Political Science

http://www.pacific.edu/Academics/Schools-and-Colleges/College-of-the-Pacific/Academics/Departments-and-Programs/Political-Science.html
Phone: (209) 946-2524
Location: 212 Wendell Phillips Center

Keith Smith, Chair
Cynthia Ostberg, Director of Pre-law and Legal Scholars programs

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts

Majors Offered

Political Science
Political Science - Criminal Justice Concentration
Political Science with Departmental Honors
Political Science with Departmental Honors- Criminal Justice Concentration
Political Science/Master of Public Policy Blended Program
Political Science - Criminal Justice Concentration/Master of Public Policy Blended Program
Political Science with Departmental Honors/Master of Public Policy Blended Program
Political Science with Departmental Honors- Criminal Justice Concentration/Master of Public Policy Blended Program

Minors Offered

Political Science
Pre-Law
Public Affairs

Political Science seeks to understand, to explain, and to evaluate how humans live and work together in public ways. To do so, political scientists focus on what happens in and around government and politics, how humans cooperate with and how they fight against one another, why some nations succeed and others fail. They study voting and revolutions, the Supreme Court and the United Nations, the idea of justice and the nature of power, environmental policy, criminal law and gender roles - all in the pursuit of clearer knowledge about the characteristic ways humans interact in the public sphere.

Students majoring in Political Science gain from the major a well-grounded education that focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the public realities of their world. They study the fundamental concepts and values that underlie human decision-making, examine the social and political structures and processes through which such decisions are shaped and carried out, learn to analyze complex organizational and legal phenomena, and survey the inventiveness of cultures in devising a variety of ways people provide govern themselves. Students in Political Science also become familiar with the contributions to their understanding that they can gain from closely-related social sciences, such as economics, history, anthropology, and psychology. In acquiring this knowledge, Political Science majors are challenged to extend their analytical and research skills, to improve and polish their written and oral communication, and to sharpen their abilities for rigorous and independent judgment.

Career Opportunities

The skills and experiences developed through a Political Science program are central to a great variety of career fields, and our majors go on to work as journalists and lawyers, managers and teachers, politicians and administrators. One out of every six Americans now works for one level of public government or another, and Political Science majors can have a head start in such fields because of their understanding of how these systems work. Many of our graduates go on to law school, and Political Science serves as an ideal major for that training, as well as essential preparation for graduate study.

Internships

Special opportunities are provided for internships in public agencies in Stockton, Sacramento, and in Washington, D.C. (as well as abroad). Many of these opportunities have a legal focus. Course credit may be earned for these internships.

Pre-Law Program

The Department of Political Science also offers a program and minor in Pre-Law. For a complete description of that program, please see the section on Cross-Disciplinary Majors and Programs.

The Pacific Legal Scholars Program offers honors students in various majors a richly supported accelerated path leading to Pacific McGeorge Law School after three years on Pacific’s Stockton campus. For a complete description of that program, please see the section on Cross-Disciplinary Majors and Programs.

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Introduction to Political Theory
U.S. Government and Politics
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
Introduction to International Relations
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I *
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses: **3-4
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least six (6) upper-division Political Science Courses (100-180), with at least one course from four (4) of the following subfields:
U.S. Government & Politics
POLS 104Urban Government4
POLS 106California Government and Politics4
POLS 111Introduction to Health Policy4
POLS 112Congress and the Presidency4
POLS 113Race and Politics4
POLS 114Political Parties and Interest Groups4
POLS 116Campaigns and Elections4
POLS 117Controversies in U.S. Government & Politics4
POLS 119Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis4
POLS 128Introduction to Public Administration4
Public Law
POLS 120Courts and Judicial Behavior4
POLS 122Constitutional Law4
POLS 124Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties4
POLS 126Criminal Law4
POLS 127Controversies in Law4
Political Theory
POLS 130Ancient to Medieval Political Theory4
POLS 132Modern to Contemporary Political Theory4
POLS 134American Political Thought4
POLS 136Jurisprudence4
POLS 137Controversies in Political Theory4
POLS 138Feminist Theory4
Comparative Politics
POLS 141Western European Comparative Politics4
POLS 147Controversies in Comparative Politics4
POLS 151Principles of Comparative Politics4
POLS 152Politics of Asia4
POLS 156Immigration and Justice4
POLS 168Comparative Foreign Policy4
POLS 174Global Environmental Policy4
International Relations
POLS 160Theories of International Politics4
POLS 164International Political Economy4
POLS 166Causes of War4
POLS 167Controversies in International Relations4
POLS 170U.S. Foreign Policy4
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science - Criminal Justice Concentration

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science - criminal justice concentration.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
U.S. Government and Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses:**
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least two (2) of the following Legal Studies courses:
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Jurisprudence
At least one (1) of the following Sociology courses:
Deviant Behavior
Social Problems
Introduction to Social Services
Corrections
Diversity, Equity and Inequality
At least two (2) additional upper-division Political Science courses (100-180)
At least one (1) of the upper-division Political Science courses must also be from the following set of Diversity courses:
Urban Government
Race and Politics
American Political Thought
Feminist Theory
Immigration and Justice
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science with Departmental Honors

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.5 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science with departmental honors.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
POLS 011Introduction to Comparative Politics4
or POLS 151 Principles of Comparative Politics
POLS 021Introduction to Political Theory4
POLS 041U.S. Government and Politics4
or POLS 031 Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
POLS 051Introduction to International Relations4
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I *
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses:**
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least six (6) upper-division Political Science Courses (100-180), with at least one course from four (4) of the following subfields:
US Government and Politics
Urban Government
California Government and Politics
Introduction to Health Policy
Congress and the Presidency
Race and Politics
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Campaigns and Elections
Controversies in U.S. Government & Politics
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
Public Law
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Controversies in Law
Political Theory
Ancient to Medieval Political Theory
Modern to Contemporary Political Theory
American Political Thought
Jurisprudence
Controversies in Political Theory
Feminist Theory
Comparative Politics
Western European Comparative Politics
Controversies in Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Politics of Asia
Immigration and Justice
Comparative Foreign Policy
Global Environmental Policy
International Relations
Theories of International Politics
International Political Economy
Causes of War
Controversies in International Relations
U.S. Foreign Policy
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar ***
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

***

 The capstone project must be completed individually and receive a minimum grade of B+.

