Richard Ruppel, Ph.D., Chair
Professors: Blaser, Han, Will;
Associate Professors: Babst, Gordon, Hovsepian, Smoller;
Assistant Professors: Compton, Kanavou, Molle, Murphy, Shafie.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
It is in the political arena that human aspirations are crafted into social policies that directly affect us all. Political science is the discipline that analyzes how that happens. Students in the field examine the problems facing our region, nation and world. Students then seek answers to the questions we confront. Training in political science helps the student think clearly and communicate effectively–skills that are required in any career. The major helps prepare students for careers in public service, law, diplomacy, journalism, the military and teaching, among others. Students who wish to go to law school may choose any major; however, political science remains one of the most frequently selected majors of those students who actually go to law school. The department emphasizes theoretical concepts learned in the classroom in addition to practical “hands–on” experience.
Extracurricular Opportunities
In addition to an outstanding curriculum, the major in political science at Chapman offers students opportunities in a variety of academic and professional areas, including the Model United Nations, applied research in the Ludie and David C. Henley Social Sciences Research Lab, and local internships as well as internship opportunities in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. In addition, as global citizens and future leaders, political science majors are encouraged to study abroad for a semester.
A total of 42 credits is required for the major. Students with scores of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in U.S. Government and Politics will be granted 3 credits, waiving POSC 110 Introduction to American Politics, or with scores of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in Comparative Government will be granted 3 credits, waiving POSC 130 Introduction to Comparative Politics. All courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a "C" or higher.
Departmental Honors
The department of political science awards honors to graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. Requirements for consideration include a GPA of 3.700 or higher within the major, a cumulative GPA of 3.700 or higher, and the completion of a substantial independent research project as part of a 400–level seminar or an independent research project in conjunction with a faculty member. Exceptional and/or sustained community service may also be considered.
core requirements (12 credits)
four of the following
Introduction to American Politics |
3 |
|
Introduction to International Relations |
3 |
|
Introduction to Comparative Politics |
3 |
|
Introduction to Political Theory I |
3 |
|
Introduction to Political Theory II |
3 |
research design/methodology (3 credits)
Political Research Design |
3 |
upper–division level requirements (12 credits) |
12 |
One 300-level or above course in each of the four designated subfields: American politics; international relations; comparative politics; and political theory. |
electives (12 credits) |
12 |
No 100-level courses, and a maximum of 3 credits can be taken at the 200-level.
one 400–level course (3 credits) |
3 |
total credits |
|
42 |
Program Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plans for BA Political Science.
American politics
Those studying American government and politics are interested in isolating problems and suggesting solutions regarding American political institutions and processes. Course topics include the presidency, courts, Congress, the media, interest groups, political behavior, campaigns and elections, local and state government, and policy making. |
The Presidency |
3 |
|
Congress |
3 |
|
The Supreme Court |
3 |
|
California Politics |
3 |
|
Campaigns and Elections |
3 |
|
Public Opinion and Voting Behavior |
3 |
|
Media and Politics |
3 |
|
Women and Politics |
3 |
|
U.S. Foreign Policy |
3 |
|
People with Disabilities in Politics and Society |
3 |
|
The First Amendment |
3 |
|
Constitutional Law: Institutions and Governance |
3 |
|
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties |
3 |
|
Environmental Law |
3 |
|
Urban Politics |
3 |
|
Racial and Ethnic Politics in the U.S. |
3 |
|
Environmental Politics and Policy |
3 |
|
Public Policy Process |
3 |
|
Special Topics in Public Policy |
3 |
|
Disability and the Law |
3 |
|
WA Semester: Economics and Public Policy Problems |
3 |
|
WA Semester: Theories of Constitutional Interpretation |
3 |
|
WA Semester: Public Affairs Internship Seminar |
9 |
international relations
The demise of the Cold War, the rise of ethnic and national conflict, and the quest for a new global order demand an increased knowledge of the world beyond the borders of the United States. International relations is the study of political, economic and military interactions across national boundaries. International relations includes the analysis of the foreign policies of individual countries, international law, governmental and non–governmental international organizations, arms control, international economic relations and conflict resolution. |
Intercultural Conflict and Communication |
3 |
|
