Political Science

College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Political Science

Program Description

The Political Science Program at CSU Dominguez Hills offers excellent opportunities for the study of government and politics.

Over 30 courses cover all the major aspects of the discipline. Students develop an understanding of human behavior as it relates to politics. They learn to discuss and analyze critically current public policy issues facing the United States and the world. They are taught how to critically observe and understand world affairs and comparative politics. They are trained in appropriate research techniques for the study of political processes.

The General Political Science Concentration is a relatively "open" one, allowing students to choose from a wide range of courses and subjects within a general framework. It is designed for students seeking broad exposure to the diverse subjects of the discipline.

A five-course minor in political science also is available. While the minor most often is used in conjunction with such majors as communications, human services, history, economics, and sociology, it can be paired with almost any major offered at this university.

Features

The political science faculty is an interesting and diverse group of scholars actively involved in their own research projects. Most have traveled extensively in this country and abroad.

Political science internships are available. One opportunity at the state level is the Sacramento Semester Program, which brings students from all 23 California State University campuses to Sacramento for one semester to take advantage of a unique learning experience at the State capital. Another is The Washington Center program in the nation's capital. Through the International Education Center, students can participate in study abroad programs. The Lyman G. Chaffee Endowment includes, in addition to a $1.5 million Chair of Global and Comparative Politics, includes $100,000 to fund political science studies abroad. The Department of Political Science is classified as an "Engaged Department" for outstanding work in the community. This classification is granted by the campus office of community engagement (Center for Service Learning, Internships, and Civic Engagement).

The department offers annually the Lori Cardenas Memorial Scholarship and Michael O'Hara Memorial Scholarship to outstanding students majoring in political science, sponsors the active Association of Political Science Students and participates in Model United Nations conferences.

Students who work during the day should know that class scheduling permits the completion of a political science major in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Academic Advisement

Political Science faculty recommend that new and continuing students visit the department for information regarding graduation requirements, transfer of credit, program planning, lifting of academic holds, and graduation approval. Student records and graduation change of major, add/drop, and other forms are kept in the department office.

Students needing assistance for more specialized interests should see specific faculty members for supplementary academic advising. For prelaw preparation contact Salvatore Russo; for internship opportunities, see Salvatore Russo; for American politics see Jay Kaplan, Salvatore Russo or Annie Whetmore, and for international and comparative politics see the chair of the department.

Preparation

High school students are encouraged to take English composition and social science courses, including civics, economics and history. Experience in journalism, debating activities, and student government are helpful. A foreign language is not required for the degree. However, students who plan further study at the graduate level are encouraged to take a foreign language.

Community college transfer students should contact their counseling office or the CSU Dominguez Hills Political Science office to identify appropriate lower division major/minor preparatory courses. Typically, these would include a basic course in American political institutions, which would fulfill the state code requirements for U.S. Constitution and California state and local government. Transfer students must take POL 300 (Quantitative Methods of Political Analysis) at CSUDH as community colleges do not offer an equivalent course. Other lower-division courses introducing students to the discipline of political science, international relations and comparative politics also are highly recommended.

Students at CSU Dominguez Hills should complete both POL 100 General Education Political Science: World Perspectives and POL 101 American Institutions as a preparation for the major.

Career Planning

Graduates with Political Science majors or minors from CSUDH have pursued a broad variety of careers. These include teaching, law, law enforcement, public administration, business, journalism, and international service. CSUDH graduates, including those with advanced graduate and law degrees, are employed as attorneys, public administrators, business executives, and teachers in schools and universities. Others work as labor union officials and a few have been elected to public office. Graduates from our program are employed both within and outside the United States.

The best undergraduate education for all careers develops critical thinking, communication, and research skills. Course work and extra-curricular activities such as participation in Model United Nations conferences, writing for the campus newspaper and experiential internships will improve these skills. Some professions require graduate or law school training after the Bachelor's degree. Faculty advisers in the department will help you select the courses and an academic programs most appropriate for your career goals. They also will explain interesting extracurricular opportunities supported by the department.

