|
Political Science
Posc 100 Introduction to Politics
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 semester.) 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 Britain, France, Japan, 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 alternate years.)
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 257 /357 Model United Nations
(Same as Pcst 257/357.) (Offered every year.)
Posc 267 Social Sciences Forum
The social sciences forum is a weekly informal meeting over
lunch for all students and faculty. 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 303 La Vie Politique en France (French Political Life)
Prerequisite, must place into upper intermediate French
(Intermediare II) or higher. This course is only offered at
the College International de Cannes, France, and is taught in French.
The course examines political institutions of the Fifth Republic,
the roles of the president of the republic, the government and parliament,
the constitution, administrative functions at various levels of
government from national to local, and the present political situation.
(Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
Posc 301 , 302 History of Political Philosophy I and 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 Politics in a Sexually Diverse Society
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 improve it?
(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 that we travel to the White House 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 domestic problems all were examined and refashioned. Three decades
later, that redefinition maintains great authority in American society.
(Offered alternate Interterms.) 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 327 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 influenced 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. 3 credits.
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. 3 credits.
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 political speech?
Are the electronic media given a status different from the print
media? (Offered alternate years.) 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 impact of law and policies on women and society, and the
response of women to such treatment. 3 credits.
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
C H II
(Same as Pcst 352.) 3 credits.
Posc 353 Peace and Conflict in the Middle East C H II
(Same as Pcst 353.) 3 credits.
Posc 367 The Chapman Poll
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 428 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, “realist,”
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 seminar. 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
(Concurrent enrollment with Posc 498.) More than any other
level of government, local government touches people most directly.
The OCIP is an intense introduction to Orange County government
and politics. Students work as interns in county offices 8 to noon,
Mondays through Thursdays. Contact Dr. Fred Smoller for further
details/permission. (Offered every semester.) 3 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.
|
