Department Chair: Stanley E. Clark
Administrative Assistant: Patricia Padilla
Office: BDC 248
Telephone: (661)654-2141
Email:
Website:
Faculty: M. Ault, S. Clark, G. Commuri, M. Martinez, K. Price
Political Science majors should check the Political Science Department’s webpage for current and future class schedules, course syllabi, department updates and news, important deadlines, and internship/career opportunities at CSUB. You can also find The Political Science Department on Facebook: PLSI at CSUB.
Program Mission
The Department of Political Science endeavors to develop in its graduates an understanding of how political systems operate, with what consequences and alternatives. The primary focus is on inculcating analytical and critical habits of thinking –habits that will be beneficial irrespective of professional choices. The Department is oriented toward assisting students who are preparing to go to graduate school, law school and/or for careers in public sector and non-profit service. In the process, we hope to create a body of students/citizens who are informed, who have the necessary intellectual skills, and who are also cognizant of humanistic values. Besides this, the Department along with other social sciences and arts seeks to engender a student body that is aware of the social and political structure within which we live – thus fulfilling the University’s mission entrusted for general education of undergraduate students.
For more information on our Mission Statement and our Student Learning Outcomes, please visit our Department’s Homepage.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with an Emphasis in American Politics, or an Emphasis in International Relations & Comparative Government, or an Emphasis in Pre-Law. Please note that the following outlines and descriptions are not official, and your program must be approved by the Department and the University’s Office of Records & Evaluations.
Total Units Required to Graduate180 units
Major Requirements66 units
Prerequisites 10
Core Curriculum 56
Minor Requirement 20 units
Other University Requirements62-97 units†
CSUB 101 2
American Institutions 5-10*
Area A 15
Area B 15
Area C 15
Area D 5-15*
Theme 1 5
Theme 2 0-5*
Theme 3 0-5*
GRE 0-5*
GWAR (Exam) or Class 0-5*
Additional Units 2-32 units
† Range depends on double counting.
* May be satisfied in major, minor or other university requirement; see for current list of courses satisfying university-wide requirements.
Note: One (1) quarter unit of credit normally represents one hour of in-class work and 2-3 hours of outside study per week.
Discipline-Based Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (61 units)
All majors must satisfactorily complete at least twelvecourses in Political Science, of which at least nine must be at the upper division level. Students are also required to declare a minor (see section on Minor Requirement below). Required lower and upper division courses for majors must be completed with a grade of “C-”or better. Students who fail to achieve a “C-”or above may repeat the course. The Department encourages students to develop their degree plans in close consultation with their faculty advisor.
General Core Requirements (36 units)
A.Lower Division Required Courses (10 units)
PLSI 101 and MATH 140 or PSYC 200 or Math 192 or its equivalent with a C or better.
B.Upper Division Required Courses (16 units)
PLSI 304, PLSI/PHIL 333, PLSI 490 (Spring Quarter)
Before taking PLSI 490 you must have completed or be enrolled in three out of the following four courses: PLSI 300, 304, 333 and 380/481. Each major must submit a portfolio while enrolled in PLSI 490. This portfolio is not graded separately, but will be used by the faculty in assessing for themselves and assisting the student to assess his or her learning outcomes as encompassed by the major.
C. Methods (10 units)
PLSI 300 (Fall Quarter), 380 (Winter Quarter) or 481 on an individual study basis
Program Emphases (15 units)
Choose one of the following Emphases:
A.American Politics(15 units)
This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of institutions and behaviors of American government and to train students in research, analytical, and communication skills that focus on the uses of American Government and policy.
Select three of the following courses: PLSI 302, 313, 316, 317, 319, 335, 418 or BEHS 321
B.International Relations & Comparative Government (15 units)
This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of international relations and comparative politics. Students are trained in research, analytical, and communication skills that focus on the uses of comparative and international relations training.
Select three of the following courses: PLSI 302, 303, 308, 309, 323, 324, 371, 376, 404
C.Pre-Law (15 units)
This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of research that are important to attorneys and to others whose work requires understanding of common and statutory law.
Selectthree of the following courses: PLSI 314, 315, 335, 349, 370, 411 or INST 369
Political Science Elective Courses (15 units)
Select three courses not taken for the Emphasis from the list below; two of these may be lower division:
PLSI 102, 302, 303,308, 309, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 319, 320, 323, 324, 328, 329, 332, 334, 335, 337, 339, 340, 342, 349, 370, 371, 376, 404, 411, 418, 420, BEHS 307, 311, 321, 330, 331, INST 369
Minor Requirement
The requirement for a major in Political Science mandates the completion of a minor. This can be accomplished by completing one of the three options listed below:
1.Completion of a minor program approved by another discipline and listed in the catalog.
2.An interdisciplinary concentration or minor listed in the catalog (see “Interdisciplinary Concentrations and Minors”).