Teaching

An undergraduate degree in Political Science is recommended for entrance to graduate school in Political Science, with the doctorate essential for teaching at the four-year college or university level. Students may prepare for a career in teaching History/Social Science at the secondary level (junior high or high school) by completing an approved "Subject Matter Preparation Program." Completion of such a program is the first step in meeting the state requirements for a teaching credential

As the program requirements for the "Subject Matter Preparation Program" in Social Science have changed recently, interested students should contact the History Department for current information.

Law

Many Political Science majors intend to practice law as a career.

We advise pre-law students to select the General Political Science Concentration and work closely with a pre-law adviser who will explain law school undergraduate preparation, entrance requirements, school choice, and career possibilities.

Public Administration

A major in Political Science with a public administration or public policy emphasis can prepare students for civil service careers at international, national, and local levels of government. These careers require both specialized skills and a general understanding of political processes. The General Political Science Concentration, internship experience, and possibly graduate training are recommended for those interested in public administration.

Journalism

A Political Science major can prepare students for an attractive career in journalism. The General concentration along with practical experience working on the university newspaper is highly recommended.

Business

Many Political Science graduates have found employment in business. Preparation for this career involves a broad liberal arts background, combined with knowledge of governmental processes and organization, public administration, finance, decision-making, organizational behavior, and the processes by which political decisions are made about economic policy. Political Science majors interested in business should consider selecting a business minor.

Other

Enterprising individuals can use their Political Science degree to pursue a variety of interests in the field of politics. These include international and foreign service as well as political campaign management, speech writing, survey research, policy research, public relations, lobbying, fundraising, and so forth. Opportunities result from the initiative of the individual, proper skill development, and academic advising. All students should regularly discuss their academic and career plans with faculty advisers and fellow students, including members of the Association of Political Science Students. The Association maintains a small library of materials on career and internship opportunities, law and graduate school catalogs, and courses texts.

Graduation With Honors

An undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with Honors in Political Science provided the student meets the following criteria:

A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;
A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper-division requirements in the major.

Courses

POL 100. General Education Political Science: World Perspectives. (3 Units)

An introduction to world affairs and the role of the individual in an increasingly complex and interdependent international system. Both the conceptual and practical aspects of problem solving and decision making are examined as they relate to international cooperation and conflict.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 101. American Institutions. (3 Units)

A study of contemporary political institutions, with emphasis on the philosophy, structure, and behavior of the American political system, including the State of California. Meets State requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and Local government.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 300. Research Design in Political Science. (3 Units)

The first course of a two-course sequence - POL 300 and POL 301 - that examines the fundamentals of research design in political science. Satisfies Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). A grade of C or better in this course fulfills the GWAR requirement for all Political Science and Behavioral Science majors and minors.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 301. Statistical Analysis in Political Science. (3 Units)

Prerequisite: POL 300 is required. Focuses on introducing students to elementary statistical techniques and their applications to problems in Political Science.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 304. Basic Concepts of Law: Substantive. (3 Units)

An examination of conflict situations which arise in contemporary life and the way in which the law and legal institutions address these conflicts. Statutory law and common law will be studied with an emphasis on case analysis, torts, crimes, property, contracts, and landlord-tenant.

Offered Infrequent

POL 305. Basic Concepts of Law: Procedural. (3 Units)

A basic course in understanding the legal system with a focus on basic procedural law. Emphasis will be placed on civil procedure, evidence, and litigation, probate and corporation, partnership and agency.

