DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Professors: Jane L. Curry, Janet A. Flammang (Department Chair), Dennis R. Gordon, Eric O. Hanson (Patrick A. Donohoe, S.J., Professor), Timothy J. Lukes, William J. Stover
Associate Professors: Gregory P. Corning, James S. Lai, Ross A. Miller, Peter I. Minowitz, Terri L. Peretti
Assistant Professors: Elsa Y. Chen, James B. Cottrill
The Department of Political Science offers a degree program leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. The department introduces students to the analysis of political behavior, values, institutions, and governments. It also offers preparation for various graduate and professional studies and for careers in public service.
The Department of Political Science makes available to qualifying students opportunities to participate in a variety of programs that combine practical field experience and academic credit. On the international level, the department encourages student participation in the numerous University-operated and approved study abroad programs, especially those with internships. On the national level, Santa Clara is a member school of American University’s Washington, D.C., program, in which students receive credit for internships and intensive seminars at the nation’s capital. On the local level, the department regularly assists students in arranging academic credit for internships in local politics. Students may work for government agencies, legislative or judicial bodies, political parties, or politically related groups. The department regularly offers courses that combine local internships with classroom work.
The political science honors program enhances the regular major by providing a more specialized course of study to prepare highly qualified students for graduate study. All majors who are not seniors and who have completed at least two of the lower-division sequence of courses (1, 2, 25, 30) with a grade point average of 3.0 or better are eligible to apply. A maximum of 15 students per year are admitted. Admission is determined on the basis of coursework, recommendations, and a personal interview with the faculty director. Honors students are expected to participate in various department-sponsored events, and a representative from the program has full voting status in the deliberations of the department faculty. Participants in the program must complete a senior thesis, fulfill one of three supplemental curriculum requirements (a minor or a second major, Economics 1 and 2, language 21 and 22), and take a highly active role in department affairs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
In addition to fulfilling University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, students majoring in political science must complete the following departmental requirements:
- Two Core Curriculum mathematics requirements from MATH 6 and 7, MATH 6 and 8, MATH 6 and 11, MATH 8 and 11, MATH 11 and 12, or MATH 30 and 31
- POLI 1, 2, 25, 30
- Seven upper-division courses in political science, including one lecture course from each of five areas: United States politics, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and applied quantitative methods; a sixth upper-division course from any of these sub-fields; and a seventh upper-division course consisting of a political science seminar taken during the senior year
Political science majors may select a pre-law or public sector emphasis, which will be noted on the student’s transcript with the approval of the department chair. Recommended courses for completing the two emphasis options are available from the department chair.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR
Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in political science:
- Any three lower-division political science courses
- Three approved upper-division courses
- One additional approved upper-or lower-division course
LOWER-DIVISION COURSES
1. Introduction to U.S. Politics
Critical analysis of U.S. political values, institutions, and processes. America’s political tradition, the Constitution, the presidency, Congress, the bureaucracy, Supreme Court, elections, political parties, interest groups, mass media, political opinion and participation, domestic policies, and foreign policy. (4 units)
2. Introduction to Comparative Politics
Government and politics in several modern states. Emphasis on the development of analytical abilities and critical skills in the evaluation of political culture, processes, and institutions. (4 units)
25. Introduction to International Relations
Conceptual models used to analyze international relations, contemporary problems of world politics, and the methods states use to provide peace and security. (4 units)
30. Introduction to Political Philosophy
An exploration of some of the principal themes and questions of political philosophy through the writings of authors such as Plato, Machiavelli, Marx, and Mill. Prominent themes include theory and practice, individual liberty, morality and politics, freedom, obligation, and justice. (4 units)
45. Criminal Justice System
Basic understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system: police, courts, probation, imprisonment, parole, relations with other governmental agencies. Goals, successes, and failures of the system, and possible remedies. (4 units)
50. World Geography
Provides an understanding of world geography through an appreciation of contemporary global problems. Problems include the environmental crisis, international relations, demographic trends, and economic development. Special emphasis on world hunger and the roots of Third World poverty. (4 units)
Note: Upper-division courses in each area below have required prerequisites as noted in each section. In special cases, the instructor of a particular course may make an exception to the requirements.
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Note: POLI 30 is a required prerequisite for upper-division political philosophy courses.