Model United Nations I |
3 |
|
International Law, International Organization, and World Order |
3 |
|
U.S. Foreign Policy |
3 |
|
Law and Politics of Mass Atrocity |
3 |
|
International Relations Theory |
3 |
|
Human Rights Law |
3 |
|
The European Union |
3 |
|
Democracy and Democratization |
3 |
|
Political Economy |
3 |
|
The Global and The Local |
3 |
|
Peace and Conflict in the Middle East |
3 |
|
Vietnam: War, Peace, and Legacy |
3 |
|
The Psychology of International Conflict |
3 |
|
Model United Nations II |
3 |
comparative politics
Whereas international relations examines relations between nations and issues that transcend national boundaries — such as the global distribution of food, energy, and wealth — comparative politics looks at patterns of domestic politics and political development within and across various countries. |
Intercultural Conflict and Communication |
3 |
|
Asian Politics |
3 |
|
Politics of the Contemporary Middle East |
3 |
|
Latin America Politics |
3 |
|
The European Union |
3 |
|
Democracy and Democratization |
3 |
|
Political Economy |
3 |
|
The Global and The Local |
3 |
|
Mexican Politics |
3 |
|
Race and Change in South Africa and the United States |
3 |
|
Nonviolent Social Change |
3 |
|
Vietnam: War, Peace, and Legacy |
3 |
|
Islam and the West |
3 |
political theory
Questions of political theory underlie the entire discipline of political science. Political theorists pose questions concerning the nature of democracy, justice, freedom and equality, and ask to what degree we achieve these aspirations. In preparation for careers in politics, education, law, and other areas in which critical and rigorous thinking are valued, the student of political theory masters critical and analytical methods while exploring crucial issues at the heart of politics. |
American Political Thought |
3 |
|
Citizenship in Theory and Practice |
3 |
|
Democratic Theory |
3 |
|
Sexual Politics in a Diverse Society |
3 |
|
Themes in Political Theory |
3 |
|
Religious Fundamentalism, Pluralism, and the Demand for Tolerance |
3 |
A minor in political science requires a total of 21 credits in political science. A minimum of 12 credits in the minor must be upper–division.
three of the following (9 credits)
Introduction to American Politics |
3 |
|
Introduction to International Relations |
3 |
|
Introduction to Comparative Politics |
3 |
|
Introduction to Political Theory I |
3 |
|
Introduction to Political Theory II |
3 |
four courses from 300-level political science courses (12 credits) |
12 |
total credits |
|
21 |
An introduction to the institutions and political processes of American government. Topics include an overview of the cultural and ideological background of the American system of government, its constitutional foundations, the various actors at all levels of the political system, individual rights and liberties, and the policymaking process. This course satisfies the U.S. Constitution requirement for a California Teaching Credential. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 120.)
An introduction to the political systems of major countries in a comparative perspective. Topics include comparisons of countries such as Britain, France, Japan, and Mexico, along with implications for economic planning, social welfare, and human rights. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
A study of significant political thinkers from ancient Greece through the medieval period, including Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Dante,and Machiavelli. Topics include the nature of political obligation, rulership, justice, democracy, power, and how political theory can help us to understand contemporary issues. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisites, political science majors only, sophomore standing. This course focuses on local government and politics in the U.S. Students will be introduced to the basics of local politics, including the structure and organization of local government, intergovernmental relations, and nongovernmental elements (voters, interest groups, media, private power holders, race, and class). To the maximum extent possible, this will be done using the City of Orange and the surrounding area (Orange County) as a learning laboratory. (Offered each year.) 3 credits.
A study of significant political thinkers from the seventeenth century to the present, including Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Marx, and Mill. Topics include the nature of political obligation, rulership, justice, democracy, power, and how political theory can help us to understand contemporary issues. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as HIST 210.)
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 251.)
(Same as PCST 257.)
P/NP. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
A survey of American political thought from the colonial era to the present. Topics include how the modern United States is shaped by contending ideas regarding democracy, capitalism, social welfare, elite rule, theocracy, and liberty, and how these issues have evolved over the history of the United States. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
A historical survey of the theory and practice of citizenship. Topics include 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.
