Department of Political Science
Division of Social Sciences
Ellison Hall 3834
Telephone: (805) 893-3431
Undergraduate e-mail: polsinfo@polsci.ucsb.edu
Graduate e-mail: polsgrad@polsci.ucsb.edu
Website: www.polsci.ucsb.edu (will
open in a new browser window)
Department Chair: John Woolley
Contents:
Aaron Belkin, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Associate Professor (international relations)
Bruce Bimber, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor (public policy)
Gayle Binion, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Professor (public law)
Marguerite Bouraad-Nash, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Senior Lecturer (international politics, Middle East politics)
Kathleen Bruhn, Ph.D., Stanford University, Associate Professor (comparative politics, Latin America)
Benjamin J. Cohen, Ph.D., Columbia University, Louis G. Lancaster Professor of International Relations (international relations, international political economy)
Peter Digeser, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Professor (political theory)
Laurie A. Freeman, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Associate Professor (comparative politics, Japan)
Garrett Glasgow, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Associate Professor (quantitative methods, political behavior)
M. Kent Jennings, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Professor (political socialization)
Cynthia S. Kaplan, Ph.D., Columbia University, Associate Professor (comparative politics, Soviet Union, political economy)
Joseph Lodge, J.D., University of Michigan, Lecturer (Judge, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara)
Rose McDermott, Ph.D., Stanford University, Associate Professor (international relations, security studies, political psychology, experimental methods)
Lorraine M. McDonnell, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor (public policy)
Lorelei Moosbrugger, Ph.D., UC San Diego, Assistant Professor (environmental politics, comparative institutions, public policy, European political systems)
Andrew Norris, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Assistant Professor (political theory)
Robert Rauchhaus, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Assistant Professor (international relations, security studies)
Eric R.A.N. Smith, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (public opinion, voting behavior, party realignment, quantitative methods)
Heather Stoll, Ph.D., Stanford University, Assistant Professor (comparative politics, political methodology)
M. Stephen Weatherford, Ph.D., Stanford University, Professor (political analysis, public opinion)
John T. Woolley, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Professor (public policy, political economy)
Alan J. Wyner, Ph.D., Ohio State University, Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment (state and local politics, public policy and administration)
Stanley V. Anderson, LL.B., Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus (public law, international law, Scandinavian studies)
Haruhiro Fukui, Ph.D., Australian National University, Professor Emeritus (Japanese politics, comparative politics)
Alan P. L. Liu, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor Emeritus (Chinese politics, comparative politics)
Dean Mann, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus (American politics, natural resources policy and administration)
Peter H. Merkl, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus (comparative politics, European politics)
John E. Moore, Ph.D., Princeton University, Professor Emeritus (public and regulatory administration)
A. E. Keir Nash, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor Emeritus (politics and population, constitutional law, political change)
Robert C. Noel, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Professor Emeritus (regional politics of the Middle East, international relations, comparative politics)
Thomas S. Schrock, Ph.D., University of Chicago, Professor Emeritus (political philosophy, public law)
Edwina Barvosa-Carter, Ph.D., (Chicana and Chicano Studies)
Fernando Lopez-Alves, Ph.D., (sociology)
Cedric J. Robinson, Ph.D., (Black Studies)
Oran Young, Ph.D., (Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management)
Are democracies with only two political parties more representative than those with many parties? How can governments respect diverse ethnic, racial, and religious identities, and still promote bonds of common citizenship? What should be the role of the United States in an increasingly interdependent global economy? These are the types of questions that political scientists explore, but they also represent issues that require ordinary citizens to make informed judgments.
The Department of Political Science offers a balanced program, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice rather than any single approach or methodology. In addition to its standard program, the department also offers a public service emphasis and an international relations emphasis for undergraduate majors. An undergraduate honors thesis program is available to selected students. The M.A. and Ph.D. programs encompass work in all fields of political science.
Advising is available to undergraduates through the departmental undergraduate advisor who counsels students during scheduled hours and by appointment. Students are encouraged, in addition, to consult with individual faculty members about course content and professional or career concerns. Graduate advisors are appointed by the department and may be contacted through the department office.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in political science who are interested in pursuing a California Teaching Credential should contact the credential advisor in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education as soon as possible.
The Department of Political Science awards four undergraduate scholarships and prizes each year. Two of these awards are open to students selecting the optional emphasis in international relations, and are open to all majors in their junior year.
The Lancaster Scholarship is given to the top student or students with an emphasis in international relations. Interested students must submit an application by the deadline early spring quarter. Criteria for selection include a student’s grade-point average, successful completion of coursework in international relations and comparative politics, financial need, and length of residence in Santa Barbara County.
The Reg Robinson Award is given annually to the student or students with the highest grade point average in international relations and comparative politics courses. Final selection is made by the Reg Robinson Award Committee in the Department of Political Science.
The Kevin Patrick Moran Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students majoring in political science who demonstrate leadership qualities, academic promise, and a devotion to the peaceful resolution of conflict. Interested students must submit an application by the deadline early spring quarter.
The Larry Adams Scholarship in Public Policy is given quarterly to a political science student working 10-12 hours per week in a local governmental agency. Interested students must submit an application by the deadline advertised each quarter.
For further information regarding these scholarships and prizes, please contact an advisor in the undergraduate advising office, Ellison Hall 3838.