100. Special Topics in Political Philosophy
Selected topics in political philosophy. (5 units)
107. American Political Thought
Selected topics and themes in the history of American political thought. (5 units)
111. History of Political Philosophy I: Greek and Christian
Development of Western political thought from its Greek origins in the work of Plato and Aristotle through the work of Aquinas. (5 units)
112. History of Political Philosophy II: Liberalism and Its Roots
Western political thought from Machiavelli through the origins of liberalism in the writings of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. (5 units)
113. History of Political Philosophy III: Post-Liberal Theories
Writers and themes in 19th- and 20th-century political thought including Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Lenin. (5 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Note: POLI 25 is a required prerequisite for upper-division international relations courses.
118. The Cold War
Case study of the critical conflict of the 20th century, to understand the interaction of foreign and domestic politics, the development of current international politics, and the ways in which political ideology and conflict influence people and nations. (5 units)
119. The European Union
Evolution of European political, social, and economic integration in the post-war period. Emphasis on the institutions and politics of the European Union since the Maastrict treaty, and current issues of European integration, such as the addition of new members, monetary union, and internal democratization. (5 units)
120. Mass Media, Information Technology, and International Politics
Use of computer-based simulations and multimedia sources to understand international negotiation and foreign policy decision making. (5 units)
121. International Political Economy
An introduction to the politics and institutions of the world economy. Topics include: competing theories of IPE; regionalism and globalization; the international trading and financial systems; multinational corporations; development and debt. (5 units)
122. East Asian International Relations
An overview of the political, economic and security dimensions of international relations in Northeast Asia with a focus on the foreign policies of China, Japan, and the United States. Prerequisites: POLI 2 or 25. (5 units)
124. Law, Security, and Force
An examination of traditional international legal principles involving the use of force in self-defense with case studies to understand how the justification of armed conflict is changing. Discussion of the international community’s adjustment to the evolving nature of sovereignty, increasing globalization, and national defense. (5 units)
125. International Law
Sources, nature, and function of international law in world politics. Special attention to the subjects of international law, international transactions, and the rules of war. Viewpoints presented from Western and non-Western perspectives. (5 units)
126. International Organization
International organization in world affairs. Political, economic, and social role of the United Nations, regional organizations, specialized agencies, and nonstate transnational actors. (5 units)
127. Special Topics in International Relations
Selected topics in international relations. (5 units)
128. U.S. Foreign Policy
Aims, formulation, and implementation of U.S. foreign policy since World War II, focusing on diplomacy, war, security, and trade. (5 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Note: POLI 2 is a required prerequisite for upper-division comparative politics courses.
131. The Military and Politics
Case study of wars in Vietnam to understand civil-military relations, the causes of military intervention, legitimacy-building efforts, and withdrawal from politics. (5 units)
133. Political Parties, Elections and Policy
An examination of how parties and elections mobilize people, what determines election victories, and how parties and elections affect state and national government policies. A focus on American politics in contrast to the processes in democracies in Western and Eastern Europe. Students will be engaged in an on-campus simulation of an election. (5 units)
134. Race and Ethnicity in the Politics of Developed States
An examination of the role of and attempts to deal with racial/ethnic identity and conflict in the politics of the United States, South Africa, the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and Western Europe. (5 units)
136. Politics in Central America and the Caribbean
Political cultures, processes, and institutions of selected Central American and Caribbean states. Governmental organization, dependency, development, and political violence.
136A. The Political Structures and Processes in El Salvador and Central America
Examines the governmental institutions and political processes in Central America. Topics include forms of government, the role of political parties, electoral systems, and local government. Offered through the Casa de la Solidaridad in El Salvador. Taught in Spanish. (5 units)
137. Politics in Latin America
An overview of politics in selected Latin American countries. Case studies will focus on historical legacy, citizen participation, political party systems, democratic governance, and economic development. (5 units)
138. Politics in Mexico and Brazil
A comparison of politics in these two countries will provide the context to examine the impact of authoritarian legacies, the institutionalization of democratic processes, the role of civil society, and the process of state reform. (5 units)
139. Religion and Politics in the Developing World
A comparison of the relationships between religion and politics in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Emphasis on the current political influence of traditional organization and belief. (5 units)
140. Politics in Less-Developed Countries
Multidisciplinary study of the problems and politics of political development in Latin America, Africa, and/or Asia. Case studies of communist and capitalist approaches to political development. Impact of international politics on internal development. (5 units)
142. Politics in the Middle East
Designed to give students an understanding of the complexities of Middle East politics, the importance of the region to the world, and the role history and religion have played in the political and social development of the various countries in the region. (5 units)
143. Democracy and Democracy Building
Designed to give students an understanding of theories of democracy and how democracies are built out of military defeat (Germany and Iraq) and internal change either by leaders relinquishing power or popular uprising. Course includes reports of participants about decision making in democratizing processes. (5 units)