Offered Infrequent

POL 310. Current Issues in American Government. (3 Units)

Analysis and critical evaluation of recent major issues, conflicts and problems in American government and institutions. Current issues might include social and health services, energy, environment, multinational corporations, military spending, taxation, political economy, criminal justice, and civil rights.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 312. State and Local Government: Organization and Problems. (3 Units)

Analysis of functions of state and local government with particular emphasis on California. Examination of state-federal and state-local relations and the policy choices available for solving current problems. The course meets the statutory requirement for state and local government.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 314. American Political Parties and Elections. (3 Units)

A study of the dynamics of American political behavior, including the legal regulation of parties and of elections. Analysis of voting behavior and public opinion. Study of political party organization, membership, and leadership in the context of the contemporary political scene.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 315. Congress and the President. (3 Units)

An analysis of development and operation of the elected decision-making structures of the United States government. Particular focus on the interrelationships between the Congress and the President.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 318. Public Policy Choices: Distribution of Wealth. (3 Units)

A study of wealth and redistribution, including the causes and consequences of inequalities in the United States and other countries. Considers how economic inequality affects citizens' participation in political activities, interest groups, political parties, social movements, and civic associations.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 319. Horror and Politics. (3 Units)

Perquisite(s): POL 101 required. Co-requisite(s); POL 315 recommended. In addition to scene of terror, many times horror films deliver political commentary. What do horror films say about the times in which they were created, as well as our own time? This course will explore these issues and more.

Offered Fall

POL 320. Urban Government and Policy Choices. (3 Units)

A survey of the structures of American municipal, county, and special districts within the context of a systematic evaluation of the public policy choices facing these units of government.

Offered Fall, All terms

POL 323. Black Politics. (3 Units)

An analysis of the structure of power within the Black community and political interaction between activists, moderates, and conservatives. Evaluation of styles within the Black sub-political culture and manipulative aspects and tactics; e.g., coalition, confrontation, establishment politics.

Offered Fall

POL 325. Women and Politics in the United States. (3 Units)

Examination of the expansion across time of women's rights in the United States. Considers the limitation of rights, feminist movements/theory, and ongoing problems. Also examines roles of specific women who have lead movements and/or pushed for legal change.

Offered Spring

POL 328. Cultural Pluralism in American Politics. (3 Units)

Discusses the issues of political socialization and cultural differences in the American political arena. Analyzes the political orientations of various ethnic groups in the United States , their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and their levels of political participation and interaction with American political institutions.

Offered Infrequent

POL 331. International Terrorism. (3 Units)

Analysis of the concept of terrorism, root causes and forms. Examination of theories and counter-terrorism strategies at different levels of analysis; individuals, groups, societal, states and transnational. Special emphasis on specific terrorism cases, terrorist organizations and cyber-terrorism in the Digital Age.

Offered Fall

POL 332. International Security. (3 Units)

Analysis of the theory and practice of international conflict, crisis, and war management. Special emphasis on the contemporary concerns of deterrence, limited war, guerrilla warfare, foreign commitments, arms races, and arms control.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 333. International Relations of East Asia. (3 Units)

Analysis of contemporary international relations of East Asia, including the rise of China, its affects on US-China relations and implications in the region concerning foreign policy issues for countries such as Japan, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Offered Spring

POL 334. American Foreign Policy. (3 Units)

The formulation and execution of foreign policy in the United States, including an analysis of competing ideological concepts, the role of President and Congress, and the influence of public opinion.

Offered Fall, Spring, All terms

POL 335. Introduction to International Relations. (3 Units)

Introduction to international relations. Students will learn theories, concepts, principles and practices of international politics. Topics include war/peace, international political economy, and international institutions. Global issues such as terrorism, human rights, environment, and global health will also be examined.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 336. Theories of International Relations. (3 Units)

Analysis of action and interaction of states, decision-making, capability analysis, balance and imbalance, systems analysis, communication, crisis, and game theory.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 337. European International Relations. (3 Units)

An analysis of European international relations and foreign policies including the impact of Western European economic integration, the foreign policies of the Russian Commonwealth with Eastern and Western Europe, and the changing role of NATO.

Offered Infrequent

POL 339. Model United Nations. (3 Units)

Examination of the role of international organizations and the issues addressed by these international actors while preparing students to participate in intercollegiate Model United Nations simulations. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9.0 units.