An examination of different models and kinds of democracy. Topics include ways that the United States achieves democratic ideals and the ways it falls short, the tensions between democracy and competing economic systems, and ways to deepen or extend democratic ideals. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
An examination of the interrelationships between political, legal, religious, and social constructs of sexuality. Topics include the historical emergence of gay and lesbian politics through the voices and observations of participants, with a special focus on regimes of governance, gender issues, AIDS, and pivotal court cases. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An examination of the executive branch of the federal government and the role of presidential leadership within the American political system. Topics include the constitutional foundations of presidential power, the presidential selection process, presidential relations within a separated system, presidential policy making, and the influences of public opinion and the mass media on the presidency. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An examination of the legislative branch and its role in policymaking within American government. Topics include the institutional structure of Congress, the committee system, roles of the party and leadership systems, congressional elections and incumbency, and the congressional/presidential relationship in the area of policymaking. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An examination of the judicial branch of the federal government, specifically the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in governing. Topics include constitutional foundations of the judicial branch, judicial review, the nomination and selection of justices and judges, the implementation of court decisions, and the role of an activist versus restrained Supreme Court in national policymaking. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
A study of the governing and political processes within California. Topics include the three branches of government at the state level, the state constitution, and the various political actors involved in the policymaking process, as well as how the state government addresses the conflicting needs of its diverse population, industries, and natural resources. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An examination of the electoral process within the American political system. Topics include voting and suffrage, the history and effectiveness of political parties, the impact of interest groups and political action committees on elections, campaign finance reform, the role of public opinion and the mass media during campaigns, and possible election reforms. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
A study of the demographic and attitudinal factors, as well as systemic factors such as the media and the configuration of the political system, that influence political behavior. Topics include public opinion and voting behavior through an examination of social-psychological, rational actor, and systemic theories. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.
An examination of the role of mass media in the American political process. Topics include various models and theories of political communication, the construction of news, agenda setting, mass media effects, campaign communications, and the impact of press coverage of political actors and institutions. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An examination of the impact of women in the American political and electoral process as voters, candidates, and office holders. Topics include the history of the women's movement in the United States, the women's suffrage movement, feminism, the impact of gender on the electoral process, women in power at the national, state, and local level, women and leadership, and public policy issues relevant to women. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 320.)
An examination of various theories of foreign policy. Topics include how interests outside of the government affect government decision makers, how the branches of government influence U.S. foreign policy and the roles played by the legislative and judicial branches of government, how the U.S. faces international crises, decides to intervene or not, how it bargains, and how it deals with non-state international actors. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An examination of cases of genocide in an effort to determine its political and social causes. Topics include 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. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
An examination of the interaction between politics and society, as well as the development and current structures of the political systems in Asia. Topics include the interaction between economic development and political changes, as well as the conflict between tradition and modernity. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
A study of the evolution of international relations theory in the 21st century with emphasis on different theoretical approaches to understanding the role of the state in international relations, the causes of conflict, and approaches to peace. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
An examination of the interaction between politics and society in Middle East politics, concentrating on three geographic clusters: North Africa, the Fertile Crescent, and Southwest Asia (including the Persian–Arab Gulf). Topics include issues of identify formation, state formation, and the post-colonial state. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An analysis of the governing and political processes in selected Latin American countries. Topics include democratization, state structures, economic development, human rights, democratic reform, and the influence of U.S. foreign policy. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 328.)
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
An examination of the government and politics of the member states of the European Union. Topics include the history of economic reconstruction and European integration after 1945, the core institutions of the EU, policy areas such as enlargement, the democratic deficit, and legitimacy, and debates about the desirability and form of a European constitution. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 332.)
An examination of how economic systems and political systems influence each other. Topics include the role government plays in the economy, how individuals and corporations influence politics, the relationship between capitalism and democracy, and how the gap between the rich and poor might be decreased. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An inquiry into whether globalization is simply another name for historical trends of long duration, of interdependence, internationalization, imperialism, or something qualitatively new. Topics include whether globalization advances true democracy or a mere shadow thereof, as well as the impact of global changes upon individuals in the U.S. and abroad. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
This course provides an overview of contemporary Mexican politics. It uses Mexico as a case to examine prospects and challenges for democracy in the developing world more generally. While intended to provide substantive knowledge about Mexican politics, the course places Mexico in a broad comparative perspective, highlighting contrasts and commonalities with the politics of other developing countries, particularly in Latin America. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
This course is an overview of African politics in comparative perspective. Central to the objective of this course is the analysis of nation-state building in Africa, Africa’s economy and its civil society as this relates to implications for stability, and development prospects on the continent. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 339.)
This course introduces the student to important legal issues involving freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.