In the winter quarter of the junior year, students with outstanding academic records are eligible for the department’s honors thesis program. Those accepted begin their work in the following quarter in a specially designed seminar. In their senior year, they take additional seminar work and write a thesis. Honors graduates will be identified separately each year at the head of the graduation list for political science, and will be eligible for graduation with Distinction in the Major. Details are available from the department office.
Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Preparation for the major. Admission into the pre-political science major is contingent upon successful completion of the requirements stipulated below. Students may declare a pre-political science major after they have completed at least two political science courses from the pre-major with a 2.6 grade-point average or above. Once the preparation for the major is completed with the required grade-point average, students must then petition for admission into full major status and at that time may declare an optional emphasis. Admission to the pre-major does not guarantee admission to full major status. To qualify for admission into the political science major, students must complete Political Science 1, 6, 7, and 12 with a grade-point average of 2.6 or above. In addition, students must complete Economics 1 and 2 (or 109) and History 2A-B-C or 4A-B-C. Transfer and upper-division students should consult the undergraduate advisor about substitutions. Students planning on majoring in political science should take Political Science 1, 6, 7, and 12 during their freshman or sophomore year.
Upper-division major. Forty-one upper-division units are required, which must include at least one course from each of Areas A through D:
-
Political Science 105, 121, 147;
-
Political Science 110, 114, 187, 188, 189;
-
Political Science 115, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 157, 158, 180, 185;
-
Political Science 104.
The remaining 24 units may include courses from the above options other than those used for areas A-C, as well as other upper-division political science courses. No more than a combined total of 8 units of political science courses numbered 190 and above, nor more than 4 units each in Political Science 190, 192, 193, 194, or 199, may apply toward major requirements. Up to 4 units of Political Science 192, which is available only passed/not passed, may be taken for major credit; all other courses must be taken for letter grades.
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science - International Relations Emphasis
Preparation for the major. Admission into the pre-political science major is contingent upon successful completion of the requirements stipulated below. Students may declare a pre-political science major after they have completed at least two political science courses from the pre-major with a 2.6 grade-point average or above. Once the preparation for the major is completed with the required grade-point average, students must then petition for admission into full major status and at that time may declare an optional emphasis. Admission to the pre-major does not guarantee admission to full major status. To qualify for admission into the political science major, students must complete Political Science 1, 6, 7, and 12 with a grade-point average of 2.6 or above. In addition, students must complete Economics 1 and 2 (or 109) and History 2A-B-C or 4A-B-C. Transfer and upper-division students should consult the undergraduate advisor about substitutions. Students planning to major in political science should take Political Science 1, 6, 7, and 12 during their freshman or sophomore year.
Required work in relevant disciplines: Two additional courses must be taken from the following list: Anthropology 115; Economics 112A-B, 114, 180, 181; Geography 5; Psychology 138; Sociology 130, 130A, 130LA, 130GR, 130SA, 138G (or Global Studies 124), History 171A-B or another upper-division history course in Asian, Latin American, European, or African history.
Language requirement: completion of the fifth quarter or its equivalent.
Upper-division major. Forty-five upper-division units in political science, to be distributed as follows:
-
Political Science 105, 121, and 127;
-
Two courses from Political Science 109, 119, 124, 126, 128, 129, 186;
-
Two courses from Political Science 101, 134, 135, 136, 138, 140, 142 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148A-B, 149, 150A-B, 177;
-
Three courses from the following, but no more than two courses from any one category:
-
Political Science 175, 180, 185
-
Political Science 152, 153, 155, 157, 158
-
Political Science 110, 114, 187, 188, 189;
-
-
Political Science 104.
Note: With departmental approval, 4 units of Political Science 192 (or Interdisciplinary 192DC or 192SA) may be substituted for one course in Area D.
Up to 4 units of Political Science 192 (or Interdisciplinary 192DC or 192SA, which is available only passed/not passed, may be taken for major credit; all other courses must be taken for letter grades.
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science - Public Service Emphasis
The coursework in the public service emphasis focuses on the fields of politics and public administration and includes work in sociology and economics. Students in this emphasis are required to serve a one-quarter, full-time internship in a governmental or political office during their senior year. Internships are open to all political science majors, whether or not they choose the public service emphasis. To qualify for the internship, students are expected to have a 3.0 grade-point average and junior or senior standing; they must also have completed courses relating to the work they plan to perform as an intern. Departmental approval is required and interested students should see the undergraduate advisor for further details.
Preparation for the major. Admission into the pre-political science major is contingent upon successful completion of the requirements stipulated below. Students may declare a pre-political science major after they have completed at least two political science courses from the pre-major with a 2.6 grade-point average or above. Once the preparation for the major is completed with the required grade-point average, students must then petition for admission into full major status and at that time may declare an optional emphasis. Admission to the pre-major does not guarantee admission to full major status. To qualify for admission into the political science major, students must complete Political Science 1, 6, 7, and 12 with a grade-point average of 2.6 or above. In addition, students must complete Economics 1 and 2 (or 109) and History 2A-B-C or 4A-B-C. Transfer and upper-division students should consult the undergraduate advisor about substitutions. Students planning to major in political science should take Political Science 1, 6, 7, and 12 during the freshman or sophomore year.
Required work in relevant disciplines:
- Economics 3A and 3B;
- Writing 109SS.
Upper-division major. Forty-five upper-division units in political science are required, to be distributed as follows:
-
Two courses from Political Science 170, 180, 185;
-
One course from Political Science 151, 152, 153, 154, 174, 175, 176;
-
One course from Political Science 153, 155, 157, 158;
Note: Political Science 153 may be used in Area B or C of major but not in both. -
One course from Political Science 161, 162, 163;
-
One course from Political Science 115, 165, 166, 167, 168;
-
One course from Political Science 105, 110, 114, 119, 121, 127, 147, 189;
-
Political Science 104.