Offered Infrequent

POL 340. Introduction to Comparative Politics. (3 Units)

Study of domestic politics in different regions of the world by focusing on topics, such as economic development, democratization and regime change, political institutions, income redistribution, and political representation.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 341. Gov and Politics of East Asia. (3 Units)

China, Japan, and Korea : political behavior, ideas, and institutions of societies of East Asia. Political parties and organizations, role of competing ideologies and systemsÂ of behavior, interaction of domestic and foreign policies.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 342. Government and Politics of the Middle East. (3 Units)

Analysis and explanation of political processes, governments, political issues and foreign relations of the Middle East. Discussion of influence of religion, oil, revolutions and conflicts on Middle East politics.

Offered Fall

POL 343. Political Behavior in Latin America. (3 Units)

Analysis of political and cultural behavior in South America with a focus on Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia , and Venezuela . Their sociopolitical institutions, elites, and interest groups; and the impact of national and cross-national cultural pluralism upon political life in the region.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 344. Latin America: The Revolutionary Tradition. (3 Units)

A comparative analysis of the revolutionary process in Mexico , Central America and Cuba , encompassing the dimensions of the socio-political, cultural and economic characteristics. An emphasis on post-revolutionary developmental politics in Mexico, Nicaragua, Cuba , and on the current social unrest in Central America, including an analysis of ideas, institutions, groups and economic conditions.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 345. Democratization. (3 Units)

Students examine the basic principles, theories, and comparative methods useful for understanding the challenges of democracy and democratization and provides insights into the range of practical policy recommendations which could be adopted to strengthen the process of democratic governance.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 347. Comparative Political Parties. (3 Units)

For more than a century, democratic politics has been synonymous with party politics. This class provides an understanding of the origins or parties and party systems, the reasons for their successes and failures, and their impact on political outcomes.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 349. Government and Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa. (3 Units)

A study of the dynamics of government and politics in Africa south of the Sahara Desert with special emphasis on South Africa . Imperialism and colonial administration, nationalism, and decolonization treated as background to the problems of modernization and nation-building in the region.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 350. History of Political Ideas. (3 Units)

A critical analysis of the major political philosophies and schools of thought from Plato to the sixteenth century. Examination of the political concepts of Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Machiavelli.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 351. Modern Political Thought. (3 Units)

A study of principal political philosophers from the seventeenth century to the present. Special emphasis is given to writers such as John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx, whose concepts of political criticism have become predominant in the modern world.

Offered Spring

POL 352. Democratic Theory. (3 Units)

A comprehensive examination of the theory and practice of democracy. Students engage with various theoretical justifications for democracy, analyzing the various understandings of its strengths and weaknesses. Using these theories, students examine the various forms of democracy historically and globally.

Offered Spring

POL 354. American Political Thought. (3 Units)

A critical analysis of the political ideas that have emerged within the United States . Special attention is given to twentieth century political theories that aim to achieve social justice and/or alternative life styles through a restructuring of the economy.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 355. Politics and Political Theory through Film. (3 Units)

Focuses on political theory and politics as presented through film. Students examine the various ways artists critique existing political and social structures, provide alternative visions, and challenge audiences to rethink their unexamined assumptions regarding human existence.

Offered Fall

POL 356. Political Theory and Science Fiction. (3 Units)

Explores how science fiction has explored perennial questions of political theory. Students engage with the books, films, and TV shows of the genre, and how thee works challenge existing political structures and develop alternative visions.

Offered Fall

POL 357. Food Politics. (3 Units)

Explores the political, social, and ethical concerns surrounding food and food culture. Topics examined include: the ethics of consumption, food media, cultural appropriation, and race, identity and the representation in the restaurant industry.

Offered Fall

POL 360. American Constitutional Law: Distribution of Power. (3 Units)

An examination of the nature and development of the United States constitutional system. Emphasis on the role of the courts in interpreting the concepts of separation of powers, federalism, the police power, and the commerce clause.

