Posc 100 The Political Idea

Students are introduced to the study of politics by raising a plethora of questions and answering some: Would we be better off if we were ruled by one very wise, all-powerful leader? Are democratic decisions better decisions? What do we mean when we call someone "liberal," "conservative," or "fascist"? Required of students majoring in political science. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Posc 110 Introduction to American Politics

Students master the basic concepts and analytical methods used by political scientists in their attempts to address these questions: What are the fundamental components of the national government of the United States? How do they transform citizen opinion, interest group pressures, and economic imperatives into social policy? This course satisfies the State of California Credential requirement in American History and Government. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Posc 120 Introduction to International Relations

(Same as Pcst 120.) 3 credits.

Posc 200 Introduction to Political Philosophy

Political philosophers pose questions concerning the nature of freedom, equality, justice, democracy, political obligation, power, and the validity of different political systems. This course introduces students to some of the analytical and critical methods of political philosophers, to some of the debates in which political philosophers are engaged, and to the thought of some political philosophers. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Posc 211 Politics in Film and Television

Students analyze current films for the insights they may shed on contemporary class, racial, gender, ethnic, and governmental politics. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 221 Comparative Politics

After describing the political systems of major countries (such as Russia, Britain, France, Japan, China, and Mexico), students compare the implications for economic planning, social welfare, and human rights. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 231 Political Economy

Students examine how economic systems shape political systems, and vice versa. What role should the government play in the economy? What development paths are most likely to succeed? Do wealthy individuals and corporations control politics? Are capitalism and democracy compatible? What options exist for decreasing the gap between rich and poor? (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Posc 240 Introduction to Law

Law is a force for maintaining social order. This course critically examines various aspects of law and the legal system, seeking an understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, its promise and its peril. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Posc 247 People with Disabilities in Politics, Law, and Society

This course will describe how people with disabilities are perceived in politics, law, and our society in general. We will consider differences 1) over time; 2) between types of disability; and 3) between countries and cultures. We will also examine similarities to and differences from representations of other historically disadvantaged groups and social movements including the women’s movement, gay and lesbian rights movements, and ethnic movements. The role and implications of charity will also be explored. A final theme is the relationship between disability issues and issues of war and peace. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 250 Peace, Justice, and Peacemaking

(Same as Pcst 250.) 3 credits.

Posc 257/357 Model United Nations

(Fall semester or instructor's consent are prerequisites for spring.) (Same as Pcst 257/357.) (Offered every year.) May be repeated for credit. 2 credits fall, 3 credits spring.

Posc 267 Social Sciences Forum

The social sciences forum is a weekly informal meeting over lunch for all students and faculty in the social sciences at Chapman University. Its purpose is to expose students to a diverse group of individuals outside the academic community who are involved in important political and social issues and public policy questions. Students may take the forum up to three times. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

Posc 300 American Political Thought

The modern United States is shaped by contending ideas regarding democracy, capitalism, social welfare, elite rule, theocracy, and liberty. Students will explore how these issues have evolved over the history of our nation. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 301, 302 History of Political Philosophy I, II CH I

Students in these courses study the political ideas of selected thinkers from ancient Greece to the present with a view toward understanding the elaboration and development of key concepts in political philosophy, and with a view toward understanding how political philosophy can help us understand contemporary issues. (I offered every fall, and II offered every spring.) 3/3 credits.

Posc 305 Democratic Theory

Students examine different models and kinds of democracy, analyze ways that the United States achieves democratic ideals and the ways it falls short, explore tensions between democracy and competing economic systems, and seek ways to deepen or extend democratic ideals. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 308 Topics in Political Philosophy

Contemporary Political Voices

Students examine the ideas of selected contemporary political thinkers and activists. A special effort is made to include the political ideas of thinkers on the margins of American political life. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 309 Gay and Lesbian Politics

This course considers the interrelationships between political, religious, and social constructs of homosexuality, the embodiment of these constructs in psychology and the law, and their use in the political arena. We will review the historical emergence of gay and lesbian politics through the voices and observations of participants, with a special focus on gender issues, AIDS, and three pivotal court cases. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 310 The United States Presidency

Prerequisite, Posc 110. In this course, students address the following issues: What is the "state" of the presidency today? What responsibilities come with the office? Does it make a difference who the president is? What are the weaknesses of the presidency as an institution, and what reforms might be most likely to improve its functioning? (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 311 Legislative Process

Prerequisite, Posc 110. The United States has one of the few non-parliamentary systems in the world. How does its legislative process differ from the processes found in parliamentary systems? This course will examine the leglislative process with an emphasis on institutional differences between Parliamentary and non-parliamentary systems such as the United States. A special focus on interest groups and political parties will highlight the importance of institutional factors on the efficacy of legislative actors in the policymaking process. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 312 The Road to the White House

Does the road to the White House that we travel every four years produce the best presidents? Are modern campaigns so long, expensive, and punishing that many of the "best" people choose not to run? Students examine the effectiveness of the way in which we recruit and select presidents. (Offered in presidential election years.) 3 credits.

