Political Science 197A-B-C is a three quarter sequence course with the final grade issued upon completion of 197C. Honors students, in three-quarter sequence of seminars, write original theses under close faculty supervision.
POL S 197D.
Senior Thesis in Political Science
(4)
Prerequisite: Senior standing; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a 3.0 GPA. Students may take this in-progress graded sequence for either two or three quarters with 197F designated as the final quarter.
Selected seniors pursue individual, significant research projects under close supervision of faculty readers.
POL S 197E.
Senior Thesis in Political Science
(4)
Prerequisite: Senior standing; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a 3.0 GPA. Students may take this in-progress graded sequence for either two or three quarters with 197F designated as the final quarter.
Selected seniors pursue individual, significant research projects under close supervision of faculty readers.
POL S 197F.
Senior Thesis in Political Science
(4)
Prerequisite: Senior standing; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a 3.0 GPA. Students may take this in-progress graded sequence for either two or three quarters with 197F designated as the final quarter.
Selected seniors pursue individual, significant research projects under close supervision of faculty readers.
POL S 199.
Independent Studies in Political Science
(1-5)
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; completion of two prior upper-division courses in political science; major in political science; consent of department.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a 3.0 GPA for the prior 3 quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 8/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. No more than 8 units of Political Science 199 may count toward completion of the major requirements.
Independent studies in political science.
POL S 199RA.
Independent Research Assistance in Political Science
(1-5)
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; completion of 2 upper-division courses in politicascience; consent of instructor and department.
Enrollment Comments: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the preceding 3 quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Coursework shall consist of faculty supervised research assistance.
POL S 205.
Political Research Methods I
(4)
MILDENBERGER, STOKES, STOLL
An introduction to quantitative political methodology, ranging from probability theory to the basic multivariate linear regression model. Emphasis is placed on the use of statistical software to implement the statistical models covered.
POL S 206.
Political Research Methods II
(4)
STOLL
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; introductory statistics and social scientific research methods.
Regression criticism through limited dependent variable models. Emphasis is placed on the use of statistical software to implement the statistical models covered.
POL S 207.
Advanced Political Research Methods
(4)
MILDENBERGER
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; introductory statistics, social scientific research methods; and Political Science 206.
Advanced techniques of multivariate analysis. Topics determined by students' interest.
POL S 211.
Research Seminar I
(4)
MAHDAVI
Repeat Comments: After earning a letter grade in this seminar, students may repeat it up to two more times.
This is the first quarter of a two-quarter research seminar designed to give students experience in the production of a research paper, with a focus on designing theoretically-informed, empirically-tested projects. The seminar is taught in a workshop format focusing on the individual research projects of each student. While not a formal prerequisite, each student is expected to have at least the beginning of a research proposal idea before starting the course.
POL S 212.
Research Seminar II
(4)
MAHDAVI
Repeat Comments: After earning a letter grade in this seminar, students may repeat it up to two more times.
This is the second quarter of a two-quarter research seminar designed to give students experience in the production of a research paper. The seminar is taught in a workshop format focusing on the individual research projects of each student.
POL S 215.
The American Governmental Process
(4)
WEATHERFORD, WOOLLEY
An examination of basic aspects of american national government, with primary attention to important contemporary literature on the subject.
POL S 225.
International Relations
(4)
STAFF
Basic factors shaping the political conflicts and accommodations among nations. Major attention to basic literature on the subject matter.
POL S 226.
Seminar on International Economics for Non-Economists
(4)
COHEN
Prerequisite: No prior training in the discipline of economics is required.
Introduction to the basic elements of international economic theory. Topics include the balance of payments and commercial policy, the global monetary and trading systems, international investment, and north-south economic relations.
POL S 230.
Comparative Political Systems
(4)
AHUJA, BRUHN
A general survey of theories of comparative politics with some attention toconcrete applications and to comparative trends in other social sciences and history.
POL S 231.
Qualitative Methods
(4)
BRUHN, KAPLAN
Focuses on the logic and purpose of qualitative methods in the social sciences, including the utility of mixed methods in research design. The course covers basic topics such as case selection, process tracing, and management of qualitative evidence, but will also discuss more specialized issues such as the use of interviews, focus groups, survey construction and measurement, field experiments, and content analysis.
POL S 232.