An examination of American constitutional law with particular emphasis on structural features of the constitutional system. Topics include judicial review, separation of powers, enumerated and implied powers, and federalism. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, political science major. An examination of American constitutional law with particular emphasis on the protection of civil rights and civil liberties. Topics include the freedoms of religion, speech, press and assembly; the rights of criminal defendants; economic rights; and the right to equal protection of the laws. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, POSC 110. This course designed will provide students with an overview and understanding of the basics of environmental law and policy; stepping stones for taking on bigger challenges in the future. The course will focus primarily on key U.S. environmental laws, such as the clean air act, clean water act, the endangered species act, and hazardous waste laws. A few key multilateral environmental agreements and processes that make them relevant to domestic law will be intertwined. Throughout the course, the ongoing current developments, particularly in the area of climate change, will be traced. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
(Same as PCST 352.)
(Same as PCST 353.)
(Same as PCST 354.)
(Same as PCST 355.)
(Same as PCST 356.)
(Same as PCST 357.)
(Same as HIST 363.)
An exploration of the urban affairs and the problems faced by local elected officials, business and community leaders, and citizens in the urban context. Topics include theories of urban politics, specifically topics that include governmental institutions, political behavior, and policy responses, as well as current controversies of the changing urban political economy, suburban growth and exclusion, and alternative structures for metropolitan governance. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
An analysis of the central importance of race and ethnicity in American politics. Topics include the divergence and similarities in the political incorporation of various West– and East–European ethnic groups (Irish, Italian, German, East–European Jews), African–Americans, Latinos, and Asian–Americans. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
An overview and examination of environmental problems and their political implications. Topics include worldwide, environmental problems ranging from global warming to resource depletion, deforestation and toxic waste, as well as the political and policy responses to these threats, including sustainable development, eco–justice movements, and the efforts of various actors in the domestic and international arenas. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, ENV 102, or POSC 110. An examination of how public policies are proposed, adopted, implemented, and evaluated. Topics include the structures and processes of public policymaking in the U.S., major substantive policy areas, as well as the historical and contemporary explanations for policymaking. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, POSC 110, or consent of instructor. The theoretical foundations of the study of organizations as they apply to public and nonprofit organizations. It introduces the student to different ways organizations have been theorized and to the specific vocabulary and concepts of organization theory. The course also considers the complexities and ambiguities of organizational life. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, POSC 375. The advanced study of special topics in public policy related to the local or regional environment of Southern California. Possible topics include watershed policy, energy policy, and habitat policy. List of topics may vary each semester the course is taught. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, senior standing, or consent of instructor. An integrative seminar concentrating on political theory that serves as a capstone experience for Political Science majors. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
Uses an interdisciplinary approach to elicit and interrogate aspects of political theory essential to understanding this field and the practice of politics. Students will read 20th century works in political theory in combination with classical works of literature, art, and films with political theory salience. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as REL 408.) An examination of the political aspects of the conflict between two rival authorities and epistemologies: a fundamentalist religious world view and Western Enlightenment reason. Topics include the religious underpinnings of violence, as well as the nature of tolerance in a pluralist society. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, senior standing, or consent of instructor. An integrative seminar concentrating on American politics that serves as a capstone experience for Political Science majors. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, senior standing, or consent of instructor. An integrative seminar concentrating on international relations that serves as a capstone experience for Political Science majors. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, senior standing, or consent of instructor. An integrative seminar concentrating on comparative politics that serves as a capstone experience for Political Science majors. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
An examination of state and federal laws governing the rights of people with disabilities. Topics include access, employment, education, and transportation, as well as identifying litigation that has and will come from the disability rights movement. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.
Corequisites, POSC 474, 475, consent of the Political Science Department Chair. This course introduces students to the role of economics in the context of policy-making, as well as where policy-making involves more than economics, yet cannot be separated from economics. Examples will be drawn from current Administration policy initiatives, government economic policy, and ongoing legislative battles in Congress. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
Corequisites, POSC 473, 475, consent of the Political Science Department Chair. This course reflects on the provisions of the Constitution, the values on which it is based, and the contributions it has made to policy, governance, and democracy in the United States. The course will examine the Congress, executive branch, committees, parties, and interest groups as sources of policy. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
Corequisite, POSC 473, 474, consent of Political Science Department Chair. The internship seminar offers a structured environment in which to reflect on internship experiences, and discuss assigned readings to explore the intersection of politics and policy. Observing Washington in action makes clear that politics in real life often differs from how it is portrayed in textbooks. (Offered every semester.) 9 credits.
An examination of the role of leadership within the American political system. Leadership as an academic field of study will be considered, including how political leadership is defined and how it relates to the day-to-day operation of the governing process. Topics include leadership within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, leadership within political parties, interest groups, and the news media, and leadership issues relating to gender and ethnicity. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.
P/NP. ½–3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) ½–3 credits.