Political Science is the study of governments, public policies and political behavior, through humanistic and scientific perspectives and skills to examine all countries and regions of the world.

Political science students gain a versatility of skills and a marvelous range of exciting careers in federal, state and local governments, law firms, business, international organizations, and nonprofit associations and organizations. Campaign management and polling, journalism, pre-collegiate education, electoral politics, research and university teaching are some of the areas political science students can build their careers.

1 - The Government of the United States (3) UC:CSU

Lecture 3 hours and 20 minutes per week.

This is an introductory course in the principles and problems of the government in the national, state, and local areas. This course meets California State University requirements for United States Constitution and California state and local government.

2 - Modern World Governments (3) UC:CSU

Lecture 3 hours and 20 minutes per week.

This course is an introduction to the comparative method of cross-national political analysis with emphasis on the political institutions of Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Asian, Latin American and African governments such as Japan, Mexico and Nigeria.

4 - Introduction to State and Local Governments (3) CSU

Lecture 3 hours and 20 minutes per week.

This is an introductory course to the structures and politics of California state government including its relation to local governments—city, county and special district and to the federal government. 

7 - Contemporary World Affairs (3) UC:CSU RPT 1

Lecture 3 hours per week.

Contemporary world and national affairs are studied in this course. Current readings, lectures, and speakers assist students to develop an understanding of the background behind the headlines. Emphasis is placed on historical origins, political and economic developments.

8 - The Modern Far East (3) UC:CSU

Lecture 3 hours and 20 minutes per week.

This course is a comparative study of governments and politics in the major states and regions of Asia, focusing on China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.

30 - The Political Process (3) UC:CSU

Lecture 3 hours and 20 minutes per week.

This course is a critical survey of political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion and their impact on the operation of United States political institutions and processes with emphasis on California state and local government. This course meets California State University requirements for United States Constitution and California state and local government.

41 - Principles of Student Leadership (2) CSU - RPT 1

Lecture 2 hours and 10 minutes per week.

This course prepares students in the theory and practice of organization, leadership, principles of group leadership, and the development of decision making skills. It is open to members of the Associated Student Government and others.

185 - Directed Study Political Science (1) UC*:CSU - RPT 2

* UC credit may be granted by petition after transfer.

285 - Directed Study Political Science (2) UC*:CSU

* UC credit may be granted by petition after transfer.

385 - Directed Study Political Science (3) UC*:CSU

By arrangement with instructor.

Conference 1 hour and 5 minutes per unit.

Allows students to pursue Directed Study in Political Science on a contract basis under the direction of a supervising instructor.  

* UC credit may be granted by petition after transfer.

Credit Limit: A maximum of 3 units in Directed Study may be taken for credit.

Cooperative Work Experience Education

Political Science is approved for Cooperative Work Experience. See Cooperative Education course for prerequisites, course descriptions and credit limits.

 Resources for Political Science Students

News Sites 

• CNN
• BBC
• C-SPAN
• Los Angeles Times
• New York Times
• USA Today
• The Atlantic Monthly
• Christian Science Monitor
• The Nation
• Tradewinds

Government Sites

• Whitehouse
• Senate
• House of Representatives
• Supreme Court
• California Governor

Other Resources

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• Britannica.com