3.A special minor approved by the student’s advisor and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Honors Requirements
The Department recognizes two types of graduation with distinction:
1.Graduate with Honors: The requirements to graduate with Honors in Political Science are a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.3 GPA in the major, and a Directed Research course (PLSI 481, offered in the Spring Quarter) with a minimum grade of B. Note: Consent of the instructor and GPA of 3.00 in the major are required to participate in PLSI 481.
2.Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society: The requirements for Pi Sigma Alpha are a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.3 GPA in the major. Applications for Pi Sigma Alpha are due no later than January 30.
Requirements for the Minor in Political Science
Four courses totaling 20 quarter units in Political Science (at least three of which must be upper division) with an average of “C” or better. No more than five units in the minor may be internship, cooperative education, or applied course work.
Courses which will be of special interest to students without substantial quantitative skills include PLSI 302, 308, 313, 315, 317, 319, BEHS 321, 323, 328, 333, 334, and 376. Other courses may be suitable depending on the instructor’s announced objectives and approach.
Special Minor in Pre-Law for Political Science Majors
Four courses selected from the following. Two courses must be taken from Economics and two from Philosophy.
ECON 201, 404, PHIL 316, 350, 432, 435, 451 Substitutions may be approved by the Department chairs of Economics or Philosophy respectively.
American Institutions Requirement
Satisfaction of the American Institutions requirement shall be met by no less than one course in United States History and one other course in United States and California government or by examinations administered respectively by the History and Political Science Departments. For courses in the Political Science Department which satisfy the United States and California Government portions of the American Institutions Requirement (see page 58).
Social Science Teacher Preparation Program within the BA in Political Science
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) has authorized CSUB to offer an approved single subject teacher preparation program in Social Science. The program certified in 1992 expired July 1, 2009. Students who began course work prior to 2009, but who did not complete all program requirements, must complete the requirements of the new CCTC approved program or pass all parts of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Social Science. For information about the program, contact the Social Science Program Coordinator, Alicia Rodriquez, 654-2166.
Requirements for the Social Science Preparation Program
I. Core Requirements (11 courses, 55 quarter units)
HIST 231 and 232
Three courses from the following, one of which must be in world history:
HIST 202 or 210, 204 or 211, 206 or 212, 374 or PLSI 319, ECON 201 and 202
One of the following:
GEOG 302, GEOG/ECON 395, HIST 330, PLSI 332, INST 390
II.Breadth and Depth requirements (7 courses; 35 units). Choose ONE COURSE from EACH of the following groups:
A.U.S. History
HIST 351, 352, 356, 357, 358, 359
B.World History and Perspectives (One from each group):
1.Africa/Asia
HIST 423, 424, 425, 426, 481
2.Europe/Latin America
HIST 306, 307, 308, 309, 325, 340, 442, 443
3.International Relations/Global Perspectives ECON 311, 341, PLSI 304, BEHS 307, PLSI 308, 309, 322, 323, 324
C.U.S. Constitution/Government
PLSI 314, 315, 316, 317, 335
D.International Economics
ECON 340, 440, PLSI 404
E.Comparative religious/ethical systems
RS 110, 111, 316, 320, 323
F.Gender, Race, Ethnicity Requirement
In addition, Social Science students must satisfy the University’s GRE requirement through one of the following courses taken from a discipline other than that of their declared major: ANTH 438, ECON 380, HIST 421, 462, 465, 466, 467, 468, PLSI 339, PSYC 421, RS 326, SOC 327, 335, 336, 337, 338, 370
Students should consult the catalog for additional requirements for a BA in Political Science. Taken alone, the Social Science Preparation Program is neither a degree program nor a major. Also, please note that only those courses earning a C- or higher may be counted toward the Social Science Preparation Program and an overall minimum GPA of 2.7 is required for certification of subject matter competency.
Course Descriptions
The Department is likely to offer some courses, or sections of a course, in “hybrid,” that is partly online and partly face-to-face, or entirely online. During registration please consult course listings in PeopleSoft where such courses are identified.
Lower Division
PLSI 101 American Government and Politics (5)
An examination of the ways in which those who practice political science view the American political system. Students can expect to gain a basis for systematic, informed thinking about the processes by which Americans govern each other and govern themselves, the manner in which those processes affect the policies we adopt in response to issues, and the way in which issues influence changes in the decision making processes. Prerequisite: Must have completed or be currently enrolled in ENGL 100. GE D3, USCA/USCN
PLSI 102 World Politics (5)
An examination of the basic elements influencing global politics. Central themes of the course include the emergence of the modern nation state system, the origins of international law and organization, and the impact of technology and globalization on society in the 21st century. The course concludes by focusing on contemporary world problems such as the threats posed by nuclear war and proliferation, environmental degradation, climate change, global inequality, and international financial crises. GE D3
PLSI 208 The Politics of Change in Asian Societies (5)
An examination of the economic, social, and geographical factors of political culture in the Asian nations of Japan and India. The focus of the course is on a comparative study of change in the two societies, particularly on the interaction of cultures and politics in the processes of modernization. The focus will be on examining political and economic change in Asia. The thrust of the course is comparative and students will be exposed to the history, politics, culture and economy of states in the region. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the revolutionary and evolutionary changes in the region from a political and economic perspective, while providing a broader understanding of the regional and international implications of these changes.