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science - Criminal Justice Concentration with Departmental Honors

Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.5 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science - criminal justice concentration with departmental honors.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
U.S. Government and Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses:**
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least two (2) of the following Legal Studies courses:
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Jurisprudence
At least one (1) of the following Sociology courses:
Deviant Behavior
Social Problems
Introduction to Social Services
Corrections
Diversity, Equity and Inequality
At least two (2) additional upper-division Political Science courses (100-180)
At least one (1) of the upper-division Political Science courses must also be from the following set of Diversity courses:
Urban Government
Race and Politics
American Political Thought
Feminist Theory
Immigration and Justice
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar ***
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science/Master Public Policy Blended Program

Students must complete a minimum of 150 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science and a 3.0 in the master of public policy degree.

Note:  1) A total of eight upper division units can count towards both degrees.  2) An additional 11 graduate units can count towards the BA degree.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Introduction to Political Theory
U.S. Government and Politics
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
Introduction to International Relations
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I *
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses: **3-4
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least six (6) upper-division Political Science Courses (100-180), with at least one course from four (4) of the following subfields:
U.S. Government & Politics
POLS 104Urban Government4
POLS 106California Government and Politics4
POLS 111Introduction to Health Policy4
POLS 112Congress and the Presidency4
POLS 113Race and Politics4
POLS 114Political Parties and Interest Groups4
POLS 116Campaigns and Elections4
POLS 117Controversies in U.S. Government & Politics4
POLS 119Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis4
POLS 128Introduction to Public Administration4
Public Law
POLS 120Courts and Judicial Behavior4
POLS 122Constitutional Law4
POLS 124Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties4
POLS 126Criminal Law4
POLS 127Controversies in Law4
Political Theory
POLS 130Ancient to Medieval Political Theory4
POLS 132Modern to Contemporary Political Theory4
POLS 134American Political Thought4
POLS 136Jurisprudence4
POLS 137Controversies in Political Theory4
POLS 138Feminist Theory4
Comparative Politics
POLS 141Western European Comparative Politics4
POLS 147Controversies in Comparative Politics4
POLS 151Principles of Comparative Politics4
POLS 152Politics of Asia4
POLS 156Immigration and Justice4
POLS 168Comparative Foreign Policy4
POLS 174Global Environmental Policy4
International Relations
POLS 160Theories of International Politics4
POLS 164International Political Economy4
POLS 166Causes of War4
POLS 167Controversies in International Relations4
POLS 170U.S. Foreign Policy4
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

VII. Undergraduate Public Policy Preparation

Courses may be used also to meet general education and/or major/minor requirements.

ECON 053Introductory Microeconomics4
SOCI 041Social Problems4
Select one of the following Political Science courses:4
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
Four of the following courses, with at least one each coming from the Sociology and the Economics sets:16
Economic Courses
Public Finance
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Labor Economics
Health Economics
Sociology Courses
Environmental Health & Justice
Sociology of Health and Illness
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Urban Society
Other Public Affairs Courses
Public Advocacy
Intercultural Communication
American Immigration
Women in United States History
American Environmental History
Global Environmental Policy
Introduction to Health Policy
U.S. Foreign Policy

VIII. Master of Public Policy Requirements

A minimum of 44 units is required to earn the MPP, including a 38-unit core of required courses.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher is required for award of the MPP.

Core Courses - 38 units in four areas, including:
LAW - 6 units
LAW 201Introduction to Law and Public Administration (Introduction to Law and Public Administration)3
LAW 517Statutes and Regulations3
PUBLIC POLICY - 14 units
PUB 211Conflicted, Complex, Uncertain4
PUB 214Budgets, Financial Management3
PUB 215Capstone: Public Policy Analysis Case4
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
ANALYTIC TOOLS - 11 units
PUB 221Economic Concepts and Tools4
PUB 233Public Manager Analytics4
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP - 7 units
PUB 218Professional Skills1
PUB 242Systemic Change3
or PUB 213 Enhancing Societal Capacity
PUB 251Pub Admin: Values, Roles and Skills3


Electives:  At least 6 units.  Elective units may be applied towards an optional area of concentration.

Environmental and Water Policy - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 230Water Resources Law (This course is offered in a 2 and 3 unit format. If taken as 2 units, you must take 1 additional elective unit.)3
LAW 235Environmental Practice3
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 507Environmental Law3
LAW 509Special Topics in Environmental Law2 or 3
LAW 510Natural Resources Law3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Capital Policy Making - 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 513California Lobbying & Politics2
LAW 576Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making2
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
Public and Non-Profit Leadership - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 209Local Agency Practice2
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 802Negotiation and Settlements Seminar2 or 3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
LAW 826Negotiating Disputes Into Deals1
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Policy Change, Institutional Reform, Sustainability - MPA ONLY- 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses:
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science - Criminal Justice Concentration/Master Public Policy Blended Program 

Students must complete a minimum of 150 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science - Criminal Justice Concentration and a 3.0 in the master of public policy degree.

Note:  1) A total of eight upper division units can count towards both degrees.  2) An additional 11 graduate units can count towards the BA degree.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
U.S. Government and Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses:**
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least two (2) of the following Legal Studies courses:
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Jurisprudence
At least one (1) of the following Sociology courses:
Deviant Behavior
Social Problems
Introduction to Social Services
Corrections
Diversity, Equity and Inequality
At least two (2) additional upper-division Political Science courses (100-180)
At least one (1) of the upper-division Political Science courses must also be from the following set of Diversity courses:
Urban Government
Race and Politics
American Political Thought
Feminist Theory
Immigration and Justice
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

VII. Undergraduate Public Policy Preparation

Courses may be used also to meet general education and/or major/minor requirements.

ECON 053Introductory Microeconomics4
SOCI 041Social Problems4
Select one of the following Political Science courses:4
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
Four of the following courses, with at least one each coming from the Sociology and the Economics sets:16
Economic Courses
Public Finance
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Labor Economics
Health Economics
Sociology Courses
Environmental Health & Justice
Sociology of Health and Illness
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Urban Society
Other Public Affairs Courses
Public Advocacy
Intercultural Communication
American Immigration
Women in United States History
American Environmental History
Global Environmental Policy
Introduction to Health Policy
U.S. Foreign Policy

VIII. Master of Public Policy Requirements

A minimum of 44 units is required to earn the MPP, including a 38-unit core of required courses.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher is required for award of the MPP.

Core Courses - 38 units in four areas, including:
LAW - 6 units
LAW 201Introduction to Law and Public Administration (Introduction to Law and Public Administration)3
LAW 517Statutes and Regulations3
PUBLIC POLICY - 14 units
PUB 211Conflicted, Complex, Uncertain4
PUB 214Budgets, Financial Management3
PUB 215Capstone: Public Policy Analysis Case4
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
ANALYTIC TOOLS - 11 units
PUB 221Economic Concepts and Tools4
PUB 233Public Manager Analytics4
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP - 7 units
PUB 218Professional Skills1
PUB 242Systemic Change3
or PUB 213 Enhancing Societal Capacity
PUB 251Pub Admin: Values, Roles and Skills3


Electives:  At least 6 units.  Elective units may be applied towards an optional area of concentration.