Politics of Economic Development
(4)
AHUJA
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; introductory statistics, social scientific research methods; and Political Science 206.
An exploration of the difference between economic growth and economic development. Why do some countries develop faster than others? The course will reflect on the political factors that impact a state's economic development, including order and violence, historical and contemporary institutions, collective action, culture, ethnic diversity, rural-urban linkages, international trade and foreign aid.
POL S 235.
Comparative Political Institutions
(4)
STOLL
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
A survey of the major theoretical approaches to the study of political institutions, as well as of the major political institutions, such as the regime type and electoral system. The perspective is primarily comparative, but examples are also drawn from the American politics literature.
POL S 236.
Democratization in Comparative Perspective
(4)
BRUHN
Theoretical issues in research on democratization, emphasizing problems of transition and consolidation and methods of comparison of democratic transitions across regions.
POL S 237.
Social Movements and Collective Action
(4)
AHUJA, BRUHN, HAN, WEATHERFORD
An overview of theoretical and empirical literature dealing with social movements and collective action as it relates specifically to problems in popular organization. Readings demonstrate some empirical bias toward LatinAmerica, as well as the United States and Europe.
POL S 240.
Seminar on Classical Political Thinkers
(4)
KEUM
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
An intensive examination of major texts and thinkers in the ancient world and in medieval times.
POL S 241.
Seminar on Modern Political Thinkers
(4)
DIGESER, NORRIS
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
An intensive examination of major text and thinkers in modern times.
POL S 242.
Seminar on Contemporary Political Thinkers
(4)
DIGESER, NORRIS
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
An intensive examination of major texts, thinkers and movements in the contemporary world.
POL S 243.
Seminar in Political Concepts
(4)
DIGESER
Concepts that are crucial to the analysis, understanding and transformationof political and social phenomena. The seminar will draw insights and examples from the classical and contemporary literature, the present and the future.
POL S 250.
Seminar in Political Socialization
(4)
JENNINGS
The development of political attitudes and behavior throughout the entire life cycle. Major foci of attention include the study of agents of political socialization, the content of socialization, variations within and across political systems, and the impact of generational and historicaleffects.
POL S 251.
Political Parties and Political Representation
(4)
STOLL
Topics covered include the concept of political representation; the historical development of political parties and their role in providing representation; party systems; the relationship between party systems, policy outcomes and democracy; the representation of minorities; and problems in the study of representation. The perspective is primarily comparative but examples are also drawn from the American politics literature.
POL S 252.
Seminar in Public Opinion and Political Participation
(4)
STAFF
Public opinion, elections, and other forms of participation are considered. Emphasis is on American politics, but theories and research are viewed in comparative perspective.
POL S 253.
Seminar - Interest Groups in American Politics
(4)
STOKES
Graduate seminar on political interest groups in American politics. This seminar focuses on the role of interest groups in shaping American politics and public policy. It is intended to expose graduate students in American politics to the major debates in the discipline on the role of interest groups in shaping the US political environment.
POL S 254.
Seminar in the Legislative Process
(4)
SMITH
An examination of a range of problems in the study of the organization, operation, and politics of american legislature ---especially the U.S. Congress.
POL S 256.
The American Presidency
(4)
WOOLLEY
This seminar provides an intensive survey of scholarly analysis of the presidency and the interaction of the president with other branches of the national government.
POL S 258.
Seminar in American Political Behavior
(4)
SMITH, BIMBER
Prerequisite: GRADUATE STANDING.
Repeat Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Political Science 594PB.
Intended as a core seminar in American Politics. Covers the literature on individual political behavior in the United States. Topics include theoretical approaches to studying individual political behavior and foundational research on topics such as the nature and consequences of the public's knowledge about politics, persuasion, political identity, ideology, values, tolerance, prejudice, public opinion, participation, and voting.
POL S 261.
Seminar in American Institutions
(4)
HAN
Repeat Comments: Not open for credit to students who have completed Political Science 594AI.
This course is intended to be a core seminar in American Politics. Introduces students to the core literature on American political institutions. Topics include theoretical approaches to studying political institutions, and foundational research on institutions like the presidency, Congress, federalism, political parties, interest groups, states, the judicial system, and other political institutions.
POL S 263.
