POL 211   American Government   3 Units

The theories of government basic to an understanding of the American Constitution; political parties in the American system; history, character and functions of government in the United States.

POL 240   Race and Politics in America   3 Units

An examination of the dynamics of race relations in modern America. While the course begins in post-Civil War America and continues to the present, it highlights the dramatic events of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, analyzing the role of ordinary individuals as well as those in various positions of government. Cross-listed with HST 240.

POL 304   Grand Strategy   3 Units

This course will explore the aspect of statecraft in international relations known as “grand strategy” from a theoretical and historical perspective. This course traces how statesmen have or have not marshalled and coordinated the political, diplomatic, military, material, cultural, and moral resources available to a state, to achieve, or fail to achieve long-term objectives in the international environment during war and peace.

POL 320   Strategic Thought   3 Units

This course is a reading-intensive overview of the development of military thought. The readings will cover works of major thinkers in military strategy such as Carl von Clausewitz, A.T. Mahan, and B. H. Liddell Hart. Students will explore the theoretical and applicable dimensions of the concept of strategy, while understanding the development of ideas in their historical context. Cross listed with HST 320.

POL 321   Political Thought I: Ancient to Early Modern   3 Units

This course will analyze the nuances and trace the development of Western political thought from classical Greece to 17th century northern Europe with attention given to the questions facing every generation concerning the nature of political association and the good society. Students will become familiar with each major political thinker, the context in which they wrote, and influence upon the history of ideas.

POL 322   Political Thought II: The Enlightenment   3 Units

This course will analyze the nuances and trace the development of Western political thought from the early Enlightenment (17th century) to the present with attention given to the questions facing every generation concerning the nature of political association and the good society. Students will become familiar with each major political thinker, the context in which they wrote, and their influence upon the history of ideas.

POL 333   Eastern Political Thought   3 Units

An exploration of East Asian political philosophy, focussing on, but not limited to ancient Chinese classical thinkers such as Confucius, Lao Tzu, Mozi, Mencius, Zhuangzi and Sun Tzu, and with more recent Japanese traditions, such as the Kyoto School of Nishida Kitarô.

POL 341   Early Modern England   3 Units

This course will present a thematic study of English culture and life from the reign of King Henry VIII through the war for American Independence with attention being paid to culture, governance, and factors that led to the expansion of the British Empire and the conflicts in North America. Offered alternate years.

POL 390   Practicum: Political Science   3 Units

A practical, hands-on experience outside the classroom directly related to the student's major, minor or professional program that is a beneficial complement to the student's academic experience.

POL 412   The U.S. Constitution   3 Units

This course will look at the origins of the American political system from the end of the Seven Years' War through the Louisiana Purchase and Marbury vs. Madison, focusing on government under the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, ratification controversies, the first political party system, and Jeffersonian vs. Hamiltonian approaches to government. Offered alternate years. Cross listed with HST 412.

POL 413   Religion and Politics in America   3 Units

The role of religion in American public life will be examined in this course with an emphasis on the interpretation and impact of the First Amendment and the concept of "separation of church and state" on religious and political life in the United States. Offered alternate years.

POL 414   The Courts and the Constitution   3 Units

The development of judicial interpretation of the U.S. Constitution from 1789 to the present will be examined in this course with an emphasis on the political, social, cultural, and economic context for key Supreme Court decisions. The case study method will be used to introduce students to legal reasoning, including controversial court decisions involving race, religion, gender, and limits of government authority.

POL 490   Internship: Political Thought   1-8 Units

This course is an intense part- or full-time practical experience outside the classroom that is an integral part of a professional program and contributes significantly to the preparation of a student for entrance into a profession. Approximately forty (40) contact hours are required for each unit of credit. Each department may limited the maximum number of internship credit. Offered alternate years.