PLSI 218 Politics in the Novel and Film (5)
An analyses of the form, content, and effect of various sorts of political novels and films, paying special attention to the emergence and success of various sorts of political expression at different points in American political experience. Students can expect to gain an acquaintance with the conventions of novels and films, a basis for systematic, informed criticism of such works, and some understanding of the nature of political life.
PLSI 240 Honors Seminar: The Nature of Politics (5)
An examination of some of the central concepts of political science and some of the continuing issues of politics. Students can expect to gain exposure to and practice in each of the major kinds of activity in which political scientists engage. Emphasis will be on the preparation, presentation, and critical evaluation of a series of brief papers. Prerequisite: Freshman standing and invitation by the department.
PLSI 277 Special Topics (1-5)
An examination of selected contemporary political problems. Subjects vary from term to term but might include such topics as the politics of Black America, the politics of student protest, the politics of ecology, etc. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
PLSI 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)
Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to postgraduate students. Interested students should contact the department office.
Upper Division
PLSI 300 Political Inquiry (5)
An analysis of political science methods and the design of political research. Includes an examination of social problems, formulation of research hypotheses, and introduction to social science statistics. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science and sophomore standing.
PLSI 302 American Foreign Policy (5)
An analysis of the major schools and approaches in the study of U.S. Foreign policy. Particular attention is paid to historical, ideological, and economic influences on the decision-making process. Includes a survey and evaluation of the major developments in U.S. foreign policy from the Cold War to the current Post-Cold War system.
PLSI 303 Global Security Issues (5)
An examination of the theoretical and pragmatic factors relevant to the formulation and execution of U.S. national defense policy. The course will focus on the role of various factors (executive, legislative, public opinion, military, etc.) in the defense policy-making process. This course focuses on both international and domestic security problems. While traditional concepts of power and the use of force are covered, this course also looks at other elements impacting the global security environment. These include the increasing impact that international organizations, revolution(s) in military affairs, enduring interstate rivalries, economic globalization, terrorism, ethnic cleansing and genocide, and the perspectives of role competing political ideologies concerning have on issues related to global security.
PLSI 304 International Relations (5)
An examination of theories and logic behind nation-state strategies with regard to power, defense, stability, and economic development, among others. This course examines the theories that explain how states prioritize goals by analyzing state actions via individual, state, and international levels of analysis. GE T3
BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems (5)
(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)
PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China (5)
An examination of institutions, participants, and processes of government in China. This course examines the impact of ideology and leadership in the processes of modernization and liberalization in contemporary China. GE T3
PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin America (5)
A comparative analysis of selected nations in Latin America, with a primary focus on the Southern Cone region (especially Argentina, Brazil, and Chile) and Central America. Emphasis is on social and economic structures as determinants of contemporary politics and policy change in Latin American society. Challenges to development are also examined within the contemporary “neoliberal” policies currently practiced throughout the region.
BEHS 311 Small Group Dynamics (5)
(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)
PLSI 313 Electoral Behavior and Political Parties (5)
An examination of the organization and activities of political parties and electoral behavior in America combined with an analysis of the political, social, and psychological factors that promote and inhibit individual and group participation in electoral activity. Within the context of voting behavior, this course explores political parties in America and how they attempt to win popular control of government through the electoral process. Prerequisite: upper division standing or consent of instructor.
PLSI 314 Judicial Power and the Constitution (5)
An examination of the judicial role in American constitutional adjudication, both historical and contemporary. Particular emphases on federalism, separation of powers, and other topics on the exercise and extent of national power. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.
PLSI 315 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (5)
An examination of the principles, reasoning, and politics of private and individual rights in American constitutional adjudication. Emphasis on Equal Protection, Criminal Justice Due Process, Freedom of Expression, and Right to Privacy. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.
PLSI 316 Congress (5)
An examination of Congressional decision making and the factors that shape legislative processes. Students will analyze the history of the institution, the electoral process that leads to service in the national legislature, and the rules and norms that govern its internal processes. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.
PLSI 317 The Presidency (5)
An examination of the constitutional design and practical operation of the American Presidency. The course includes investigations into the nature of executive leadership, the constitutional and administrative powers of the president, legislative-executive relations, and role of public opinion, and the role of personality as expressed in presidential character.
PLSI 319 California Politics and Public Policy (5)
An examination of the issues, institutions, and processes that affect public policy in California. Topics include the constitution, the history and political culture, and the impact of policies regarding such matters as taxes, energy, education, criminal justice, immigration, and home rule for local governments.
PLSI 320 Social Groups and Political Power in America (5)
An examination of the ways in which non-governmental groups influence the formation, direction, execution and change in public policy in America. Emphasis is on factors that contribute to such influences. Students can expect to pursue a research project on a selected topic. Prerequisite: PLSI 300.