Environmental and Water Policy - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 230Water Resources Law (This course is offered in a 2 and 3 unit format. If taken as 2 units, you must take 1 additional elective unit.)3
LAW 235Environmental Practice3
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 507Environmental Law3
LAW 509Special Topics in Environmental Law2 or 3
LAW 510Natural Resources Law3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Capital Policy Making - 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 513California Lobbying & Politics2
LAW 576Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making2
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
Public and Non-Profit Leadership - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 209Local Agency Practice2
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 802Negotiation and Settlements Seminar2 or 3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
LAW 826Negotiating Disputes Into Deals1
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Policy Change, Institutional Reform, Sustainability - MPA ONLY- 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses:
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science with Departmental Honors/Master Public Policy Blended Program

Students must complete a minimum of 150 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.5 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science departmental honors and a 3.0 in the master of public policy degree.

Note:  1) A total of eight upper division units can count towards both degrees.  2) An additional 11 graduate units can count towards the BA degree.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
POLS 011Introduction to Comparative Politics4
or POLS 151 Principles of Comparative Politics
POLS 021Introduction to Political Theory4
POLS 041U.S. Government and Politics4
or POLS 031 Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
POLS 051Introduction to International Relations4
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I *
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses:**
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least six (6) upper-division Political Science Courses (100-180), with at least one course from four (4) of the following subfields:
US Government and Politics
Urban Government
California Government and Politics
Introduction to Health Policy
Congress and the Presidency
Race and Politics
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Campaigns and Elections
Controversies in U.S. Government & Politics
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
Public Law
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Controversies in Law
Political Theory
Ancient to Medieval Political Theory
Modern to Contemporary Political Theory
American Political Thought
Jurisprudence
Controversies in Political Theory
Feminist Theory
Comparative Politics
Western European Comparative Politics
Controversies in Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Politics of Asia
Immigration and Justice
Comparative Foreign Policy
Global Environmental Policy
International Relations
Theories of International Politics
International Political Economy
Causes of War
Controversies in International Relations
U.S. Foreign Policy
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar ***
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

***

 The capstone project must be completed individually and receive a minimum grade of B+.

VII. Undergraduate Public Policy Preparation

Courses may be used also to meet general education and/or major/minor requirements.

ECON 053Introductory Microeconomics4
SOCI 041Social Problems4
Select one of the following Political Science courses:4
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
Four of the following courses, with at least one each coming from the Sociology and the Economics sets:16
Economic Courses
Public Finance
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Labor Economics
Health Economics
Sociology Courses
Environmental Health & Justice
Sociology of Health and Illness
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Urban Society
Other Public Affairs Courses
Public Advocacy
Intercultural Communication
American Immigration
Women in United States History
American Environmental History
Global Environmental Policy
Introduction to Health Policy
U.S. Foreign Policy

VIII. Master of Public Policy Requirements

A minimum of 44 units is required to earn the MPP, including a 38-unit core of required courses.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher is required for award of the MPP.

Core Courses - 38 units in four areas, including:
LAW - 6 units
LAW 201Introduction to Law and Public Administration (Introduction to Law and Public Administration)3
LAW 517Statutes and Regulations3
PUBLIC POLICY - 14 units
PUB 211Conflicted, Complex, Uncertain4
PUB 214Budgets, Financial Management3
PUB 215Capstone: Public Policy Analysis Case4
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
ANALYTIC TOOLS - 11 units
PUB 221Economic Concepts and Tools4
PUB 233Public Manager Analytics4
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP - 7 units
PUB 218Professional Skills1
PUB 242Systemic Change3
or PUB 213 Enhancing Societal Capacity
PUB 251Pub Admin: Values, Roles and Skills3


Electives:  At least 6 units.  Elective units may be applied towards an optional area of concentration.

Environmental and Water Policy - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 230Water Resources Law (This course is offered in a 2 and 3 unit format. If taken as 2 units, you must take 1 additional elective unit.)3
LAW 235Environmental Practice3
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 507Environmental Law3
LAW 509Special Topics in Environmental Law2 or 3
LAW 510Natural Resources Law3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Capital Policy Making - 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 513California Lobbying & Politics2
LAW 576Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making2
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
Public and Non-Profit Leadership - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 209Local Agency Practice2
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 802Negotiation and Settlements Seminar2 or 3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
LAW 826Negotiating Disputes Into Deals1
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Policy Change, Institutional Reform, Sustainability - MPA ONLY- 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses:
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science - Criminal Justice Concentration with Departmental Honors/Master Public Policy Blended Program

Students must complete a minimum of 150 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.5 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science - criminal justice concentration with departmental honors and a 3.0 in the master of public policy degree.

Note:  1) A total of eight upper division units can count towards both degrees.  2) An additional 11 graduate units can count towards the BA degree.

I. General Education Requirements

For more details, see General Education

Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:

A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)

CORE 001Problem Solving & Oral Comm3
CORE 002Writing and Critical Thinking4

Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars. Students participating in the First Year Honors Program should complete an honors section of CORE 001 regardless of the number of college transfer units completed. 

B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)

At least one course from each of the following areas:
Artistic Process & Creation
Civic & Global Responsibility
Language & Narratives
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Inquiry
Social Inquiry
World Perspectives & Ethics

Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.

C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement

All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units)

Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.

D. Fundamental Skills

Students must demonstrate competence in:
Writing
Quantitative Analysis (Math)

Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.

II. College of the Pacific BA Requirement

Students must complete one year of college instruction or equivalent training in a language other than English.

Note: 1) Transfer students with sophomore standing are exempt from this requirement.

III. Breadth Requirement

Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)

IV. Major Requirements

Minimum 14 courses that include:

All of the following Foundations courses
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Principles of Comparative Politics
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
U.S. Government and Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
One (1) of the following Career Orientation courses
Cross-Cultural Training I
Career and Internship Preparation
Minimum 3 units from the following Experiential Learning courses:**
Political Science Internship
Political Science Internship
Pre-Law Internship
Undergraduate Research
Washington Semester Internship
At least two (2) of the following Legal Studies courses:
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Jurisprudence
At least one (1) of the following Sociology courses:
Deviant Behavior
Social Problems
Introduction to Social Services
Corrections
Diversity, Equity and Inequality
At least two (2) additional upper-division Political Science courses (100-180)
At least one (1) of the upper-division Political Science courses must also be from the following set of Diversity courses:
Urban Government
Race and Politics
American Political Thought
Feminist Theory
Immigration and Justice
The following Capstone course
Capstone Seminar ***
*

Only students who participate in an approved study-abroad program may take INTL 151—Cross-Cultural Training I

**

Students may meet the Political Science major's experiential learning requirement by participating in an approved education abroad program. Any SABD (education abroad) course may be used to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.

