Political Science, Law, & International Studies

ANTH 053. Cultural Anthropology. 3 Units.

This introductory course covers the anthropological view of humanity, the character and nature of culture, and the diversity of the human species. The major concepts, methods, and theoretical assumptions of the discipline are illustrated by applying anthropological perspectives to peoples from around the world. Topics include culture, ethnicity, and language; kinship, marriage, and social organization; time and space; religion, magic and rituals; gender and sexuality; power, inequality, and political relations; economic production, circulation, and consumption; social control; and the various forces and forms of change. (DVSY, ETHC, GE1C, GEDI, GEWE)

ANTH 093. Special Topics. 1-4 Units.

Occasional offerings on topics in anthropology of current interest to faculty and students. Normally will have no prerequisite.

ANTH 132. Modern Middle East. 4 Units.

How do Palestinians and Israelis conceptualize the ideal polity? How do Muslims understand the roles of women and men? How are historical experiences related to the collective memory of a community, and how does memory shape contemporary social life in the Middle East? How are local histories, societies, and cultures related to global processes of politics, economics, and culture? How do modern Middle Eastern peoples see their own identities and how and why do these conceptions differ from Western discourses about the region? This course is an introduction to thinking critically about these and related questions. Readings are drawn from various areas, that include history, anthropology, and literature. Middle Eastern experiences are also surveyed through other media, such as film. Students are encouraged to think critically about and beyond both popular Western images of the Middle East and supposed boundaries between nations and civilizations. Particular emphasis is given to the interconnections – political, cultural, etc. – between East and West, South and North. Sophomore standing.

ANTH 134. Anthropology of Africa. 4 Units.

Africa is a large and diverse continent that is characterized by a multiplicity of cultures, histories, identities and experiences. This course is designed to encourage an appreciation of the complexity of contemporary Africa and to consider how African realities may differ from common stereotypes of the continent. This is primarily a course on contemporary Africa but it also includes a historical overview of key events that continue to shape current realities such as trade and migration, colonialism, and nationalist struggles for independence. While contemporary issues such as poverty and political violence are addressed, the focus is on the richness and diversity of African lives and experiences from rural to urban settings across the continent. Course material addresses the interconnections between politics, kinship, gender, ethnicity, economics and history. Sophomore standing is required.

ANTH 153. Language and Culture. 4 Units.

In this seminar, the interconnections between language and culture are explored from an anthropological perspective that include approaches to the study of language within anthropology, methods of linguistic anthropological research, linguistic relativity, conversational styles, and links between language and power. (DVSY)

ANTH 161. Urban Society. 4 Units.

In this course we look at urban life from various perspectives: ethnographic, historical, geographic, and critical-theoretical. The course surveys cases from across the globe, focusing on South and East Asia; North, South and Central America; Africa; and the Middle East. We aim to see the city in a global and cross-cultural perspective and to question and contextualize the supposedly universal models of urbanism based on the Western experiences. (ETHC)

ANTH 170. Culture and Economy. 4 Units.

This course provides an anthropological approach to the study of economic behavior in a cross-cultural context. Are there places in the world where people don’t care about the latest cell phones or clothing fashions? Do people always seek to buy the most goods that they can with their money? Do different cultures define rational, maximizing behavior differently? In this class students explore the variety of different ways in which people produce, exchange and consume goods and how these processes are embedded in social and cultural institutions. Throughout the semester, students read ethnographic articles and case studies that discuss other peoples’ economic lives and touch on important issues of global poverty and development. Topics include markets, gifts, commodities, property rights, systems of production and exchange, and change within local and global economies. Prerequisite: ANTH 053 or ANTH 054.

ANTH 172. Culture and Power. 4 Units.

What is power? How are power relations configured differently across cultures? How is power institutionalized and contested in an increasingly interconnected world? The theme that unites all these concerns is the politics of everyday life: how power works in and through culture to shape the lives of individuals and societies. Topics of discussion include: conflict and conflict resolution,; law and custom, leadership and authority, social and cultural control, ritual and symbolism, gender, ethnicity, and identity politics, nationalism and colonialism, representation, agency and political subjectivity, civil society organizations and social movements, borders, boundaries and citizenship. (DVSY, GEDI)

ANTH 187. Internship. 1-4 Units.

An internship, approved and supervised by a faculty adviser, is an opportunity for a student to intellectually reflect on a supervised work experience in a setting appropriate for the student's career and life goals. Prerequisites: two advanced anthropology courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

ANTH 188. Anthropology Theory. 4 Units.

This course provides a critical review of the history of anthropological theory, that include its epistemology, paradigms, major concepts, central questions, and methodologies, as well as the relationships of these to each other and to their historical context. In tracing the discipline’s history from its precursors to its establishment as an academic discipline and then through the last century to the present, the course introduces students to major theoretical approaches in anthropology and interrogates the interconnections between anthropological theory, knowledge, ethics, and practice. Prerequisites: ANTH 053 or ANTH 054. Junior standing.

ANTH 191. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.

Permission of instructor. Junior standing.

ANTH 193. Special Topics, Upper Division. 1-4 Units.

Occasional offerings on topics in anthropology of current interest to faculty and students. Prerequisite: ANTH 053.

ANTH 197. Independent Research. 1-4 Units.

Advanced students are offered the opportunity to design and complete an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member beyond the requirements of other course work. Prerequisites: two advanced anthropology courses with a 3.0 Pacific GPA. Permission of Instructor.

INTL 067. Introduction to Model United Nations (MUN I). 1-2 Units.

This course is an overview of the workings of the United Nations with particular attention paid to current world issues before that body. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and oral advocacy skills in preparation for attending a competitive Model United Nations conference. Course may be taken for up to 2 units.