144. European Politics
An examination of European politics in the post-war era through political parties and institutions. Evaluation of current challenges facing European governments such as immigration, changing welfare states, regional diversity and an expanding EU using national comparisons. (5 units)
145. Politics of Former Communist States
An examination of transitions of the diverse states of the former Soviet Union and East Europe, with a focus on differences in transitions, progress toward democracy, and the impact on people’s attitudes and lives. Students will work with their peers from these countries. (5 units)
146. Politics of African Development
Examines why Africa is the poorest region of the world, focusing on legacies of colonialism, failed political systems, poor economic choices, and external interventions. Discussion of how some states have collapsed into warlordism, civil war, and genocide and how others are creating democratic movements to reverse a history of economic decline. (5 units)
147. Politics in Japan
An overview of politics and political economy in modern Japan. Emphasis on the role of history and culture in shaping the postwar party system and bureaucratic power; one-party dominance and corruption under the 1955 System; the progress of political reform since 1993; and the rise and fall of the Japanese economic miracle. (5 units)
148. Politics in China
Origins of revolution in modern China, the politics of social and economic modernization in China since 1949, the problems of bureaucratization, political participation, and the succession to Deng Xiaoping. (5 units)
149. Special Topics in Comparative Politics
Selected topics in comparative politics. (5 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: UNITED STATES POLITICS
Note: POLI 1 is a required prerequisite for upper-division U.S. politics courses.
150. The Presidency
Analysis of the presidency as it has evolved throughout U.S. history. Comparison of presidential powers with those of Congress, the courts, the bureaucracy, the press, political parties, and the public. (5 units)
151. The Congress
History, structure, and policies of Congress. Congressional elections and theories of representation, the committee system and congressional norms, lobbying, congressional ethics and reforms, and the power of Congress relative to the president and the bureaucracy. (5 units)
152. Political Participation
An examination of who participates in U.S. politics and the various forms of political participation. Elections, political parties, interest groups, community organizing, and political protest. (5 units)
153. Minority Politics in the United States
Survey course with a focus on the historical and contemporary struggles of minority groups in the United States. The minority groups analyzed comparatively within a political and institutional context are African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, minority women, gays, and the physically disabled. Various issues include theories of race, ethnicity, gender, and class to understand how these variables serve as a basis for identification and political mobilization in American politics. (5 units)
154. Women and Politics
A consideration of the various ways women have changed “politics as usual.” Examination of the status of women today, varieties of feminist thought, women as voters and as an interest group, women in public office, and public policy issues. (5 units)
156. Politics and Mass Media
An examination of the politics of the mass media, interactions between politicians and the media, the effects of mass media on political life and public opinion, concerns of racial and ethnic minorities, and the ethics of media work. (5 units)
160. The Constitution and Equality
Constitutional law doctrines and decisions regarding the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection. Topics include race discrimination (particularly school desegregation and affirmative action), sex discrimination, discrimination against the poor, and discrimination based on sexual orientation. (5 units)
161. Law and Politics in the United States
Examination of the U.S. legal system. Topics include legal culture, the adversary system and its alternatives, system participants (litigants, lawyers, and judges), judicial selection, and legal versus political influences on judicial decision making. Special attention to the question of the capacity of courts to serve as agents of social change. (5 units)
162. Urban Politics
Examination of political processes in the U.S. city. Special attention to the structures and institutions of urban political power and the changing forms of political action. Discussion of the historical development of urban social life, political cultures, racial/ethnic and class communities, political economy, and urban planning. (5 units)
163. State and Local Politics
A consideration of the politics and processes of state and local governments, with particular attention given to California state, county, and municipal politics. Topics include federalism, executives, legislatures, courts, interest groups, parties, elections, financing, and issues such as education, welfare, criminal justice, transportation, housing, and urban growth. (5 units)
165. Public Administration
Administration of public policies in terms of broad questions of democratic theory. Organizational theory, public employees, budget making, policy evaluation, and public finance. (5 units)
166. California Politics
An examination of the structures and processes of California politics: the state’s constitution, legislature, governor, courts and executive agencies. Special attention to democratic dilemmas of citizen participation (elections, ballot initiatives), legislative gridlock (redistricting, budget), and crucial policies (education, health and welfare, immigration, criminal justice, energy and environment). (5 units)
167. Making Public Policy
An examination of the nature of U.S. public policy and policy analysis through the use of texts and case studies. Stages of policy development (how an idea becomes a policy, agenda-setting, implementation, analysis, and evaluation). Ethical issues in public policy. (5 units)
168. Special Topics in Public Policy
Substantive in-depth study of selected issues in U. S. public policy, such as health care, criminal justice, housing, and homelessness. Emphasis on the intersection of policy areas. Arrupe placement required. (5 units)
169. Special Topics in U.S. Politics
Selected topics in U.S. politics. (5 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: APPLIED QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Note: POLI 1, 2, and 25 are required prerequisites for upper-division applied quantitative methods courses.