VII. Undergraduate Public Policy Preparation

Courses may be used also to meet general education and/or major/minor requirements.

ECON 053Introductory Microeconomics4
SOCI 041Social Problems4
Select one of the following Political Science courses:4
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
Four of the following courses, with at least one each coming from the Sociology and the Economics sets:16
Economic Courses
Public Finance
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Labor Economics
Health Economics
Sociology Courses
Environmental Health & Justice
Sociology of Health and Illness
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Urban Society
Other Public Affairs Courses
Public Advocacy
Intercultural Communication
American Immigration
Women in United States History
American Environmental History
Global Environmental Policy
Introduction to Health Policy
U.S. Foreign Policy

VIII. Master of Public Policy Requirements

A minimum of 44 units is required to earn the MPP, including a 38-unit core of required courses.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher is required for award of the MPP.

Core Courses - 38 units in four areas, including:
LAW - 6 units
LAW 201Introduction to Law and Public Administration (Introduction to Law and Public Administration)3
LAW 517Statutes and Regulations3
PUBLIC POLICY - 14 units
PUB 211Conflicted, Complex, Uncertain4
PUB 214Budgets, Financial Management3
PUB 215Capstone: Public Policy Analysis Case4
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
ANALYTIC TOOLS - 11 units
PUB 221Economic Concepts and Tools4
PUB 233Public Manager Analytics4
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP - 7 units
PUB 218Professional Skills1
PUB 242Systemic Change3
or PUB 213 Enhancing Societal Capacity
PUB 251Pub Admin: Values, Roles and Skills3


Electives:  At least 6 units.  Elective units may be applied towards an optional area of concentration.

Environmental and Water Policy - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 230Water Resources Law (This course is offered in a 2 and 3 unit format. If taken as 2 units, you must take 1 additional elective unit.)3
LAW 235Environmental Practice3
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 507Environmental Law3
LAW 509Special Topics in Environmental Law2 or 3
LAW 510Natural Resources Law3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Capital Policy Making - 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 513California Lobbying & Politics2
LAW 576Cap. Lawyering and Pol. Making2
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
Public and Non-Profit Leadership - 6 Units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses
LAW 209Local Agency Practice2
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 802Negotiation and Settlements Seminar2 or 3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
LAW 826Negotiating Disputes Into Deals1
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
Policy Change, Institutional Reform, Sustainability - MPA ONLY- 6 units
Complete 6 or more units from among these courses:
LAW 500Administrative Law3
LAW 822Lawmaking in California2
PUB 213Enhancing Societal Capacity3
PUB 219Directed Research1-3
PUB 222Finance for Public Policies3
PUB 234Advanced Policy Analytics3

Minor in Political Science

Students must complete a minimum of 21 units and 6 courses with a Pacific minor grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn a minor in political science.

Minor Requirements:

POLS 011Introduction to Comparative Politics4
POLS 041U.S. Government and Politics4
POLS 051Introduction to International Relations4
POLS Electives - 3 additional courses at the 100-level or from:12
Philosophy of Law
Global Environmental Policy

Note: 1) At least ten of these units must be taken at Pacific.

Minor in Pre-Law

Students must complete a minimum of 21 units and 6 courses with a Pacific minor grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn a minor in pre-law.

Minor Requirements:

Select one of the following public law courses:4
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
Criminal Law
Select one of the following law courses: 4
The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
Sport Economics and Finance
Commercial Law
Employment Law
Advanced Model United Nations (MUN II)
Entertainment Law
Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System
Select one of the following communication courses:4
Public Speaking
Argumentation and Advocacy
English 25
Select one of the following philosophy courses:4
Moral Problems
Fundamentals of Ethics
Symbolic Logic
Philosophy of Law
Select one of the following business administration/statistics courses:4
Principles of Financial Accounting
Econometrics
Empirical Methods
Social Science Research Methods
Elementary Statistical Inference
Introduction to Statistics and Probability
Political Science Research
Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
Social Research Methods
Select one of the following social sciences courses:4
Commercial Law
Introductory Microeconomics
Introductory Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy
U.S. Government and Politics
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Courts and Judicial Behavior
Abnormal and Clinical Psychology
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Corrections

Note: 1) 12 of these units must be taken at Pacific. 2) All courses must be graded “C-“ or higher. 3) Only two courses may be transferred from community colleges. 4) Courses transferred from community colleges cannot fulfill the public law requirement. 5) No more than 3 courses from a single academic department can be counted in the pre-law minor.

Minor in Public Affairs

The field of public affairs studies how and why governments make choices about different kinds of public policies, for example environmental or health policy.  It also studies how governments implement (put into practice) their policy choices.  As a field, public affairs is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together theories, concepts from Economics, Political Science, and Sociology (among other disciplines).

The Public Affairs Minor introduces students to foundational concepts in each of these primary academic disciplines, introduces a framework for thinking about how governments make and/or implement policy choices, and then invites students to explore a specific policy area of their choosing in greater detail.

Students must complete a minimum of 20 units and 6 courses with a Pacific minor grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the minor in public affairs.

Minor Requirements:

One of the Following Economics:
Introductory Microeconomics
Introductory Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy
One of the following Political Science courses:
Introduction to Comparative Politics
U.S. Government and Politics
One of the following Sociology courses:
Social Problems
Introduction to Sociology
Select one of the following Public Policy/Administration courses:
Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis
Introduction to Public Administration
One (1) of the following Research Methods courses:4
Communication Research Methods
Empirical Methods
Social Science Research Methods
Political Science Research
Social Research Methods
One of the following Policy Topics courses:4
Public Advocacy
Intercultural Communication
Public Finance
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Labor Economics
Health Economics
American Immigration
Women in United States History
American Environmental History
Introduction to Health Policy
Immigration and Justice
U.S. Foreign Policy
Global Environmental Policy
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Environmental Health & Justice
Sociology of Health and Illness
Urban Society

Note: 1) Four courses must be completed at Pacific. 2) At least three courses for the minor must be outside a student's first major.

Political Science Courses

POLS 011. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 4 Units.

Students examine the basic functions performed by a political system, compare the different organizations and procedures societies have developed for handling these functions, and analyze of recurring patterns of political behavior from the level of the individual to that of the nation/state. (GE1C, GESO)

POLS 021. Introduction to Political Theory. 4 Units.

This course introduces the philosophical study of basic issues in political life, such as democracy, freedom, the responsibilities of political power, the role of the state, and justice through the close reading and analysis of selected major political thinkers. (GE2B, GEWE)

POLS 031. Introduction to Law and Politics in the American Political System. 4 Units.

