Politics Course Descriptions

Survey of the range of basic political concepts, issues, institutions, and practices, and exploration of the various analytical methods employed in arriving at an understanding of them. Emphasis on developing reading, writing, and communication skills necessary to continue a program of study in politics. Fall Semesters.

POL 1100 Introduction to American Politics (3 units)

Critical analysis of American political thought, institutions, practice, and culture, from the founding of the Constitution to the present. Addresses the following questions: Given the changes that have occurred throughout the development of American politics, what concerns should we have for the future of American politics, and what ought to be done to address these concerns? Spring Semesters.

POL 1500 Introduction to International Relations (3 units)

An introduction to the theories and issues in international relations, foreign policy, and international political economy. Fall Semesters.

POL 1600 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 units)

An introduction to the comparative analysis of the diversity of political structures and practices around the world.  A consideration of methods of study, general concepts, and classifications will be applied to a study of specific countries and regions. Spring Semesters.

POL 3101 Advanced Research and Writing (3 units)

This course focuses on the research methods and tools used by political scientists. Students will be introduced to both quantitative and qualitative approaches, single and multiple case studies, and small and large studies. Fall Semesters.

POL 4910 Senior Seminar (3 units)

The Senior Seminar provides a collaborative setting within which students work to complete their senior thesis. It involves development of the thesis in discussion with other students and with the seminar leader according to a significant moral and political theme. Fall, Spring Semesters.

POL 4930 Special Topics Course (3 units)

A course designed to study a topic not covered by regularly scheduled politics courses. Topic will depend on the instructor. May be taken more than once for credit. Offered as needed.

POL 4961 Internship in Student Government (1 unit)

For Associated Students of Dominican University of California officers and senators only. Students participate in student government, act as liaisons between students and administrators, address concerns of fellow students, and provide a slate of activities to serve social, physical, and educational needs of all students. Can be repeated for credit up to 2 units. Fall, Spring Semesters.

POL 4996 Internship (1-3 units)

Students can earn units for volunteer or paid work in some area related to politics. The internship must be arranged in cooperation with a supervising faculty member and the Director of Career Services. Fall, Spring Semesters.

POL 4999 Independent Study (1-3 units)

Independent research on a topic of special interest to a student and a supervising faculty member. Offered by request, and subject to the approval of the Department Chair and the Dean. Fall, Spring Semesters.

Political Thought Course Descriptions

POL 3200 Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Political Philosophy (3 units)

(Cross-listed as PHIL 3200) Survey course focusing on the key writings of several important thinkers of Western civilization. Emphasis on the development of key values and concepts that have shaped our civilization (e.g. citizenship, legitimacy of political rule, the ideal political community, virtue). Major emphasis on the ideas of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Fall Semesters.

POL 3201 Modern and Contemporary Political Philosophy (3 units)

(Cross-listed as PHIL 3201) Survey course focusing on the key writings of several important thinkers of Western civilization. Emphasis on the development of key values and concepts that have shaped our modern world (e.g. power, realpolitik, legitimacy of political rule, freedom, citizenship). Various thinkers of the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries will be considered. Spring Semesters.

POL 3220 Gender: Ethics and Politics (3 units)

A survey and critical analysis of contemporary scholarship on the ethical and political implications of gender. Explores distinctions between various forms of feminism—liberal, socialist, radical, lesbian, postmodern—and addresses gender socialization, gender in relation to race and class, inequality, oppression, violence, work, families, mothering and fathering, intimacy and sexuality, health and medicine, and ethics.  Also considers recent scholarship on masculinity. Offered as needed.

POL 3230 Traditional Asian Ethical and Political Thought (3 units)

A general survey of the tradition of Asian ethical and political thought focusing primarily on the thought of Confucius, Lao Tzu (Taoism), and Mencius. In addition, some aspects of realism and legalism in Asian political thinking will be considered. Offered as needed.

POL 3240 Political Theory and the Moral Imagination (3 units)

Literature provides the canvas and the sketch of what is possible in the realm of human choice and action. Political theory provides the analytic, theoretical tools used to explore human activity as it relates to the public realm. Key works in political theory and several short stories/plays/short novels will be used to analyze and explore the possible ramifications of human activity. Offered as needed.

POL 3250 American Political Thought (3 units)

Exploration of various moments, themes, concepts, and issues within the traditions of American political thought. The aim is to gain not only a better understanding of the multiple facets of the traditions and the tensions these facets generate, but also insight into how the tradition informs American political and cultural values. Offered as needed.

American Politics Course Descriptions

POL 3300 State and Local Politics (3 units)

Politics at the state, county, and city levels, with particular emphasis on the features unique to California and the Bay Area. Provides students an opportunity to study aspects of local politics and engage in various citizenship activities so that they will be better equipped to cultivate active civic leadership, teambuilding, and cooperation in the resolution of contemporary political problems. Offered as needed.

POL 3302 American Presidency (3 units)

Examines the institution of the presidency. Leadership, decision-making, and personal styles are used to evaluate the past, present, and future of presidential politics. Special attention to the constitutional foundation, presidential elections, relations with the press, the public, and other branches of government. The president’s role in domestic and foreign policy-making is explored using case studies from the modern presidency. Offered as needed.