-
A total of 12 units of Political Science 192 and 199, Interdisciplinary 192DC and 199DC, or Interdisciplinary 192SA and 199SA to be taken during one quarter of internship while registered at UCSB.
Up to 8 units of Political Science 192 and/or Interdisciplinary 192DC or 192SA, which are available only passed/not passed, may be taken for major credit; all other courses must be taken for letter grades.
Graduate Program
The Department of Political Science offers four fields of study: American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory, as well as one nonexamination field, methodology. In addition to departmental requirements, candidates for graduate degrees must fulfill the university requirements described in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB."
Admission
The Department of Political Science offers two closely related graduate programs: an M.A./Ph.D. program for students who have completed the B.A., and a Ph.D. program for those who come to UCSB with an M.A. from another institution. The department’s Graduate Program Statement offers a detailed explanation of the program. In addition to departmental admission requirements, applicants must also meet the university requirements for admission described in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB."
Master of Arts - Political Science
Degree Requirements
The M.A. degree in political science is offered under Plan 1 (thesis plan) and Plan 2 (examination plan). In Plan 1, candidates must complete at least 44 units of coursework, normally in graduate courses in political science, and write a thesis.
In Plan 2, candidates must complete at least 48 units of coursework, normally in graduate courses in political science, and pass one Ph.D. written qualifying examination from among the four examination fields listed above.
Doctor of Philosophy - Political Science
Degree Requirements
Residence. A minimum of two years of full-time residence in graduate study, at least one year of which is spent in continuous residence, is required for the doctorate.
Fields of study. The Ph.D. program centers on coursework and preparation in two written examination fields, and for all students except those specializing in political theory, a series of courses on research methods. Typically, field choices are made from among the following: political theory, American politics, international relations, and comparative politics. It is also possible to tailor special fields to the interests of individual students.
Appropriate courses may be taken at other UC campuses through the Intercampus Exchange Program.
Language and research skills. The student may choose a foreign language option or a research skills option to fulfill the language/skills requirement for the Ph.D.
Examinations. Each student must qualify in two fields. A student must qualify in at least one field by examination and in a second field, by either examination or writing a field paper. After successfully qualifying in two fields, each student will take an oral qualifying examination which will primarily focus on his/her dissertation prospectus.
Dissertation. With the advice and approval of the doctoral committee, each student will select a dissertation topic in the major field of specialization. The dissertation must be based on original research and must make a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.
Consult the department’s website and its handbook Graduate Study in Political Science, for additional information.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in political science may petition to add an interdisciplinary emphasis in quantitative methods in the social sciences (QMSS). QMSS emphasis is intended for students who wish to develop and use cutting-edge quantitative methods on social science research. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with the rigorousmathematical and statistical background necesssary for advanced quantitative work,while also providing a broad interdisciplanary perspective on the use of quantitave methods in social sciences. To that end, students who petition to add the QMSS emphasis, must complete two quarters of calculus, one quarter in linear algebra, and a one-year sequence of statistics. (These requirements can be waived if equivalent courses have already been completed.) QMSS students must also complete at least three quantitative social sciences methods courses (at least two of which are outside the student’s home department), enroll in the QMSS colloquia for at least three quarters, and present their own original quantitative social science research at the QMSS colloquia at least once.
Students that add the QMSS emphasis are expected to write a Ph.D dissertation that is focued on an issue that is appropriate to the QMSS emphasis. For instance, the dissertation could develop a quantitative method that could be applied to social science fields beyond the student’s discipline, or adapt a quantitative method used in a social science field outside the student’s discipline for researching a substantive problem within the student’s discipline. The dissertation committee must include at least one QMSS faculty member from outside the student’s home department.
For more information, please consult the QMSS website at www.qmss.ucsb.edu.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Global Studies
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in certain departments may petition to add an emphasis in global studies. The departments for which the emphasis is available include anthropology, English, history, political science, religious studies, and sociology. To be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. emphasis, students must be admitted to the Ph.D. program in one of the departments choosing to offer this emphasis with their existing Ph.D. program and petition successfully to add the optional emphasis.
The student’s dissertation committee must have one member from a participating department other than the student’s own department. The student may also elect a global emphasis for his or her department field/area/specialization exam, if such an emphasis is offered within the department. The chair of the Coordinating Committee will determine when the student has successfully completed all of the requirements for the emphasis.
By “global” we refer to transnational economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural interactions and flows that operate at a global (i.e., trans-continental) scale. “Global studies” views the world as comprised of increasingly interdependent processes, rather than as shaped exclusively or even primarily by the interplay of discrete nation-states.
Petitions for adding the emphasis can be made at any time in a student’s graduate career, but typically will be made after at least one successful year of study in the home department. Work completed prior to admission in the emphasis that meets emphasis requirements (as determined by the Ph.D. Emphasis Coordinating Committee) may be counted towards completion.
To satisfy the Ph.D. emphasis in global studies, students are required to take four one-quarter graduate-level courses. One course is Global 201, the introductory gateway seminar, offered by the Global and International Studies Program. Three additional courses must be chosen from among qualifying global theory and global issues courses offered by participating departments. These courses will be selected from an approved list of global theory and global issues graduate courses prepared by the Ph.D. Emphasis Coordinating Committee each spring, for the following academic year. At least one of these three courses must be a global theory course, and at least one must be a global issues course. Courses will typically be taken for a letter grade.