This is an introductory course examining courses, law, and the role the judiciary plays in politics in the American political system. The course focuses on political aspects of legal rulings, as well as the constitutional limits to government power. (GE1B, GEGR)

POLS 041. U.S. Government and Politics. 4 Units.

Students analyze the constitutional structure of the federal government and its function as well as the political processes involved. This course satisfies the state teaching credential requirement on the U.S. Constitution. (GE1B, GEGR, PLAW)

POLS 051. Introduction to International Relations. 4 Units.

This course introduces the major issues of international politics and the analytical approaches applied to their study. Topics include: the causes of war, intervention, pursuit of economic prosperity and managing global resources. (GE1C, GEGR)

POLS 060. Legal Study Seminar. 1 Unit.

Students are introduced to the legal profession, court structure, and practical skills needed for law school. This course also examines current problems in different fields of law through panel discussions by law faculty. Prerequisite: Pacific Legal Scholar Student or permission of the instructor.

POLS 062. Legal Practice Seminar. 1 Unit.

Students examine different legal career trajectories, legal scholarship, and career exploration. This course also draws connections between academic training and legal practice through panel discussions by legal practitioners, and courthouse visits. Prerequisite: Pacific Legal Scholar Student or permission of the instructor.

POLS 081. Career and Internship Preparation. 2 Units.

POLS 081 orients and prepares students for the workplace expectations commonly encountered by students in political science internships. The course also provides information about careers commonly pursued by political science majors and how to prepare for them. Prerequisites: POLS 041. Sophomore standing.

POLS 087A. Political Science Internship. 1-4 Units.

POLS 093. Special Topics. 1-4 Units.

POLS 096A. Political Science Civic Action Part A. 2 Units.

This seminar fulfills the first course of the two-course sequence that constitutes the foundational academic component of the Civic Action Fellowship. This service-learning fellowship introduces students to some of the most pressing challenges facing urban centers such as Stockton, CA and, through an interdisciplinary service-learning and social justice lens, offers pathways for addressing these challenges. Bridging theory and practice, the seminar aims to address issues around urban health broadly defined, including educational disparities, climate and sustainability, and food insecurity. Furthermore, the seminar will help students develop civic skills and knowledge, prepare them for 21st century challenges, and contribute to the public good. The two-semester sequence (POLS 096 A&B) will fulfill the Political Science experiential learning requirement. Students must take both POLS 096A and POLS 096B to earn GE credit for this sequence. (GEDI, GEGR)

POLS 096B. Political Science Civic Action Part B. 2 Units.

This seminar fulfills the second course of the two-course sequence that constitutes the foundational academic component of the Civic Action Fellowship. This service-learning fellowship introduces students to some of the most pressing challenges facing urban centers such as Stockton, CA and, through an interdisciplinary service-learning and social justice lens, offers pathways for addressing these challenges. Bridging theory and practice, the seminar aims to address issues around urban health broadly defined, including educational disparities, climate and sustainability, and food insecurity. Furthermore, the seminar will help students develop civic skills and knowledge, prepare them for 21st century challenges, and contribute to the public good. Working from the final proposal delivered at the conclusion of the previous fall semester, students will deliver a project to benefit the community partner with which they serve. The two-semester sequence (POLS 096 A&B) will fulfill the Political Science experiential learning requirement. Students must take both POLS 096A and POLS 096B to earn GE credit for this sequence. (GEDI, GEGR)

POLS 104. Urban Government. 4 Units.

Students examine the structure and operation of urban units of government with emphasis on inter-governmental and inter-group relations in the United States. Problems of finance, racial, ethnic and class conflict, the adequacy of services and planning for future growth are included. The course emphasizes the role of race, class, and ethnicity in the city and is approved by Ethnic Studies. (DVSY, ETHC, GEDI)

POLS 106. California Government and Politics. 4 Units.

This course covers an overview of California governmental structures and selected political, economic and ecological conflicts, both historic and contemporary.

POLS 111. Introduction to Health Policy. 4 Units.

This is an introductory course in U.S. health policy and law. It begins by describing the basic machinery of policymaking and legal process that underpin the individual health care and public health systems and then turns to an exploration of many of the fundamental problems and contemporary issues in health policy and law. Students will learn to think systematically about these issues and the various methods available to public and private policymakers to solve them. Finally, this course describes the methods of writing a policy analysis, allowing students to apply analytic writing skills to policy and legal problems in the health care and public health systems. (GE1B, GEGR)

POLS 112. Congress and the Presidency. 4 Units.

This course examines the relative influence of Congress and the presidency on politics and policy making in America. Topics include the development, organization, operation, interactions, and policy making role of the two branches.

POLS 113. Race and Politics. 4 Units.

Issues related to race, racism, racial inequalities, and racial justice have become intertwined with many of our political conversations and public policymaking today. In this course, we start with the basic premise that race matters. How do we understand the conceptualization of race across time? How has the production of racial difference shaped our own experiences and relationships to the American state? What are the connections between racial power and protest — what are the possibilities for change? (GEDI)

POLS 114. Political Parties and Interest Groups. 4 Units.

Students analyze of the role of political parties and interest groups in the American political system in addition to the origins, development, and current state of parties and interest groups. The group includes a focus of the ways that these groups organize and influence the policy-making process.

POLS 116. Campaigns and Elections. 4 Units.

This course is designed to introduce students to campaigns and elections in the American political system. The focus is on what political science has discovered about campaigns, their operation, and their relative influence on elections. Other determinants of election outcomes are also examined.

POLS 117. Controversies in U.S. Government & Politics. 4 Units.

An intensive examination of a current controversy in U.S. government and politics. The specific topics examined in this course will vary by semester and instructor.

POLS 119. Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis. 4 Units.

This course is an analysis and evaluation of how government makes and implements policy at various levels, both state and local. POLS 119 fulfills the major requirement of an upper-level division course in the U.S. Government and Politics subfield. (ENST, PLAW)

POLS 120. Courts and Judicial Behavior. 4 Units.

Students examine the role, nature and sources of law, the courts and the adversary system; schools of jurisprudence. An emphasis is on contemporary problems such as reform, the jury system, selection of judges and selected problems. (PLAW)

POLS 122. Constitutional Law. 4 Units.

this course is a study of the development of the American Constitutional System through court cases. Law school techniques and methods are stressed. (PLAW)

POLS 124. Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties. 4 Units.

Students analyze the rights and guarantees contained in the Bill of Rights and other constitutional and statutory provisions. (PLAW)

POLS 126. Criminal Law. 4 Units.

This course focuses on the concepts, principles and problems of substantive criminal law. (PLAW)

POLS 127. Controversies in Law. 4 Units.