Posc 313 Campaign Workshop

This course teaches students the "nuts and bolts" of conducting a local political campaign. Topics covered include fundraising, precinct organizing, direct mail, targeting voters, relations, endorsements, tactics and strategies, recruiting volunteers, campaign finance laws, personal relations. 3 credits.

Posc 314 Governing the Golden State

California, with a population and economy greater than many countries, confronts social and political problems national in scope and complexity. How does the state government reconcile the conflicting needs of its diverse citizenry, its industries, and natural resources? Students will learn how Sacramento shapes our lives. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 315 The Policy Process

The policymaking process links policy makers and policy receivers, and the values, decisions, and activities of government that affect society. This course examines the dynamic circumstances of public policy in an analytical framework encompassing agenda setting, policy legitimation, policy evaluation,and policy analysis. The arena of American public policy making is presented as a process leading from determining the need for a public policy in an issue area, through policy specification, to policy implementation and reformulation. Students will survey principles of policy research and apply that knowledge to important case studies of government activities and commitments, such as health care, urban planning, and social welfare. 3 credits.

Posc 316 Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

Demographic and attitudinal factors, as well as systemic factors such as the media and the configuration of the political system, influence political behavior. This course will focus on public opinion and voting behavior through an examination of social-psychological, rational actor, and systemic theories. Students will be required to perform an analysis of previously collected public opinion and voting data using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) computer package. 3 credits.

Posc 317 The Politics of the 1960s

Few periods hold the political significance of the 1960s. Human dignity, the role of tradition, America's role in the world, and America's domestic problems all were examined and refashioned. Three decades later, that redefinition maintains great authority in American society. (Offered every third year.) 3 credits.

Posc 319 Watergate

The Watergate scandal profoundly altered the course of American politics and the fate of our major political institutions. Students examine the origins and consequences of this great national nightmare. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 320 International Law, International Organization, and World Order

An introduction to changing perceptions of international law and its applications to human rights, environmental, and other issues. Philosophical and political approaches to international law are distinguished and analyzed. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 321 Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (Same as Hist 311.) 3 credits.

Posc 325 Latin American Politics

Much of Latin America is emerging from years of authoritarian rule and the abuse of human rights; yet the new democracies remain threatened by highly politicized military establishments and unstable economies. As these governments pursue economic development and democratic reform they are also inþuenced by the foreign policies of the United States. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 326 Special Topics in Mexican Politics and Society: A Study Tour Course CH II

Prerequisite, one year of college Spanish or instructor’s consent. This five-week course will immerse students in Mexican politics and society. Students will obtain political, social, and economic context prior to departing to Mexico and will also be exposed to Mexican politics and society on arrival. The course is offered in collaboration with the Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca affiliated with the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morales, Mexico and the Center for Bilingual Multi-cultural Studies. At UNINTER, students will study language, culture, and social and political issues in Mexico as well as tour and experience Mexico. They will also have the opportunity to live with a Mexican family. 3 credits.

Posc 328 Topics in World Order

These courses examine global threats to peace, justice, and ecological stability. Courses which treat different topics may be repeated for credit. Topics include:

Human Rights Law

This course introduces students to existing and developing international legal principles and procedures relating to the protection of human rights. It considers how and whether these principles serve to improve the lives of individuals throughout the world, including the United States. 3 credits.

Alternative World Futures

This course is designed to encourage critical thinking about the future. It will examine a variety of projections by scientists and nonscientists, by our contemporaries and predecessors, with and without the aid of computers. Students will analyze global trends in such areas as food, population, human rights, energy, war and peace, and the environment.

Politics of Genocide

Students examine cases of genocide in an effort to determine its political and social causes. They will explore how international law, public tribunals, and campaigns of citizen groups may be utilized to prevent future atrocities and seek justice for the victims of genocide.

Posc 329 Topics in Politics

A range of contemporary issues concerning domestic political issues and processes are covered in this course. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 330 Contemporary Issues in Public Policy

Students analyze current issues in public policy, using contemporary methods of public policy analysis. Issues addressed may include health care policy, environmental policy, foreign policy, energy policy, policy on crime, and others. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 333 Citizenship in Theory and Practice

Citizenship is the political answer to the question of who is in, who is out? This course approaches citizenship from three angles: a historical survey of the theory and practice of citizenship; citizenship in the American experience; and contemporary citizenship issues such as global citizenship, the status of the environment, and the inclusion or exclusion of a variety of cultural, economic, and social differences from the political community. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 340 The Legal Process

Prerequisite, Posc 240. The third branch of government, the judiciary, is certainly the least understood branch. In this course, students will develop political literacy about the principles and practices of law and the judiciary. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 341 Mass Communications Law

Prerequisite, Posc 110. This course introduces the student to important legal questions facing the media: When can the media be sued for libel or for invasion of privacy? Can the media be denied access to public information or public proceedings? Does protection for commercial speech differ from protection for the political speech? Are the electronic media given a status different from the print media? (Offered every third year.) 3 credits.