At least one of these three courses will be taken from the student’s home department, and at least two must be taken from the six other participating departments or the Global and International Studies Program. No more than one of the three seminars (excluding Global 201) can be taken from a single instructor.
For additional information, please contact the graduate advisor in one of the participating departments or global studies.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Technology and Society
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in this department may petition to add an emphasis in technology and society. The emphasis brings together doctoral students in engineering, social sciences, and the humanities to engage in multidisciplinary coursework and research into the cultural and societal changes resulting from the use of new information technologies. The emphasis features a structured set of courses that may be taught individually and collaboratively by faculty across disciplines: Anthropology, Communication, Computer Science, English, History, Media Arts and Technology, Political Science, and Sociology.
To be eligible for admission to the emphasis, students must be enrolled in good standing in the department. Petitions for adding the emphasis can be made at any time in a student’s graduate career, but typically will be made after at least one successful year of study in the home department. Work completed prior to admission that meets emphasis requirements (as determined by the Ph.D. Emphasis Faculty Executive Steering Committee) may be counted towards its completion.
Requirements for completing the optional emphasis in technology and society include:
-
Gateway Technology and Society Colloquium. Students must complete a 1-unit colloquium that brings together students and faculty from multiple disciplines to explore various approaches to studying technology and society. In addition to helping students understand similarities and differences in conceptualization and knowledge production across disciplines, the seminar promotes interaction among students from different departments.
-
Graduate Coursework. Students must complete four 4-unit courses with a grade of B or better, two each from Area 1 (Culture and History) and Area 2 (Society and Behavior). Area 1 courses explore the humanistic study of cultures, histories and meanings as they intersect with technology. Area 2 investigates the social scientific study of technology in relationship to human behavior, organizations, and social structures.
One course from the student’s home department can be applied toward meeting this requirement. Students can petition to substitute a non-listed course, subject to approval by the Technology and Society Faculty Executive Committee. -
Dissertation. A student’s dissertation must have relevance to at least one of the two Emphasis areas. In addition, the student’s dissertation committee must include a member from another department participating in the emphasis. Exceptions are subject to approval by the Technology and Society Faculty Executive Committee.
For additional information and a current list of courses, please contact the graduate advisor or visit www.technology-society.ucsb.edu.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Women’s Studies
The Women’s Studies Program, with over 50 core and affiliated faculty members in over eleven disciplines, serves as a mode of interdisciplinary work and scholarly collaboration at UCSB. Women’s studies doctoral emphasis students are required to complete successfully four seminars that will enhance their understanding of feminist pedagogy, feminist theory, and topics relevant to the study of women, gender, and/or sexuality. Using an interdepartmental set of conversations and intellectual questions, women’s studies support a multifaceted undergraduate curriculum at UCSB. Graduate emphasis students are encouraged to apply to teach women’s studies courses as teaching assistants and associates as part of their women’s studies training.
Applicants must first be admitted to, or currently enrolled in, a UCSB Ph.D. program participating in the women’s studies graduate emphasis: Anthropology; Comparative Literature; Dramatic Art and Dance; English; French and Italian; Germanic, Slavic, and Semitic Studies; History; History of Art and Architecture; Religious Studies; Sociology; or Spanish and Portuguese. Candidates complete four graduate courses and select a member of the women’s studies faculty or affiliated faculty to serve on their Ph.D. exam and dissertation committees. Applications to the Women’s Studies Doctoral Emphasis may be submitted at any stage of Ph.D. work; and applications deadlines are November 1, 2007 and May 1, 2008.
Students pursuing the emphasis in women’s studies will successfully complete four graduate courses. Only one may be taken in the student’s home department.
1. Issues in Feminist Epistemology and Pedagogy (Women’s Studies 270). A one-quarter seminar that considers women’s studies as a distinct field. It offers an interdisciplinary exploration of feminist theories of knowledge production and teaching practices. Readings cover past and present critical debates and provide theoretical approaches through which to analyze interdisciplinary epistemological and pedagogical issues.
2. Special Topics in Women’s Studies (594 AA-ZZ). A one-quarter seminar offered by a women’s studies faculty member on topics of central concern to the field of women’s studies.
Or
Research Practicum (Women’s Studies 280). A cross-disciplinary seminar in which fundamental questions in contemporary feminist research practice are considered in light of students’ own graduate projects. Students may fulfill the Area 2 requirement by taking either a Special Topics Seminar or the Research Practicum.
3. Feminist Theories. A one-quarter graduate seminar in feminist theory offered by any department, including women’s studies.
4. Topical Seminar. A one-quarter graduate seminar, outside the student’s home department, that addresses topics relevant to the study of women, gender, and/or sexuality.
Return to Top of Page
Political Science Courses
Lower Division
1. Political Ideas in the Modern World
(4) Digeser
Perennial questions and diverse responses with emphasis on such central concepts as liberty, equality, power, authority, justice, law, and constitutionalism. Democracy and authoritarianism. The nexus between ends and means in political life.
6. Introduction to Comparative Politics
(4) Bruhn
Introduction to the workings of various political systems with an emphasis on governmental institutions and political processes. Comparison of political systems using some of the basic concepts of political analysis.
7. Introduction to International Relations
(4) Belkin, Rauchhaus
An introduction to the basic concepts, theories, and problems of international relations; balance of power, deterrence, the states system, imperialism, realism, idealism, levels of explanation, war and peace.