POL 3303 Congress (3 units)

Considers the role of Congress in the political system with a focus on the legislative process and behavior of legislators.  A close examination of the nature of representation and an historical look into how Congress evolved is included in order to gain a better understanding of the contemporary Congress and its members.  Offered as needed.

POL 3304 Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 units)

Study of the decline of parties and the rise of interest groups in the American political system and an analysis of the role of each in the policy making process. The strategies interest groups use to influence the political process are covered along with the concept of political pluralism.  Close attention is given to party in the government, party in the electorate, and party organization. Offered as needed.

POL 3305 Politics and the Media (3 units)

Analysis of the ideas and concepts associated with how the media covers political information and how political actors use the media. Concepts including agenda setting, priming, and framing are examined. Special attention is given the role of the media during elections. Offered as needed.

POL 3310 The Craft of Politics (3 units)

An analysis of the styles of civic leadership, activism, and team building employed by major political actors, especially those on the state and local scene. Engages students in both a critical and practical inquiry into the question of what constitutes effective and responsible civic participation.

Public Law Course Descriptions

POL 3400 The American Legal System (3 units)

Broad consideration of the nature of legal issues, institutions, and practices in contemporary American society. Subjects for analysis will include constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, legal education, the legal profession, the structure of the court system, judges, juries, law enforcement, and alternative dispute resolution. Offered as needed.

POL 3410 Anatomy of the Constitution I (3 units)

Exploration of a range of constitutional issues decided by the US Supreme Court. Addresses theories of constitutional interpretation, issues of separation of powers, federalism, privacy, abortion, sexual freedom, physician-assisted suicide, freedom of speech and religion, equal protection, and cruel and unusual punishment. Fall Semesters.

POL 3411 Anatomy of the Constitution II (3 units)

Addresses various constitutional criminal procedure issues such as 4th Amendment unreasonable searches and seizures, 5th Amendment compulsory self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and 6th Amendment trial by jury and assistance of counsel. Spring Semesters.

POL 3430 Environmental Law (3 units)

Introduction to the concepts and practice of environmental law. Includes the study of the principal federal and state statutes, as well as rights provided under the common law and the Constitution. Focuses on critical federal and state case law, and examines current legal trends in environmental justice, takings, and protection for endangered species. Offered as needed.

POL 3440 International Law (3 units)

A survey and analysis of the theoretical framework, institutional structure, and history of the international legal system. Pays particular attention to: nation-states; international organizations; individuals; treaties; human rights; nationality; territory and jurisdiction; law of the sea, airspace, outer space, and celestial bodies; economics; the environment; crime; diplomacy; security; war and peace. Offered as needed.

World Politics Course Descriptions

POL 3500 World Politics (3 units)

An advanced survey and analysis of theories, issues, institutions, and practices in international relations. Spring Semesters.

POL 3520 US Foreign Policy (3 units)

Major trends in American foreign policy with emphasis on the processes of making and implementing foreign policy decisions. This course addresses such topics as public attitudes toward the world, the roles and relationship of the President and Congress in foreign policy processes, and certain contemporary issues of foreign policy. Offered as needed.

POL 3522 Diplomacy (3 units)

Provides an introduction to the structures and practices of diplomacy in international relations. Explores how differences can be reconciled and negotiations conducted against the backdrop of the power and conflict in the international system. Offered as needed.

POL 3523 Globalization (3 units)

Investigates and interprets the issues that arise from the study of the process which has come to be known as "globalization," and seeks to understand our roles and responses to it. This course examines not only the economic elements but also the environmental, human rights, and cultural factors which are often ignored. Offered as needed.

POL 3524 Model United Nations (3 units)

This course is designed to prepare students for participation in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference. Coursework will entail a study of the United Nations system, the role of the United Nations in regional, international, and global diplomacy, current issues in world politics, and the policy issues of specific countries. Fall, Spring Semesters.

POL 3525 US National Security Policy (3 units)

Formulation, organization, and implementation of US national security policy. Utilizing contemporary case studies, emphasizes the relationship between domestic political, military, diplomatic, and intelligence perspectives in the decision-making process. Topics include challenges posed by rogue and failed states, peacekeeping, terrorism, arms control, military alliances, and the role of international institutions.

POL 3561 International Political Economy (3 units)

Course examines how the “international system” works, focusing upon patterns that exist in economic and political behavior. Explores the links between localized events and larger global trends in the history and contemporary dynamics of international relations, including not only the activities of governments but also of businesses and non-governmental organizations. Offered as needed.

POL 3563 Political Development (3 units)

This course introduces students to the politics of developing countries and focuses on the common and complex problems facing these countries in their quest to develop. What is political development, and what factors contribute to successful or failed political development?  How does colonialism account for political development? Is economic development necessary for political development? Is democracy feasible in the developing world? What are the conditions most favorable for achieving democracy? How does the developed world contribute to the success or failure of lesser-developed countries? In order to address these questions individual cases from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East will be studied to search for solutions. Offered as needed.

Area Studies Course Descriptions

The theme or focus of these courses will vary depending on the instructor. Offered as needed.