Posc 343 Constitutional Government

Prerequisite, Posc 110. By examining the Federalist Papers, the Constitution, and case law this course examines the growth of the national government, the changing nature of federalism, and other themes: What does the Constitution say about the separation of powers? Does it provide for three coequal branches of government? (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Posc 344 Constitutional Rights

Students analyze the following questions and examine competing theories of civil rights and civil liberties. Did the founders really believe that the United States Congress should make no law abridging freedom of speech or of the press? What does the Constitution say about the rights of the criminal, and what does this mean for "victims’ rights" movements? What is the constitutional right to abortion? (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Posc 346 Environmental Law

This course provides students with an overview of environmental law. It emphasizes state and federal statutory and case law dealing with air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, solid waste/resource recovery, pesticides and toxic substances. Additionally, the course explores the impact of various governmental policies upon industry, business, and real estate development. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 348 Topics in Law and Legal Studies

Women and the Law

Why have governments and societies felt the need for gender-specific determinations of rights and responsibilities? Students look at the determinations that have been made and consider their present effect. We will examine the trends in United States politics and law, the forces that have shaped law and policy, the impact of law and policies on women and society, and the response of women to such treatment.

Native American Law and Society

Prerequisite, Posc 240 or Pcst 230/240, or Pcst 250. Students examine the historical background and contemporary nature of the legal and political relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes. Through an examination of legislation, court cases, and the policies of federal, state, and local governments, the social, political, and legal circumstances and prospects of Native Americans are considered. 3 credits.

Posc 351 Reversing the Arms Race (Same as Pcst 351.)

3 credits.

Posc 352 Race and Change in South Africa and the United States

(Same as Pcst 352.) 3 credits.

Posc 353 Peace and Conflict in the Middle East

(Same as Pcst 353.) 3 credits.

Posc 367 Public Interest Research

Students in this class learn quantitative and qualitative research methods by applying them in contemporary practical and academic research projects. Students conduct research that will help policy makers, community activist, leaders, and citizens find solutions to current social and political problems and improve the lives of area residents. The course is designed to increase students’ practical skills in areas like survey research and the use of computers in social, political, and historical analysis, making them more attractive as job applicants. The course is appropriate for students interested in careers in community-based, public, nonprofit, business and educational organizations. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 370 Media and Politics

This course investigates the impact the modern media have on American politics. Does the media help or hurt democracy? (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 371 Media and World Affairs

The emergence of the media as a powerful force in world politics is one of the most important developments in the post-war period. Students clarify the role played by the media in world affairs. It will also provide students with the basis for assessing the press’ performance. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 429 Moot Court

Students get hands-on experience in the practice of law through a simulation of appellate advocacy. 3 credits.

Posc 440 Jurisprudence

Prerequisite, Posc 300 or Phil 318. A study of the sources and nature of law; historical, sociological, philosophic, "realistic," and behavioral approaches to jurisprudence; the nature of the judicial process and other problems of jurisprudence, illustrated by judicial decisions and other legal materials relating to selected areas of law. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

Posc 490 Independent Internship

1-3 credits.

Posc 491 Cooperative Education

1-3 credits.

Posc 493 Washington Semester Research Paper

(Concurrent enrollment with Posc 495 and 494.) Contact Dr. Fred Smoller for further details/permission. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Posc 494 Washington Semester Seminar

(Concurrent enrollment with Posc 495 and 493.) Contact Dr. Fred Smoller for further details/permission. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Posc 495 Washington Semester Internship

(Concurrent enrollment with Posc 493 and 494.) The Washington Semester Program provides students with work-study experience in Washington D.C. politics. Since the program’s inception, more than 50 Chapman students have been placed in congressional offices or committees, the federal bureaucracy, interest groups, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the White House. Contact Dr. Fred Smoller for further details/permission. (Offered every semester.) 9 credits.

Posc 496 Senior Seminar

All graduating political science and legal studies majors must enroll in this integrative course. Each selects an appropriate and significant topic of research and, in consultation with faculty members, prepares and presents a senior thesis. The seminar sessions serve both to guide the research and to explore how it relates to various academic disciplines. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

Posc 497 Orange County Internship Program

Students work as interns in county offices from 8 a.m.­ noon Monday through Thursday. On Friday mornings, students participate in a weekly seminar which consists of lectures, guest presentations, and oral reports. Friday afternoons are reserved for trips to county facilities and political functions. 6 credits.

Posc 498 Orange County Internship Program – Seminar

(Concurrent enrollment with Posc 497.) On Friday afternoons, students participate in a weekly seminar which consists of lectures, guest presentations, oral reports, trips to county facilities and political functions. An integral component of observing the place of local government in the overall political picture is an overnight trip to Sacramento. Contact Dr. Fred Smoller for further details/permission. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Posc 499 Individual Study

1-3 credits

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