Race, Ethnicity and Gender in American Politics
(4)
LIEN
This course examines the role of race, ethnicity and gender; their intersections in shaping the opportunity structures and behavioral outcomes of political participation and the incorporation of racial/ethnic minorities and women into the American political processes and institutions.
POL S 266.
Contemporary Problems in American Government
(4)
BIMBER
An in-depth look at current controversies and debates in research on American politics.
POL S 267.
Political Communication
(4)
BIMBER
Overview of political communication. Covers foundational topics such as political deliberation, agenda-setting, framing, selective exposure, and political advertising, as well as the changing structure of contemporary media and the role of digital media in politics.
POL S 270.
Theoretical Issues in International Political Economy
(4)
COHEN
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
The focus of this seminar will be on theoretical issues at the leading edge of contemporary scholarship in the field of international political economy. A principal objective will be to identify key elements of an agenda for future research.
POL S 272.
Seminar on International Organizations and Society
(4)
MORSE
Prerequisite: Political Science 225 or equivalent.
Examines, from a variety of theoretical perspectives, the proposition that there is an international society consisting of laws, norms, institutions, organizations, and cultures that has significant effects on the behavior of states and the character of international relations.
POL S 273.
International Political Economy
(4)
COHEN
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Introduction to the politics of international economic relations. Alternative analytical and theoretical perspectives on actor behavior and system governance. Historical development and current operation of the world economy.
POL S 274.
Contemporary Civil War & Political Violence
(4)
COGGINS
Repeat Comments: Not open for credit for students who have completed POLS 594CW.
Surveys the scholarly research on civil war's causes, dynamics, termination, and consequences. The material emphasizes theory and includes classic studies of civil war as well as cutting edge research. Designed to be both theoretical and practical, introducing students to the most important and cutting-edge research in civil war while simultaneously preparing them for work in the academy or research.
POL S 275.
War, Diplomacy and International Security
(4)
STAFF
The seminar will probe a variety of issues, theoretical and historical (plus quite a few contemporary ones), that touch on war, power, and security studies.
POL S 277.
American Foreign Policy
(4)
STAFF
Contemporary issues in U.S. foreign policy
POL S 280A.
Russian Domestic Policy
(4)
KAPLAN
Prerequisite: Political Science 230 or equivalent.
Domestic politics of the Soviet Union and successor states. Issues regularly included are: the process of political change, democratization, ethnic politics, political structure, and economic reform.
POL S 281.
Comparative Ethnic Politics
(4)
KAPLAN
Examines the political consequences of ethnicity and theoretical approachesinvolved in the study of ethnic politics. Issues addressing problems of multi-ethnic states will be examined in light of cases drawn from the industrialized democracies, developing world, and the successor states of the Soviet Union.
POL S 286.
SEMINAR IN JAPANESE POLITICS
(4)
FREEMAN
STRUCTURE AND PROCESSES OF POLICYMAKING IN CONTEMPORARY JAPAN, WITH FOCUS ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES. POLICY ISSUES AND POLICYMAKING CASES, PROBING BOTH THE FORMAL AND INFORMAL RULES OF THE GAME, ITS MAJOR ACTORS, AND ITS BENEFICIARIES AND VICTIMS.
POL S 294.
Environmental Politics and Policy
(4)
SMITH
This seminar focuses on development of the environmental movement in American politics and the resulting institutional responses. Environmental policy making and implementation is examined in light of relevant theories.Emergence of an environmental ethic in American politics is considered.
POL S 295.
Environmental Politics Workshop
(2)
SMITH, MAHDAVI, STOKES
An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on research at the intersection of political science and public policy as it pertains to environmental issues. The expectation is that students specializing in environmental politics will enroll continuously, with differentiated assignments appropriate to stage in the program. Students will present their own work, comment on the work of others, and engage in professional development activities.
POL S 296.
Comparative and International Environmental Politics
(4)
MILDENBERGER
Prerequisite: POLITICAL SCIENCE 204.
Explores the global and comparative political economy of the environment.
POL S 297.
The Analysis of Public Policy
(4)
STOKES, NALL
Prerequisite: Political Science 205 or equivalent.
A survey of different traditions of policy analysis. Includes methods of analysis, policy alternatives, and approaches to explaining policy choice.
POL S 500.
