Minor in Political Science
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Program Overview
Enhance your social sciences degree by earning a Minor in Political Science. The political science courses cover topics such as Politics of Social Movements, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy, Dynamics of World Politics, and more.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Course Listing
Program Requirements
Preparation for the Minor
- 2 courses; 9 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A broad overview of the field of political science including main issues and central questions studies by political scientists and methods used to gain knowledge about politics. A survey course designed to acquaint the student with selective concepts, theories, and of political process.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A critical introduction to the structure of American government. Topics include classical and modern democratic theories, constitutionalism and federalism; the political process, including the mass media, voting behavior and political parties and interest groups; the institutions of government; the courts, civil liberties and civil rights; and public policy. (Includes study of the Constitution)
*May be used to meet General Education requirements.
Requirements for the Minor
- 6 courses; 27.0 quarter units
Choose six courses from the following:
Course Name
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduction to social movements and collective action, covering several theoretical perspectives on how to understand and analyze social movements in recent global history, from their origins to their demise; a global survey of the processes of social and political awareness, mobilization, and development of such movements.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Survey of political theory and major figures in the history of political philosophical thought. Questions concerning the role of government and the relationship between government and individuals are explored.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A study of selected foreign states from among industrial, developing, and under developing states, and their development, organization, administration, and politics; introduces students to analytical methods used to compare political systems and governments; explores several issues, including democratization, economic development, political culture and political change.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A survey of the nature of the international system and the theoretical framework used by political scientists to examine it; in particular, this course focuses on the decision-making process within the international arena. International negotiation and decision-making are utilized.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An introduction to the public policy process in the United States, theory and practice of process of formulating public policy, why some problems reach the public agenda and why others are rejected, examination of policy making at the national, state and local level, and public policy in foreign political systems.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
This course provides an introduction to European politics, with emphasis on political institutions and politics of Western and Eastern European states, as well as the institutions and policies of the European Union (EU).
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Historical examination of the Middle East region, focusing on the key social forces and the sources of conflict; exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in-depth and the peace process; exploration of the U.S. involvement in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East.
An examination of international relations and politics, the factors underlying international crises from different theoretical perspectives and the future of the global community. Explores the historical and intellectual antecedents of contemporary world events.
Prerequisite: ENG 102; SOC 100
Research design and methods including survey, network, experiment, qualitative, quantitative, and collection, organization and interpretation of research data.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A critical examination of theories of power, including the relationship of power to culture, social class, the economic order, government, ideology, poverty, race, sex and other topics. Studies community, national and international power structures and institutional leaderships.
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