170. Research Methods in Political Science
An introduction to some of the competing theories, paradigms, and methods used to analyze politics. After a general discussion of the philosophy of science—especially the debate about whether a “science” of politics is possible—students examine various approaches to the study of politics, including case studies, historical analysis, formal theories, and statistical models. (5 units)
172. Research Methods in International Relations
An introduction to the development and application of statistical models of international relations. After a review of substantive issues in the field, students examine the research designs used to evaluate theories of international conflict and cooperation. (5 units)
173. Research Methods in Comparative Politics
An introduction to the literature of comparative politics that is primarily, but not exclusively, based upon empirical data. After a review of some important ideas about research designs, data generation, and data analysis, students learn how to develop and apply statistical models. (5 units)
174. Research Methods in American Political Behavior
An exploration of the U.S. electorate, with special attention to analyzing factors that prompt individuals to vote in particular ways. Techniques of quantitative political analysis, including the computerized manipulation of survey research data. (5 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: SENIOR COURSEWORK
Note: For senior coursework, at least one upper-division lecture course from the corresponding area is required.
180. Honors Research Projects
Independent research and writing on a selected topic or problem. Limited to members of the Political Science Honors Program. (5 units)
183. Seminar in Comparative Politics
Selected topics in comparative politics in various states and regions. (5 units)
184. Seminar in Women and Politics
Selected topics in women and politics. (5 units)
185. Seminar in U.S. Politics
Selected topics in U.S. politics. (5 units)
190. Seminar in Research Methods
Plan and conduct political science research on selected topics, such as political communication and socialization. (5 units)
191. Seminar in Political Philosophy
An examination of Frank Herbert’s Dune series and other science fiction classics, focusing on politics, war, religion, jihad, multiculturalism, and ecology. (5 units)
193. Seminar in Political Philosophy
Selected topics in political philosophy. (5 units)
196. Seminar in International Relations
Selected aspects of international political behavior. (5 units)
LOWER-DIVISION COURSES: PUBLIC SECTOR STUDIES
45. Criminal Justice System
Basic understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system: police, courts, probation, imprisonment, parole, relations with other governmental agencies. Goals, successes, and failures of the system, and possible remedies. (5 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: PUBLIC SECTOR STUDIES
164. Studies in Public Policy
Selected topics and problems in public policy viewed from a “political insider’s” perspective. Taught by a political practitioner. (2 units)
167. Making Public Policy
An examination of the nature of U.S. public policy and policy analysis through the use of texts and case studies. Stages of policy development (how an idea becomes a policy, agenda-setting, implementation, analysis, and evaluation). Ethical issues in public policy. (5 units)
168. Special Topics in Public Policy
Substantive in-depth study of selected issues in U. S. public policy, such as health care, criminal justice, housing, and homelessness. Emphasis on the intersection of policy areas. Arrupe placement required. (5 units)
181. Silicon Valley Politics
Focus is on the politics of the Silicon Valley region within the context of California state politics. The major case studies address the challenges facing local governments, particularly in the areas of housing, environment, technology, and transportation policies. (2 units)
197A. Public Sector Study and Internship
Directed internship in local government agencies, legislative bodies, political parties, interest groups, public or government affairs departments of corporations, or nonprofit organizations, integrated with classroom analyses of professions in public sector, frequent guest speakers, and research project. Open to qualified juniors and seniors with permission of the instructor. (variable units)
197B. Public Sector Study and Internship
Directed internship in local government agencies, legislative bodies, political parties, interest groups, public or government affairs departments of corporations, or nonprofit organizations, integrated with classroom analyses of professions in public sector, frequent guest speakers, and research project. Open to qualified juniors and seniors with permission of the instructor. (variable units)
198. Public Service Internships
Directed internship in government agencies, legislative bodies, political parties, or interest groups, public or government affairs departments of corporations, or nonprofit organizations. Open to qualified juniors or seniors with permission of the instructor. (variable units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: SPECIAL COURSES
199. Directed Reading
Independent study. Intensive work in areas not fully covered in upper-division courses. Written outline of the proposed course, with required form and all necessary signatures, must be submitted at least one week prior to registration. (1–5 units)