Offered Spring

POL 361. American Constitutional Law: Civil Rights. (3 Units)

A study of fundamental rights as protected by the U.S. Constitution and other legal provisions. The role of the courts in interpreting freedom of expression and conscience, due process, and equal protection of the laws.

Offered Fall

POL 366. Criminal Law and Procedures. (3 Units)

Materials and cases treating Criminal Law and procedures within the context of the American policy. Systematic analysis of the role of the citizen in relationship to operational legal principles and procedures of Criminal Law. An emphasis on contemporary problems and recent court decisions.

Offered Infrequent

POL 370. Public Opinion and Propaganda. (3 Units)

The nature of public opinion and its manipulation by propaganda in modern society. Relations between government and other social institutions and the opinions of groups and individuals; the press, pressure groups.

Offered Spring

POL 371. Conflict, Violence, Nonviolence and Peace. (3 Units)

Examination of relevant theories and instances of aggression, sociopolitical conflict and conflict resolution, various types of political violence (as terrorism, revolution, urban riots) and nonviolence. Course will present an overview of all these topics, or focus on one topic in detail, such as terrorism, revolution, or nonviolence.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 372. International Institutions. (3 Units)

Prerequisite(s): POL 335 required. An examination of the theories and practices of international institutions. The origins, structures, functions, and effectiveness of international institutions will be discussed. Major issues include war and conflict, global economy, environment, human rights, and global health.

Offered Fall

POL 373. International Political Economy. (3 Units)

An examination of the theoretical approaches to the study of international political economy and contemporary issues in the global economy. Major topics include international trade, international finance, economic development, multinational corporations, and globalization.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 374. International Human Rights. (3 Units)

Prerequisite(s): POL 335 required. An examination of the historical evolution and practices of human rights in world politics. Emphasis on the dynamic interaction between governments, and international and domestic human rights institutions. The topics include political rights, torture, refugees, racism, environment, and women's rights.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 375. Technical Policy and the Future. (3 Units)

Various humanistic, ethical, legal, and political-economic policy issues surrounding the use and future development of technology, in such areas as energy, food production, transportation, computers, communications, electronic surveillance, medicine, weaponry, and space. The issue of high technology vs. appropriate technology also global restructuring trends from technological change. Course will focus on one or more such technological topics depending upon the instructor.

Offered Infrequent

POL 380. Mock Trial I. (3 Units)

Students will be taught the basics of how to present a case in a simulated trial environment. Students will create opening and closing statements, and cross-examinations and direct examinations. Students will have the opportunity to participate as witnesses. Upper division status is recommended or consent of instructor is required.

Offered Infrequent

POL 401. Political and Public Sector Leadership. (3 Units)

Prerequisite: 12 units of uppder division courses are required. This is an applied techniques, skills-development course. It blends ideas from several different sectors of political theory, public policy, public relations, conflict negotiation, and intercultural communication to teach students skills that are necessary for leadership roles.

Offered Spring

POL 494. Independent Study. (1-3 Units)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair. Independent study of a particular problem under the direction of a member of the Political Science Department. Course is not repeatable for credit in the Political Science major or minor.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 495. Special Topics in Political Science. (1-3 Units)

An intensive study of an issue or a concept in political science that is of special interest to both the faculty member and the students. Repeatable course. Three hours of seminar per week.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 496. Internships in Political Science. (3 Units)

Practical application of coursework in political science through supervised work and field experience in politics, government administration, public and private paralegal agencies such as offices of lawyers and judges, and community agencies. Repeatable course.

Offered Fall, Spring

POL 498. Directed Research. (1-3 Units)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The student develops and completes an individual study under faculty supervision. Repeatable course.

Offered Infrequent

Political Science

Program Description

Features

Academic Advisement

Preparation

Career Planning

Teaching

Law

Public Administration

Journalism

Business

Other

Graduation With Honors

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor

Minor

Faculty

Emeriti Faculty

Courses

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