12. American Government and Politics
(4) Bimber, Smith, Wyner
Political ideas, institutions, and processes of American government. The role of Congress and the president in policy formation and of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution.
98. Readings in Political Science
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 4 units. No unit credit allowed toward the major. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Critical reviews and discussions of related topics in political science.
99. Introduction to Research
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 4 units. No unit credit allowed toward the major. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in the department. Course offers exceptional students the opportunity to undertake independent research or work in a research group.
Return to Top of Page
Upper Division
101. Mexican Politics
(4) Bruhn
This course focuses on understanding the contemporary Mexican political system from a political economy perspective. It explores the development and behavior of Mexican institutions and actors, and the challenges facing them in a context of major economic and political change.
104. Introduction to Research in Political Science
(5) Staff
Prerequisite: not Open to freshmen.
Designed for majors.
An introduction to the design and evaluation of political research: formulating clear hypotheses, developing appropriate measures, and analyzing data using simple statistical methods and qualitative techniques;emphasizes clear exposition of arguments, interpretations, and findings. (F,W,S,M)
105. Theories of Comparative Politics
(4) Freeman
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
A comparison of federalism, political parties, and executive leadership in different countries. A core course generally recommended, and in some cases required, for advanced work in comparative government.
106AA-ZZ. Special Topics in Political Science
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
May be repeated for credit provided letter designations are different.
Lectures in special areas of interest in political science. Specific course titles to be announced by the department each quarter offered.
108. Politics and Literature
(4) Bruhn, Rauchhaus
Explores problems concerning alienation, obligation, power,freedom, and fulfillment as treated by ancient and modern authors.
109. Revolution and Mass Movement
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
Analyzing the dynamics of revolutions from the French and Soviet to contemporary revolutions in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
110. Political Concepts
(4) Digeser
Prerequisite: Political Science 1.
Introduction to some of the main concepts of political theory, such as the individual and the state, freedom and equality, political obligation, and their relevance to modern society and government.
114. Democratic Theory
(4) Digeser
Prerequisite: Political Science 1.
An analysis of the philosophical bases of democracy, such as political obligation (Why should I obey the state?), political equality (Why should one person have one vote?), liberty, consent, representation, and rights.
119. Ethical Issues in International Relations
(4) Digeser
Prerequisites: Political Science 1 and 7.
An examination of the possibility and desirability of normative international political theory and an exploration of the moral dimensions of statecraft; use of force, nuclear deterrence, humanitarian intervention, distributive justice, and human rights.
121. International Politics
(4) McDermott, Rauchhaus
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
An examination of theories concerning the actions, interactions, and relationships among nation-states.
124. International Organization
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
The nature and function of international organization, including a study of the United Nations and the European Community.
126. National Security
(4) McDermott, Rauchhaus
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
Examines how states use diplomacy, strategic coercion, and military force to achieve political objectives.
127. American Foreign Policy
(4) McDermott, Rauchhaus
Prerequisite: Political Science 7.
The United States in world politics. Policy-making institutions, particularly the Presidency, Congress, State Department, and the military establishment. Interaction between domestic and external politics.
128. Foreign Policy of the Soviet Union and Successor States
(4) Kaplan
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7.
Examination of recent work on foreign policies of the former Soviet Union and the successor states, with attention to methodological and substantive issues. Topics include: strategic theory, East-West relations, trade and the monetary system, and relations among states of the former Soviet Union.
134. Relations Between the United States and Mexico
(4) Bruhn
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7.
A general examination of relations between the United States and Mexico in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Emphasis on issues such as the origins of conflict and cooperation, and current issue areas including immigration.
136. Government and Politics of China
(4) Staff
The ideology, structure, and functions of the Chinese political system, with emphasis on the nation-buliding process under the Communist regime.
138. Political and Economic Development in Pacific Rim Countries
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
Study of domestic and international conditions contributing to the dynamics of society and economy in East Asian countries of South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Emphasis on the role of the state, culture, experience of colonialism, threat of Communism, and United States aid and influence.
141. Politics of Germany
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
The political culture, history, political and social forces, and governmental organization of Western and Eastern Germany.
142. British Politics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
The political culture, history, institutions, and behavior of Great Britain.
143. Politics in the Soviet Union Successor States
(4) Kaplan
Prerequisites: Political Science 6; not open to freshmen.
The course examines the basic characteristics of the Soviet ancient regime and the forces and institutions which shaped the merging states and societies. Topics include: parliamentary and economic systems, political parties, interest groups, ethnicity, legitimacy, sovereignty and inter-state relations.
144. West European Political Systems
(4) Moosbrugger
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
The politics and political institutions of Europe. Objective of the course is to familiarize students with both the political institutions that structure European politics and the issues that are the focus of political debates in Europe.
145. The European Union
(4) Staff
Same course as Italian 161AX.
Introduction to the history and organization of the European Union (the institutions, policies, goals, and successes of the E.U.). Focus on the ongoing process of economical, political, social, and cultural integration in Europe since the Second World War. In English.
146. Globalization and Politics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 6 or 7; upper-division standing.
An examination and assessment of theories of globalization in relation to the distribution of political power on a global scale, future scenarios of global political domination, and the role of the nation-state in the international system of power.
147. Third World Politics
(4) Bruhn
Prerequisite: Political Science 6.
A comparative analysis of the political systems of a selected number of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries, with particular development and modernization common to all of them.