INTL 077. Contemporary World Issues. 3 Units.

Students will be introduced to the historical context of the most important current global issues, including imperialism, nationalism, political violence, poverty, economic development, and financial crises through a focus on either the issue or specific case studies. Students will also examine our obligation to act within the global community. (GE1C, GEGR)

INTL 077L. Twentieth Century Through Documentaries. 1 Unit.

Complementing INTL 077 (Contemporary World Issues), this video course offers historical footage of significant persons, events, and movements around the world throughout the 20th century. The discussion of the videos seeks to deepen understanding of the atmosphere and attitudes surrounding significant events of the 20th century. Prerequisite, may be taken concurrently: INTL 077 or permission of instructor.

INTL 081. Perspectives on World History. 3 Units.

Students study the shape of human history from its beginnings to the present day. The course is built around the work of historians, with the addition of anthropologists and political scientists, whose interpretations/perspectives differ, but whose insights help us to understand humanity’s life on Earth. (GE2B, GEWE)

INTL 093. Special Topics. 1-4 Units.

INTL 107. Global Economic Issues. 4 Units.

This course is an introduction to international trade, international finance and economic development. Economic principles and tools are used to understand the interconnected global economy. Topics include trade theory and policy; regional and multilateral trading system; trade and climate change; balance of payments; foreign exchange markets and exchange rate determination; and the role of foreign aid private capital flows and trade policy in economic development. This course is cross-listed as ECON 071. Prerequisites: ECON 053; ECON 051 or ECON 055. INTL 107 cannot be taken for credit if the student has taken or is concurrently enrolled in ECON 121 or ECON 123.

INTL 113. World Geography for the Social Sciences. 4 Units.

This interdisciplinary course is an overview of the study of human geography and is designed to promote both geographic literacy and critical geographical thinking. Issues and themes covered include cultural geography; political geography; space- and place-making; landscape, ecology, and resource consumption; cartography and its critics; and national, imperial, and gendered geographies and their critics. Case studies draw from many world regions and cultures. Sophomore standing.

INTL 123. Literature Across Cultures. 4 Units.

On the basis of selected works taken from the vast body of contemporary world literature, the course surveys the variety of literary expression from cultures around the globe. Although often separated physically by continents, creative writers respond to fundamental human dilemmas in ways characteristic of their craft as well as individuals and members of a culture. Students read, compare, and discuss these responses as they have been formed in Lagos, Berlin or Sao Paulo, Tokyo, Paris or Mobile. Emphasis is on conflicts that arise from post colonialism. General Education IC.

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)

INTL 187. Internship. 1-4 Units.

An internship, approved and supervised by a faculty adviser, is an opportunity for a student to intellectually reflect on a supervised work experience in a setting appropriate for the student's career and life goals. Prerequisites: two SIS core courses and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

INTL 191. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.

Ordinarily limited to SIS juniors and seniors. Student must be in good academic standing. Permission of instructor.

INTL 193. Special Topics. 1-4 Units.

INTL 197. Independent Research. 1-4 Units.

Advanced students are offered the opportunity to design and complete an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member beyond the requirements of other course work. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Permission of instructor.

INTL 200. Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship. 3 Units.

This course is an introduction to the developing field of social entrepreneurship. The course will expose students to topics, concepts, and definitions in this developing field, including theory regarding the term 'entrepreneurship', definitions of social entrepreneur and social entrepreneurship, management skills required for social entrepreneurial organizations, scaling of social impact, and impact measurement for social mission organizations. Throughout the course, examples are given of real social extrepreneurs and social entrepreneurial organizations in order give practical insight to complement the theory covered in the different sections.

INTL 201. Business Plans for Social Entrepreneurial Organizations. 3 Units.

This course introduces the student to the importance, as well as actual mechanics, of developing a business plan for a social entrepreneurial organization whether it is a social enterprise or an organization that depends on non-earned income. The course emphasizes developing a business plan which integrates the organization's social mission with an economic strategy. An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship is the prerequisite course for this course.

INTL 202. Monitor and Eval Social Entrepreneurship. 3 Units.

This course provides the learner with an introduction to monitoring and evaluation of social programs with a special focus on social entrepreneurship and microfinance. Students learn the methods and approaches of monitoring and evaluation and apply these to the emerging field of social entrepreneurship.

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.

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. (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. (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. (ETHC, GEDI, GEND)

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.

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 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. 3-4 Units.

This course is a supervised experience in an approved legal or judicial setting that is contracted on an individual basis. Junior standing is required with an overall GPA of 2.0. Department permission is also required. Prerequisites: POLS 081, COOP 188, or instructor permission.

POLS 189. Capstone Seminar. 4 Units.

This seminar course is for political science and related majors who are about to graduate. Students demonstrate their mastery of their program learning objectives and outcomes through analysis and discussion of recent significant works and by the completion and presentation of a substantial, field-appropriate research project. Prerequisite: Political Science (all program majors and concentrations), Criminal Justice (all program majors), and International Studies (all program majors) students 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 193. Special Topics. 1-4 Units.

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.

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. 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)

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. (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. (GE3B, GEQR, MATH, PLAW)

MMGT 153. Music & Entertainment Law. 3 Units.

Students study all legal aspects and relevant subject matter specific to the music industry including contracts, copyright, and legal case studies. Prerequisites: BUSI 053 and MMGT 011 or permission of instructor. (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. Correctional Systems & Society. 4 Units.

In this course, students examine how the philosophy, structure, and operation of the U.S. correctional system have evolved over time. The course covers correctional treatment and oversight for adults, juveniles, and other special populations. It also focuses on the broader impact of incarceration on families and communities. Topics include mass incarceration, solitary confinement, and capital punishment. (GEDI, GEWE, 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)