POL S 101 is an introduction to the principles, institutions, policies, and politics of government in the United States and California.

POL S 102 is a comparative study of the constitutional principles, governmental institutions, political parties, and recent history of policy and action of selected foreign governments.

POL S 103 develops an intellectual framework which will order students’ thoughts on world politics and enable them to analyze and evaluate various actors, institutions, interactions, and processes as they relate to international power and the pursuit of peace.

POL S 104 is an introduction to the history of political theory. Students are introduced to debates over the nature of justice, the meanings of equality and freedom as well as their implications for the state and state policies, the meaning of democracy, the conditions under which revolution may or may not be justified and other major topics.

POL S 108 is designed to introduce students to international organizations through the study of the origin, structure and function of the United Nations. The course includes discussion of pressing international problems, established international law, and the protocol and procedure of diplomacy. Students learn the applied skills used by actual diplomats that represent their countries at the United Nations through class simulations and at a Model United Nations conference.

POL S 110 examines the controversial issues in world politics from regional conflicts, international economic relations, arms and disarmament, human rights and foreign policy, to environmental considerations. The format of the course is multidimensional, using lecture, discussion, and debate techniques.

POL S 110H examines controversial issues in world politics from regional conflicts, international economic relations, arms and disarmament, human rights and foreign policy, to environmental considerations. The course places greater responsibility on the students to gather, analyze, and present information accurately and persuasively using formats such as seminar-style discussion, debate, a research paper consisting of original research, and class presentations.

POL S 111 is a survey of the historical background and current politics of the Middle East. Topics covered include: introduction to the land, peoples, cultures, and religions; overview of the modern history of the region, with an emphasis on the Eastern Question; emergence of the modern nation-states following World War I; internal developments in major countries up to the present; Westernization and Islamic resurgence; regional conflicts and international connections; the economic and political impact of oil; European and Russian involvement; Middle Eastern lobbies in the United States and U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East.

POL S 112 introduces students to a selected group of international issues for which students will seek solutions through research and participation in simulations. The course will consist of instruction and direction for intercollegiate Model United Nations Conferences and Competitions which incorporate international current event debates, parliamentary debate and conflict resolution exercises.

POL S 114 is an introduction to law in the United States. It addresses key historical developments and philosophical debates that shape how conflict is resolved. Conflicts in the areas of civil liberties and civil rights, as well as contemporary legal issues, are addressed. This course satisfies a requirement for the Law Pathway program.

POL S 115 examines the impact of political institutions on racial and ethnic subgroups in the United States. The course focuses on the problems of ethnic identity, inequality and discrimination, and the impact of minority group politics on public policy.

POL S 170 is an introduction to the interdisciplinary fi eld of Global Studies, including the history of globalization, and economic, political, social, cultural and ecological developments related to the process of globalization. Students evaluate topics such as NGOs, the global economy, and transnational population trends. Note: This course is cross-listed with ECON 170 and GEOG 170. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed ECON 170 or GEOG 170.

POL S 171 introduces students to the origins, current status, and future trends of major transnational issues confronting the global community. Topics can include population trends, economic development and inequality, basic human needs (for food, water, health care), human rights, international conflict and security concerns, and environmental problems. The course also focuses on global governance, including the study of collective global responsibilities. Note: This course is cross-listed with GEOG 171 and SOC 171. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed GEOG 171 or SOC 171.