148A-B. Reform, Globalization and Revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean
(4-4) Staff
A. Comparative study of state formation, globalization, colonialism, and political change in Latin America.
B. Comparative analysis of reform and revolution in Latin America, with a special emphasis on South American political systems.
149. Israeli Politics
(4) Stoll
Prerequisite: Political Science 6; not open to freshmen.
Recommended preparation: background in the history and politics of the Middle East, such as that obtained in Political Science 150A.
An introduction to the politics of Israel. Examines both Israeli domestic politics and Israel in comparative perspective.
150A. Politics of the Middle East
(4) Bouraad-Nash
The development of governmental institutions and political forces in the postcolonial era. Emphasis on relationships between ideology, cultural dynamics, and politics, including examination of inter-Arab conflict and the war in Lebanon.
150B. Politics of the Middle East
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 150A.
Political development and nationalism in the Northern Tier, Arab North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. The politics of oil. The resurgence of Islam, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, great power rivalry in the Middle East since 1945.
151. Voting and Elections
(4) Glasgow, Jennings, Smith
Prerequisite: Political Science 104A, or Sociology 3 or 104A, or Psychology 5, or Communications 88.
Introduction to elections and voting cross-nationally and at various levels of government: the role of electoral rules, party competition and campaigns; the influence of issue, candidate, and partisan appeals on the vote; the effect of elections on public policy.
153. Political Interest Groups
(4) Weatherford
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
The nature and function of organized interest groups and their impact upon public opinion and government.
154. Public Opinion
(4) Jennings, Smith, Weatherford
Prerequisite: Political Science 104A, or Sociology 3 or 104A, or Psychology 5, or Communications 88.
A study of the formation and nature of public opinion including: the public’s political sophistication; the role of emotion in political thinking; nature of political culture; growth of political alienation and the forms of political participation.
155. Congress
(4) Smith
Prerequisite: Political Science 12; concurrent enrollment in Political Science 155L.
The organization, operation, and politics of Congress; problems of representation, leadership, relations with interest groups, the White House, and the bureaucracy.
155L. Congress Laboratory
(1) Smith
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Political Science 155.
A simulation of the United States House of Representatives designed to teach the operation and politics of Congress.
157. The American Presidency
(4) Woolley
Prerequisite: Political Science 104A, or Sociology 3 or 104A, or Psychology 5, or Communications 88.
Analysis of the institution of the presidency, its functions, formal and informal relationships, and its limitations within the American political system. Emphasis on the dynamics of the presidency, including presidential personality, conceptions of role, impact of public opinion, and responses to changes in the environment.
158. Power in Washington
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Political Science 12; upper-division standing.
An examination and assessment of the policy and political linkages between the White House and Capitol Hill decision making, legislative enactment, administrative implementation; the presidential establishment, bureaucratic politics, and the politics of influence and access in Washington.
159. Sexuality, State Power, and the Military
(4) Belkin
How do groups in civil society try to capture state institutions and use those institutions to establish ideas about the normal and the deviant, rewarding some and not others? Case studies include gender, race, and sexuality in the military.
162. Urban Government and Politics
(4) Parker
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
Problems of politics and administration in urban and metropolitan areas.
165. Criminal Justice
(4) Lodge
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
Problems and functions of police, prosecution, and defense relating to such problems as plea-bargaining, exclusionary rule, trials, bail, and sentencing.
170. Public Policy Analysis
(4) McDonnell, WooLley
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
The assumptions, goals, content, and consequences of selected domestic policies, concentrating on the period since 1960. Discussion of the nature of collective action, methods of policy analysis and evaluation, and problems of implementation.
171. Politics and Communication
(4) Freeman
The role of communications media and their influence on politics. How definitions of what is “news” and the way it is conveyed shape public thinking on political issues and affect candidates, causes, and public perceptions of government institutions.
175. Politics of the Environment
(4) Smith
Prerequisites: Political Science 12 or Environmental Studies 3; upper-division standing.
Same course as Environmental Studies 178.
Analysis of environmental policy issues and their treatment in the political process. Discussion of the interplay of substantive issues, ideology, institutions, and private groups in the development, management, protection, and preservation of natural resources and the natural environment.
176. Black Politics in America
(4) Parker
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
A general survey of political phenomena in the Black community. American political institutions, law, legislation, and administration will be examined in theory and practice to determine their function in relation to Black politics.
177. Comparative Environmental Politics
(4) Moosbrugger
Course is structured around the major issues in environmental politics, for example, global warming, nuclear waste, deforestation, and chemical pollution. The roles of economics, technology, and social organization are each considered as explanatory variables for understanding environmental problems.
180. Bureaucracy and Public Policy
(4) McDonnell
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
The nature of American bureaucracy, its organization and culture and its role as a political institution.
182. Education Politics and Policy
(4) McDonnell
Prerequisites: Political Science 12; upper-division standing.
Federal, state and local institutions governing public elementary & secondary education in the U.S., focusing on the values and interests that define politics at each level. Analyzes school finance, curriculum and school choice policies.
185. Government and the Economy
(4) Woolley
Prerequisite: Political Science 12.
Government’s evolving role in economic life; the cultural, political, and philosophical setting of government-business relations; the maintenance and moderation of competition; the goals, methods, and politics of regulatory administration.
186. Introduction to International Political Economy
(4) Cohen
Same course as Global Studies 123. Not open for credit to students who have completed Political Science 186A.
Introduction to the politics of international economic relations. Examination of alternative analytical and theoretical perspectives for their value in helping to understand and evaluate the historical development and current operation of the world economy.