Practicum for Teaching Assistants
(2-4)
Designed to help teaching assistants learn effective teaching methods and techniques under faculty supervision. assignments normally include conducting discussion sections, grading examinations under the supervision of appropriate faculty members and discussion of relevant pedagogical problems.
POL S 501.
Teaching Assistant Training
(4)
STAFF
Designed to help graduate students prepare for future assignments as teaching assistants. Course work normally includes discussions with faculty members and past or current teaching assistants, attendance at demonstration exercises, analysis of teacher performance with the use of audio-visual aids, etc.
POL S 502.
Practicum for Teaching Associates
(2-4)
Designed to help beginning teaching associates improve and refine their teaching methods, techniques and materials through discussions with appropriate members of the regular faculty. The format of the course may vary according to the specific needs of the teaching associates.
POL S 503.
Directed Research
(2-4)
STAFF
Designed for students who are at the early to intermediate stages of their dissertation plans. Progress reports that will lead to an eventual prospectus are emphasized.
POL S 504.
Supervised Internship in Public Policy
(2-8)
This is a supervised internship designed to provide graduate students with a means to pursue research on the policymaking process through participation in the formulation and/or implementation of policy in the field.
POL S 594AAZZ.
Special Topics
(1-4)
Special seminar on research subjects of current interest.
POL S 594AT.
Special Topics
POL S 594BT.
Special Topics: Black Political Thought
POL S 594CC.
Special Topics
POL S 594CI.
Special Topics
POL S 594CP.
Special Topics
POL S 594CR.
Special Topics
POL S 594CT.
Special Topics
POL S 594EA.
Special Topics
POL S 594ED.
Special Topics
POL S 594EM.
Special Topics
POL S 594ET.
Special Topics: Environmental Theory
POL S 594GP.
Special Topics: National Identity, Status and Group Psychology
POL S 594H.
Special Topics
POL S 594HR.
Special Topics: Human Rights
POL S 594IC.
Special Topics: Political Economy of International Cooperation
POL S 594ID.
Special Topics
POL S 594IG.
Special Topics: Interest Groups in American Politics
POL S 594II.
Special Topics: Immigration and Identity
POL S 594M.
Special Topics
POL S 594MD.
Special Topics: The Politics of Migration and Forced Displacement
POL S 594MP.
Special Topics
POL S 594N.
Special Topics
POL S 594NE.
Special Topics
POL S 594NT.
Special Topics
POL S 594NW.
Special Topics
POL S 594PC.
Special Topics
POL S 594PD.
Special Topics
POL S 594PG.
Special Topics: Politics and Gender
POL S 594PL.
Special Topics: Plato's Political Thought
POL S 594PS.
Special Topics
POL S 594PT.
Special Topics
POL S 594PU.
Special Topics
POL S 594QM.
Special Topics
POL S 594RC.
Special Topics
POL S 594RG.
Special Topics
POL S 594RM.
Special Topics
POL S 594RP.
Special Topics
POL S 594RS.
Special Topics
POL S 594RT.
Special Topics
POL S 594SA.
Special Topics
POL S 594SD.
Special Topics
POL S 594SR.
Special Topics: Hegel's Philosophy
POL S 594VT.
Special Topics: Violence & Political Theory
POL S 594WE.
Special Topics
POL S 595A.
Group Studies
(2)
Enrollment Comments: In-progress course with final grade issued upon completion of Political Science 595C.
Current topics in the field of political science.
POL S 595B.
Group Studies
(2)
Enrollment Comments: In-progress course with final grade issued upon completion of Political Science 595C.
Current topics in the field of political science.
POL S 595C.
Group Studies
(2)
Enrollment Comments: In-progress course with final grade issued upon completion of Political Science 595C.
Current topics in the field of political science.
POL S 596.
Directed Reading and Research
(2-6)
Prerequisite: A written proposal for each tutorial must be approved by the instructor andthe department graduate advisor and filed with the department graduate offi
Individual tutorial.
POL S 597.
Individual Study for Master's Comprehensive Examination and Ph.D Examinations
(1-12)
Individual study for Master's comprehensive examinations and Ph.D. examinations.
POL S 598.
Master's Thesis Research and Preparation
(1-12)
Master's thesis research and preparation.
POL S 599.
Ph.D. Dissertation Research and Preparation
(1-12)
Ph.D. dissertation research and preparation.