An intensive examination of a current controversy in law and judicial politics. The specific topics examined in this course will vary by semester and instructor.

POLS 128. Introduction to Public Administration. 4 Units.

This course introduces students to the study of public administration. It examines the role of public agencies and their personnel in a democratic political system. Topics include what public agencies are, why they exist in democracies, the functions they carry out, the mutual influence public agencies have with elected officials and the public, and interactions between public and not-for-profit spheres.

POLS 130. Ancient to Medieval Political Theory. 4 Units.

Students analyze ancient and medieval political thinkers examine the formation of social and political thought from approximately fifth century Greece through twelfth century Europe. The course materials address tensions between democracy and empire, ideas of democracy, freedom, the responsibilities of political power, the place of ambition, the role of justice, and the meaning of the good life. (GE2B, GEWE)

POLS 132. Modern to Contemporary Political Theory. 4 Units.

Students analyze modern and contemporary political thinkers and examine the formation of social and political thought form the sixteenth through the twenty-first centuries. The course materials address the development of the nation state, individual rights and freedom, religious liberty and toleration, popular sovereignty, popular consent, social equality, and intellectual, social, and historical progress. (GE2B, GEWE)

POLS 133. Political Science Research. 4 Units.

This course develops skills needed for conducting and understanding research in the social sciences, with a primary focus on political science. The course includes research design, critical statistical techniques and computer applications. Prerequisite: Fundamental Skills Math. (ENST, GE3B, GEQR, PLAW)

POLS 134. American Political Thought. 4 Units.

Principles and problems of political theory within the American setting are examined as they emerge from the founding period to the present. The course explores both the mainstream tradition and branches of counter traditions of political ideas in America. Emphasis is on the themes of authority, community, equality, liberty. (DVSY, ETHC, GE2B, GEDI, GEWE)

POLS 136. Jurisprudence. 4 Units.

Students analyze of the nature and functions of law, law as an instrument of social control, and the relationship between law, morality, and justice. This course examines current problems in law as it intersects with politics and society. Readings are drawn from legal and political philosophy, social science, and judicial opinions.

POLS 137. Controversies in Political Theory. 4 Units.

An intensive examination of a current controversy in political theory. The specific topics examined in this course will vary by semester and instructor.

POLS 138. Feminist Theory. 4 Units.

Feminist theory seeks to provide a philosophical foundation for the pursuit of “real world” goals and the improvement of women’s (and LGBTQ) lives. This course provides an introduction to contemporary feminist political theories. Throughout the semester we will interrogate key concepts and issue in both contemporary and historical feminist theory, such as: race, sexuality, gender identity and expression, capitalism, labor, and the state. The goal of this course is to understand the evolution of feminist thought and political praxis and also to draw connections between feminist theory and lived experiences. (GEDI)

POLS 141. Western European Comparative Politics. 4 Units.

This course is a comparative analysis of the political and economic forces that have shaped the advanced industrial states of Western Europe. Topics include: 1) state-building, nation-building and industrialization; 2) political and economic reconstruction of France, Great Britain and Germany; 3) contemporary problems facing the advanced capitalist states of Western Europe.

POLS 147. Controversies in Comparative Politics. 4 Units.

An intensive examination of a current controversy in comparative politics. The specific topics examined in this course will vary by semester and instructor.

POLS 151. Principles of Comparative Politics. 4 Units.

Students examine the most important analytical approaches used by political scientists in the comparative analysis of political systems and application of those approaches to selected examples. This is a core major requirement that develops political science learning objectives that are the basis for advanced coursework in the major. Prerequisites: POLS 041 and POLS 051 or permission of instructor.

POLS 152. Politics of Asia. 4 Units.

This course is a general political introduction to modern East, South-East and South Asia. The course includes a survey of geography, history and culture and it uses selected case studies in all three areas, an exploration of problems of development and modernization, as well as regional interaction and the relation of Asia to the West. (GE1C, GESO)

POLS 156. Immigration and Justice. 4 Units.

Immigration has been a central issue to politics and policymaking in many countries. This course examines the making, implementation, enforcement and contestation of contemporary immigration laws and policies. In this course students will learn about the history of immigration as well as the laws and policies that seek to limit or encourage new migrants. Students will learn how immigration policy shapes the lives of immigrants and mix-status family, and how the politics of race and ethnicity shape immigration policy and debates. Finally, this course explores the contours of the immigration system as it relates to the prison industrial complex, mass incarceration, and criminal/social justice. This course will draw on research from other countries to illustrate global patterns. (GEDI)

POLS 160. Theories of International Politics. 4 Units.

This course is an intensive study of the principal theories of international politics and behavior. The course covers major social scientific theories, critical approaches to theory, and international political theory. Prerequisite: POLS 051, or permission of instructor.

POLS 164. International Political Economy. 4 Units.

Students examine the major analytical and substantive issues in the field of international political economy and explore the political and economic problems generated by growing interdependence among advanced industrial states and the conflicts between industrialized and developing countries over the structure and functioning of the postwar international economic order. Prerequisite: POLS 051.

POLS 166. Causes of War. 4 Units.

This course is a study of the causes of interstate and civil war. We will read works that approach the basic questions about war causation from several perspectives: historical treatment of war causation, theoretical works, and the empirical research in conflict studies. The course will focus primarily on the scientific study of war, and what we know about war.

POLS 167. Controversies in International Relations. 4 Units.

An intensive examination of a current controversy in international relations. The specific topics examined in this course will vary by semester and instructor.

POLS 168. Comparative Foreign Policy. 4 Units.

Students examine of foreign policy making around the world, across major powers, middle powers, and small states. The course begins with a study of the different theories that try to explain why nations make the choices they do in the international arena, and then it considers the validity of those theories as students look at cases from the United States to China to New Zealand and a number of stops in between. Prior to the completion of a basic course in political science is recommended.

POLS 170. U.S. Foreign Policy. 4 Units.

Students examine of the major developments and current issues in U.S. foreign policy and various analytical approaches to their study. Topics include: U.S. diplomatic history, the processes and structures by which the U.S. government develops and implements foreign policy. Emphasis is placed on students developing the analytical capacity to pose and pursue significant puzzles about U.S. foreign policy. Prerequisite: POLS 051.

POLS 174. Global Environmental Policy. 4 Units.

Students examine the major environmental problems that confront the world today and an analysis of specific policies formulated to address those problems. Among the issues to be studied are deforestation, atmospheric and marine pollution, climate change, ozone depletion, and species loss.

POLS 175. Legal Writing and Research Seminar. 1 Unit.