187. Classical Political Theory
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
A careful examination of major texts and thinkers in the ancient world and in medieval times.
188. Modern Political Theory
(4) Digeser
Prerequisite: Political Science 1; upper-division standing.
Development of political ideas from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth century.
189. Recent and Contemporary Political Theory
(4) Digeser
Prerequisite: Political Science 1.
A reconstruction of the contending theories of political order with which western intellectuals, from the nineteenth to the present century, have confronted an era of world historical changes.
192. Field Research in Political Science
(4-12) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing; consent of department.
Students must have a 3.0 overall grade-point average.
Directed research on the political process through participant observation and relevant reading. Individually assigned, instructed, and supervised field-work. Students will examine first-hand behavior in leading political roles in American politics.
194. Group Studies
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; upper-division standing.
Subject to departmental approval, students may repeat this course. Only 4 units may apply to the major.
Themes will vary according to instructor.
195. Honors Seminar
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
An intensive analysis of the approaches, problems, and methodologies of a particular subfield of political science.
196. Senior Seminar in Political Science
(4) Staff
197A-B-C. Honors Thesis Seminar in Political Science
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: senior standing; consent of department.
Students must have a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average; 3.5 grade-point average in major. Political Science 197A-B-C is a three-quarter sequence course with the final grade issued upon completion of 197C. Only 4 units of credit may be applied toward the major.
Honors students, in three-quarter sequence of seminars, writing theses under close faculty supervision.
197D-E-F. Seniors Thesis in Political Science
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: senior standing; consent of department.
Students must have a 3.0 grade-point average. Students may take this in-progress graded sequence for either two or three quarters with 197F designated as the final quarter.
Selected seniors pursue individual, significant research projects under close supervision of faculty readers.
199. Independent Studies in Political Science
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; completion of two upper-division courses in political science.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Admission by special permission only; for majors. No more than 8 units of Political Science 199 may count toward completion of the major requirements.
199RA. Independent Research Assistance in Political Science
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; completion of two upper-division courses in political science; consent of instructor and department.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Coursework shall consist of faculty supervised research assistance.
Return to Top of Page
Graduate Courses
Since the emphasis in some seminars changes from year to year, detailed course descriptions are available in the department office during the quarter prior to the seminar offering.
204. Research Design and Data Collection
(4) Jennings
This course is an introduction to empirical research in political science with an emphasis on design and data collection. Stress is placed on eclecticism and demonstration by example.
205. Political Research Methods I
(4) Staff
Focuses on the formulation of political questions as scientific propositions open to quantitative examination. Two major subtopics, the empirical measurement of political concepts and the statistical analysis of quantitative data, are illustrated with examples from the research literature.
206. Political Research Methods II
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: introductory statistics and social scientific research methods; graduate standing.
Techniques of developing multivariate statistical models of political processes. Applications of the general linear model to political dynamics and to problems with poorly measured variables.
207. Advanced Political Research
Methods
(4) Glasgow
Prerequisite: graduate standing, introductory statistics, social scientific research methods; Political Science 206.
Advanced techniques of multivariate analysis. Topics determined by students’ interest.
209. Games and Models in Political Science
(4) Adams
An extensive, diverse, and relatively nontechnical introduction to game theory and modelling techniques in political science.
215. The American Governmental Process
(4) Woolley, Wyner
An examination of basic aspects of American national government, with primary attention to important contemporary literature on the subject.
225. International Relations
(4) Belkin, McDermott, Rauchhaus
Basic factors shaping the political conflicts and accommodations among nations. Major attention to basic literature on the subject matter.
226. Seminar on International Economics for Non-Economists
(4) Cohen
No prior training in the discipline of economics required.
Introduction to the basic elements of international economic theory. Topics include the balance of payments and commercial policy, the global monetary and trading systems, international investment, and North-South economic relations.
230. Comparative Political Systems
(4) Kaplan
A general survey of theories of comparative politics with some attention to concrete applications and to comparative trends in other social sciences and history.
231. Comparative Methods
(4) Bruhn, Kaplan
Focuses on the logic and design of comparative studies; evaluates the utility of differing methods in relation to prominent research issues in the field.
236. Democratization in Comparative Perspective
(4) Bruhn
Theoretical issues in research on democratization, emphasizing problems of transition and consolidation and methods of comparison of democratic transitions across regions.
240. Seminar on Classical Political Thinkers
(4) Robinson
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
An intensive examination of major texts and thinkers in the ancient world and in medieval times.
241. Seminar on Modern Political Thinkers
(4) Digeser
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
An intensive examination of major texts and thinkers in modern times.
242. Seminar on Contemporary Political Thinkers
(4) Digeser
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
An intensive examination of major texts, thinkers, and movements in the contemporary world.
243. Seminar in Political Concepts
(4) Digeser
Concepts that are crucial to the analysis, understanding, and transformation of political and social phenomena. The seminar will draw insights and examples from the classical and contemporary literature, the present, and the future.
250. Seminar in Political Socialization
(4) Jennings
The development of political attitudes and behavior throughout the entire life cycle. Major foci of attention include the agents of political socialization, the content of socialization, variations within and across political systems, and the impact of generational and historical effects.
251. Political Representation
(4) Jennings, Moosbrugger
Topics to be addressed include the historical development of concept and its implementation, forms and structures of representation, linkage mechanisms between elites and masses, the representation of minorities and dissidents, representation in comparative perspective, and problems in the study of representation.
