This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. (Formerly POL 101)

This course stresses the study of California State and local government (counties, cities, and special districts) and California party politics, including the study of the California constitution, intergovernmental relations, regional governments, and urban politics and problems. This course is designed to make available to students, concepts, information, and skills which will enable them to better understand the political and governmental systems in which citizen's function.

This course is an introductory survey of the field of political science designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, political systems, and subfields within political science. This course will also focus on the major concepts, theories, institutions, processes and policies of government at the national, state, and local levels. The class is intended for college transfer students, especially political science majors.

This course is a study of basic concepts, theories, and principles of international politics. Emphasis shall be placed on an examination of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions, and processes as they relate to global issues; as well as contemporary world affairs including the importance of nationalism, imperialism, ideology, alliance systems, the rise of the developing nations and the nature of international organizations. Specific case studies shall be examined to illustrate the various principles of international relations.

This course is a study of different kinds of political systems including comparative analysis of their history, political institutions, processes and policies, the environment in which they occur, and differing ideologies, current political problems and their consequences.

A one-semester course emphasizing the basic issues in conflict between nations of the Middle East, this class will investigate, in addition to the political and economic conditions, the social and cultural contributions of the Middle Eastern nations.

This course is an introduction to western political thought. The course surveys major themes in the history of political theory, including works by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau and Marx. Topics of discussion include how best to govern society, the quality and ethics of political leadership, the sources of law and governmental authority, the issue of liberty and justice, and the role of the state in economic relations.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of international diplomacy through participation in Model United Nations (MUN) simulations and intercollegiate model United Nations conferences. It explores the purpose and functions of international organizations with emphasis on the United Nations. It examines the historical development, norms, rules and procedures of the United Nations. Students will debate major issues of the organization; learn parliamentary procedures, diplomacy, international advocacy and extemporaneous speaking. The MUN simulation activities component of this course will afford students the opportunity to represent specific countries at simulated conferences sponsored and attended by colleges and universities in the region, nation-wide and all over the world. May be repeated for a total of 6 units in different semesters.

This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to global citizenship through the lenses of political science, international relations, and global studies. It explores key theoretical frameworks for understanding global interconnectivity, governance, and citizenship in today's increasingly interconnected world. Students will explore political, economic, social, and environmental factors that shape global interactions through the application of political science theories, research methods, and social science concepts. Through critical examination of contemporary global issues, students will explore ethical dilemmas and the ways individuals and societies address challenges such as migration, inequality, and climate change. By the end of the course, students will evaluate the implications of global citizenship and the rights and responsibilities that accompany the title of global citizen in a globalized world.

This course introduces students to the concept of how public policy is formed, how law reflects and affects societal norms, how legal mores change over time, and how law relates to its execution. Students study civil liberties, Supreme Court cases, and the tension between rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Students learn how gender, race and sexuality have been defined over time by policymakers.

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the political power and powerlessness of ethnic and marginalized communities within the United States. Central to this study will be the histories, lived experiences, pivotal theories and concepts, contemporary challenges, and social movements of African Americans, Native Americans, Latinx Americans, Asian Americans, Women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Students will also be introduced to diverse perspectives on empowerment, sovereignty, self-determination, identity, intersectionality, agency, and anti-racism related to racial and social justice and liberation. Additionally, the course will critically examine how racial, ethnic, and gender discrimination impacts political participation, representation, and the distribution of power within the American political landscape and society. This course is not open to students who are currently enrolled in or who have received credit for ETHN280. (Formerly POL 280)

This course serves to broaden the ethnic and racial perspectives of students by examining the political, social, and cultural experiences of Latinx communities in the United States. Special attention is devoted to theoretical approaches to the study of Latinx politics, the diversity and intersectionality of Latinx identity and political equality, the systemic barriers to political and socio-economic progress, and how inequalities affect power, privilege, and political behavior in the United States. Students will also analyze the social movements and contemporary issues affecting Latinx Americans in their struggle for equal access to the U.S. political system. This course is not open to students who are currently enrolled in or who have received credit for ETHN 281. (Formerly POL 281)

This course serves to broaden the ethnic and racial perspectives of students by examining the political, social, and cultural experiences of African Americans in the United States. Special attention will be placed on Black political ideologies and theories, the diversity and intersectionality of Black identity and political equality, systemic barriers to political and socioeconomic progress, and how discrimination affects power, privilege, and political behavior. Students will also analyze the social movements and contemporary political issues affecting Black Americans in their struggle for equal access to the U.S. political system. This course is not open to students who are currently enrolled in or who have received credit for ETHN 282. (Formerly POL 282)

A course to provide opportunity for individual research and field projects under the direction of a faculty member in a given department. With the guidance of the faculty member, students prepare and carry out a written learning agreement describing the purposes and outcomes of the project. Students should expect to meet with the supervising faculty member one to two hours each week for conferences. Credit is based upon the number of hours in the semester expected to complete the project (1 unit for 54 hours). This course may be taken a maximum of 2 times. For selected disciplines, UC transfer credit may be possible after admission to a UC campus, pending review of appropriate course materials by UC staff. See a counselor for an explanation.

A course to provide opportunity for individual research and field projects under the direction of a faculty member in a given department. With the guidance of the faculty member, students prepare and carry out a written learning agreement describing the purposes and outcomes of the project. Students should expect to meet with the supervising faculty member one to two hours each week for conferences. Credit is based upon the number of hours in the semester expected to complete the project (2 units for 108 hours). This course may be taken a maximum of 2 times. For selected disciplines, UC transfer credit may be possible after admission to a UC campus, pending review of appropriate course materials by UC staff. See a counselor for an explanation.