Students are exposed to legal writing and advanced research skills, the content of first year law courses, and resources and facilities at Pacific McGeorge. Prerequisites: POLS 060 and POLS 062. Pacific Legal Scholar Student with Sophomore or Junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.0, or permission of the instructor. This course must be taken in the spring semester of their sophomore year (regardless of whether a student is in the 3+3 or 4+3 program).

POLS 187C. Pre-Law Internship. 4 Units.

This course is a supervised experience in an approved legal or judicial setting that is contracted on an individual basis. Prerequisites: POLS 041; POLS 031 or POLS 122 or POLS 124 or POLS 126. Junior standing is required with an overall GPA of 2.0. Department permission is also required.

POLS 189. Capstone Seminar. 4 Units.

This seminar course is for political science majors about to graduate. Students demonstrate their mastery of political science program learning objectives and outcomes through analysis and discussion of recent significant work in the major political science subfields; American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Politics and by the completion and presentation of a substantial political science research project. Prerequisite: Political Science majors with senior standing or by permission of instructor is required.

POLS 189A. Practicum. 4 Units.

POLS 189B. Practicum. 4 Units.

POLS 189C. Practicum. 4 Units.

POLS 191. Independent Study. 2-4 Units.

Political science majors with a "B" average in their work in political science take this course.

POLS 197. Undergraduate Research. 2-4 Units.

Students acquire skills in the design and implementation of political science research while they serve as a research assistant to a faculty member or conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Junior or senior standing as a political science major and permission from department is required.

Pre-Law Courses

BUSI 031. Principles of Financial Accounting. 4 Units.

Students analyze the recording and reporting of business transactions, use of financial statements, and the use of accounting information in management decision-making. (PLAW)

BUSI 053. The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business. 4 Units.

This course is designed to acclimate students to the American legal system and regulatory law. The student will be exposed to a variety of statutory and regulatory law areas as well as torts, contracts, product liability, ethics and international law. The course is intended to broaden the student’s awareness of legal issues. The emphasis of the course will be on solving issues utilizing legal reasoning. (GE1B, GEGR, PLAW)

BUSI 157. Commercial Law. 4 Units.

This course is an in-depth study of commercial transactions between entities and individuals in the business environment. The topics that are covered include contracts, commercial paper, sales, secured transactions, bankruptcy, personal property, securities regulation and other related topics over the semester. Case materials and problems are used extensively in the course. Prerequisite: BUSI 053 with a “C” or better. Junior standing. (PLAW)

BUSI 159. Employment Law. 4 Units.

This course examines major labor-management relations legislation and its interpretation and treatment by administrative agencies and the courts. Primary emphasis is on the National Labor Relations Act as amended, but attention is also given to law concerning public sector labor relations, employment discrimination and other related law. Prerequisite: BUSI 053 with a "C" or better. Junior standing. (PLAW)

COMM 027. Public Speaking. 3 Units.

This course prepares students for public speaking in civic and professional contexts. Students learn theories of public speaking to develop effective speeches and hone skills in adapting to various audiences. In small discussion sections, student speeches may be given in various modalities (face-to-face, synchronous online, asynchronous online). Students also critique speeches from their peers and others using principles learned in the course. This course is one of the core courses for the communication major. (GE2A, GELN, PLAW)

COMM 114. Argumentation and Advocacy. 4 Units.

Students are introduced to the theory and practice of argumentation, which is a method of decision-making emphasizing reason giving and evidence. The course includes instruction in debating, research, and critical writing, as well as advanced topics in the study of public deliberation. Prerequisites: COMM 027 or COMM 031 or COMM 043 or COMM 050, with a grade of C or higher. (PLAW)

ECON 053. Introductory Microeconomics. 4 Units.

This course introduces the foundational tools used to analyze the economic behavior of individuals and firms—their decision-making given scarce resources, their interaction in different market structures and the implications of their behavior for the efficient and equitable allocation of resources. The course will also address the role of the government in influencing market outcomes. Prerequisites: Completion of the Fundamental Skills Math requirement, or placement into MATH 005 or MATH 005E. (GE1A, GESO, PLAW)

ECON 055. Introductory Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy. 4 Units.

This course introduces the concepts and tools of macroeconomics, which is the study of both national economies and the global economy as a whole. It develops the “economic way of thinking” and the concept of gross domestic product. The course explores business cycles, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and financial crises, then applies the tools of fiscal policy (government spending and taxes) and monetary policy (money and interest rates) to manage them. Prerequisites: Completion of the Fundamental Skills Math requirement, or placement into MATH 005 or MATH 005E. (GE1B, GEGR, PLAW)

ECON 161. Empirical Methods. 4 Units.

This course teaches students to use current statistical software to perform empirical analysis of economic theory and applications. It is designed to provide students with practical data and econometric analysis skills for the workplace (private sector or government). The course will cover data collection, entry management, analysis and presentation. Some Familiarity with computer programming is recommended. Prerequisites: ECON 053; ECON 055; MATH 035 or MATH 037 or MATH 130 or MATH 131 or INTL 101; or permission of instructor. (PLAW)

ECON 190. Econometrics. 4 Units.

Students study the methods used to test economic theory with real-world data. The course presents the theory underlying common econometric methods and gives students experience in applying these analytical tools to data from a variety of sources. Students learn to develop testable hypotheses based on economic theories they have learned in earlier courses and to make reliable statistical inferences about these hypotheses. Students gain a working, applicable knowledge of the skills and software used by many professional economists and sought by many employers. Prerequisites: ECON 053; ECON 055; MATH 35 or MATH 037 or MATH 130 or MATH 131 or INTL 101. (PLAW)

ENGL 025. English 25. 4 Units.

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of English studies. While topics of individual sections vary, all ENGL 025 sections are writing-intensive and share learning outcomes for enhanced critical thinking and analysis, written and oral expression, and understanding of the functions of genre. Multiple and varied sections are listed by thematic focus title each semester. Prerequisite: a passing score on the General Education writing skills examination or WRIT 021. (GE2A, GELN, PLAW)

INTL 101. Social Science Research Methods. 4 Units.

Students are introduced to how research is conducted in the social sciences. The course shows how qualitative and quantitative research complements each other and it compares research methodologies in the different social science disciplines. The course also introduces basic statistical methods for analyzing social scientific data, and introduces the use of computers for quantitative analysis. Prerequisite: fundamental quantitative skills. (ENST, GE3B, GEQR, PLAW)

INTL 167. Advanced Model United Nations (MUN II). 1-2 Units.

This course offers advanced instruction on the workings of the specialized agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations with particular attention paid to current world issues before those bodies. Emphasis is placed on independent research and writing, as well as leadership skills, in preparation for attending a competitive Model United Nations conference. Prerequisite: POLS 051. May be taken for up to 2 units. (PLAW)

MATH 035. Elementary Statistical Inference. 3 Units.