252. Seminar in Public Opinion and Political Participation
(4) Jennings, Smith, Weatherford
Public opinion, elections, and other forms of participation are considered. Emphasis is on American politics, but theories and research are viewed in comparative perspective.
253. Seminar in Political Interest Groups
(4) Weatherford
The theme of this course is the transmission of demands and grievances from the wider polity to the government by way of collective action. Formal non-party organizations as well as political and social movements are considered.
254. Seminar in the Legislative Process
(4) Smith
An examination of a range of problems in the study of the organization, operation, and politics of American legislatures - especially the U.S. Congress.
259. Seminar in Political Parties
(4) Smith
An examination of a range of problems and issues in the study of American political parties and political activists. Special attention will be given to party reform.
270. Theoretical Issues in International Political Economy
(4) Cohen
Prerequisite: Political Science 225.
The focus of this seminar will be on theoretical issues at the leading edge of contemporary scholarship in the field of international political economy. A principle objective will be to identify key elements of an agenda for future research.
273. International Political Economy
(4) Cohen
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Introduction to the politics of international economic relations. Alternative analytical and theoretical perspectives on actor behavior and system governance. Historical development and current operation of the world economy.
275. War, Diplomacy and International Security
(4) Belkin, McDermott, Rauchhaus
The seminar will probe a variety of issues, theoretical and historical (plus quite a few contemporary ones), that touch on war, power, and security studies.
277. Seminar in American Foreign Policy
(4) Belkin, McDermott, Rauchhaus
Contemporary issues in U.S. foreign policy.
279. Social and Cultural Basis of Political Change
(4) Staff
In-depth study of the political cultural basis of political systems and changes. Topics include: political culture, nationalism and ethnicity, and religion and politics.
280A. Domestic Politics of the Soviet Union and Successor States
(4) Kaplan
Prerequisite: Political Science 230 or equivalent.
Domestic politics of the Soviet Union and successor states. Issues regularly included are: the process of political change, democratization, ethnic politics, political structure, and economic reform.
282A. Comparative Politics and Latin America
(4) Staff
A critical examination of theories of comparative politics and their application to Latin America. Success and failure cases are compared and placed in the context of the world economy.
286. Seminar in Japanese Politics
(4) Freeman
Structure and processes of policymaking in contemporary Japan, with focus on economic and social issues. Policy issues and policymaking cases, probing both the formal and informal rules of the game, its major actors, and its beneficiaries and victims.
292. Governance for Sustainable Development
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing in ESM or Political Science.
Same course as ESM 247.
Examination of the demand for governance in conjunction with efforts to achieve environmental, economic, and social goals. Special attention to alternative approaches to the supply of governance at the global level as well as to interact between governance systems addressing distinct issues.
293. Environmental Institutions: Rights, Rules, and Decision-making Systems
(4) Young
Same course as ESM 248.
Comparative study of management systems or regimes addressing natural resource and environmental concerns and operating at scales ranging from local to global. Topics include characterization of individual regimes and factors affecting the formation, evolution, and effectiveness of these institutional arrangements.
294. Environmental Politics and Policy
(4) Wyner
This seminar focuses on development of the environmental movement in American politics and the resulting institutional responses. Environmental policy making and implementation is examined in light of relevant theories.Emergence of an environmental ethic in American politics is considered.
297. The Analysis of Public Policy
(4) McDonnell
Prerequisite: Political Science 205 or equivalent.
A survey of different traditions of policy analysis. Includes methods of analysis, policy alternatives, and approaches to explaining policy choice.
500. Practicum for Teaching Assistants
(2-4) Staff
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Designed to help teaching assistants learn effective teaching methods and techniques under faculty supervision. Assignments normally include conducting discussion sections, grading examinations under the supervision of appropriate faculty members and discussion of relevant pedagogical problems.
501A-B. Teaching Assistant Training
(2-2) Staff
A two-quarter in-progress sequence course with grades for both quarters issued upon completion of Political Science 501B.
Designed to help graduate students prepare for future assignments as teaching assistants. Coursework normally includes discussions with faculty members and past or current teaching assistants, attendance at demonstration exercises, analysis of teacher performance with the use of audio-visual aids, etc.
502. Practicum for Teaching Associates
(2-4) Staff
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Designed to help beginning teaching associates improve and refine their teaching methods, techniques and materials through discussions with appropriate members of the regular faculty. The format of the course may vary according to the specific needs of the teaching associates.
503. Directed Research
(2-4) Staff
Students enrolled in this course will engage in research on relevant specialized subjects under the supervision of appropriate faculty members. Assignments normally include extensive work with the literature, participation in fieldwork where appropriate, and assistance with preparation of professional papers.
504. Supervised Internship in Public Policy
(2-8) Staff
This is a supervised internship designed to provide graduate students with a means to pursue research on the policymaking process through participation in the formulation and/or implementation of policy in the field.
594AA-ZZ. Special Topics
(1-4) Staff
Special seminar on research subjects of current interest.
595A-B-C. Group Studies
(2-2-2) Staff
Current topics in the field of political science.
596. Directed Reading and Research
(2-6) Staff
Individual tutorial. Instructor is usually student’s major professor. A written proposal for each tutorial must be approved by the department chair and filed with the Graduate Division.
597. Individual Study for Master’s Comprehensive Examinations and Ph.D. Examinations
(1-12) Staff
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
598. Master’s Thesis Research and Preparation
(1-12) Staff
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
599. Ph.D. Dissertation Research Preparation
(1-12) Staff