Sampling, simple experimental designs, descriptive statistics, confidence intervals & hypothesis tests for means and proportions, Chi-square tests, linear & multiple regression, analysis of variance. Use of statistical software and/or online statistical calculators. Credit is not given for this course if a student has received credit for MATH 037 or MATH 131 or has AP credit in statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 004 or exemption by placement. GE IIIB. (ENST, GE3B, GEQR, MATH, PLAW)

MATH 037. Introduction to Statistics and Probability. 4 Units.

Students will develop mathematical tools for collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and drawing inferences from data. Topics covered include elements of descriptive statistics, such as graphs, tables, measures of central tendency and dispersion; discrete and continuous probability models for experiments and sampling distributions including the normal, t-, and chi-square distributions; and basic concepts of inferential statistics including confidence intervals, p-values, hypothesis tests for both one-and two-sample problems, ANOVA, and linear regression. The use of statistical software is required. This course is not recommended for first semester freshmen. Credit will not given for this course if a student has received credit for MATH 035 or has AP credit in Statistics. Prerequisites: MATH 033 or MATH 041 or MATH 045 or MATH 051 or MATH 053 with a "C-" or better or appropriate score on the calculus placement test. (ENST, GE3B, GEQR, MATH, PLAW)

MMGT 153. Entertainment Law. 4 Units.

Students study all aspects of legal relationships and rights of problems in films, television, music and records. Prerequisites: BUSI 053 and MMGT 011 or permission of instructor. Junior standing. (PLAW)

PHIL 021. Moral Problems. 4 Units.

One of the goals of philosophy is to apply ethical theories and concepts to difficult and significant moral problems about which people can rationally disagree. Through primary philosophical writings, legal decisions, film and online class discussion, students will come to understand the nature and complexities of the significant moral problems, such as the moral standing of non-human beings, abortion, doctor-assisted suicide, the limits of free speech, illegal immigration, affirmative action, sexual morality, civil disobedience, and the distribution of wealth. The best philosophical arguments on the issues are examined so that each student can decide which positions are most rationally compelling. (GE2B, GEWE, PLAW)

PHIL 027. Fundamentals of Ethics. 4 Units.

This course is an inquiry into the question "How should we lead our lives?" Each student is asked to reflect on her/his own moral commitments and how she/he makes morally difficult decisions, and then to consider whether there is any coherent, unifying system or procedure underlying this. The course then explores several of the most durable and influential philosophical approaches to moral decision making which include the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and how each might apply to various real-life situations. Additional issues might include: why we ought to take morality's demands seriously; whether moral judgments are mere opinions; and whether it is legitimate to criticize morally the practices of other cultures. (GE2B, GEWE, PLAW)

PHIL 037. Symbolic Logic. 4 Units.

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and methods employed in the analysis of arguments. The course begins with some of the basic concepts of logic, such as truth, probability, validity, soundness, proof, and consistency. Students learn how to translate arguments into symbolic languages (categorical, sentential, and predicate logics) and evaluate them using various formal techniques. Time may also be spent examining the notion of probability and the character of inductive inference, as well as detecting and explaining common fallacies. (GE3B, GEQR, PLAW)

PHIL 106. Philosophy of Law. 4 Units.

This course is an analysis of the nature and function of law. More specific topics in the course might include: the idea of law as an instrument of social control; whether democratically decided laws can ever be illegitimate; the extent to which we are obligated to obey the law; the justification for punishment, and its permissible forms; the relationship between law, morality, and justice; the appropriate role of legislators, lawyers, and judges; and the role of interpretation, coherence, and precedent in judicial reasoning. Readings draw from legal and political philosophy, social sciences, and judicial opinions. Not recommended for first-year students. (PLAW)

PSYC 031. Introduction to Psychology. 4 Units.

This course is an introduction to the major fields within psychology. Topics include: 1) experimental methods in psychology, 2) physiological psychology, 3) sensation and perception, 4) psychology of learning, 5) memory, 6) cognition and language, 7) cognitive abilities, 8), motivation and emotion, 9) human development, 10) personality, 11) abnormal psychology and treatment of mental illness, and 12) social psychology. (GE1A, GESO, PLAW)

SOCI 033. Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice. 4 Units.

This course provides an overview of the nature and extent of crime, theories of crime causation, the social correlates of crime, and the structure of the criminal justice system. The geographic focus of the course will be the United States, though international comparisons may be brought in for a comparative perspective. (ETHC, GE1A, GESO, PLAW)

SOCI 139. Corrections. 4 Units.

Students examine the history and theories of and current practices in institutional and non-institutional programs addressed to the correctional treatment of juvenile and adult offenders. Prerequisite: a course in sociology or permission of instructor. (PLAW)

SOCI 171. Social Research Methods. 4 Units.

This course reviews and examines the various methods used in social science research to gather and analyze data. The course considers the relationship between social theory and such methodologies as experiments, observations, interviews, surveys and content analysis. It guides students in each of these data collection techniques and introduces students to quantitative and qualitative data analysis. It also considers the ethical issues involved in the use of such methods. Student designed research projects are a central part of this course. Prerequisites: SOCI 051, SOCI 071, and SOCI 079. (PLAW)

Conceptual and Analytical

Students should be able to use key concepts and analytical approaches from Political Theory, U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations to explain and understand government, politics, and public affairs.

Inquiry and Research

Students should be able to construct a summative project or paper that draws on current, research, scholarship, and techniques in a political science subfield.

Communication

Students should be able to make clear and effective presentations of their work in writing and in public presentations.

Professionalism and Citizenship

Students should know, understand, and be able to meet the expectations of professionalism and citizenship.

Political Science Faculty

Keith W. Smith, Associate Professor and Chair, 2008, BA, Pepperdine University, 1997; MPM, University of Maryland, 1999; MA, University of California, Berkeley, 2000; PhD 2005.

Jeffrey Becker, Associate Professor, 2006, BA, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1991; MA, Rutgers University, 1996; PhD, 2004. Member, Phi Beta Kappa.

Brian E. Klunk, Associate Professor, 1987, BA, Pennsylvania State University, 1977; MA, University of Virginia, 1980; PhD, 1985.

Cynthia Ostberg, Professor, 1994, BA, University of California, Berkeley, 1985; MA, Northern Illinois University, 1991; PhD, 1995.

Susan G. Sample, Professor, 1999, BA, University of Missouri, 1991: PhD, Vanderbilt University, 1996. Member, Phi Beta Kappa.

Dari Sylvester Tran, Associate Professor, 2005, BA, Trinity College, 1998; MA State University of New York, Stony Brook, 2002; PhD, 2006. Member, Phi Beta Kappa.