Designed to acquaint the student with the United States political system, including constitutional developments of the United States and of California, and stimulate reflection on the intersection of Christianity and citizenship. Strongly recommended as a prerequisite for upper-division U.S. Government classes.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

The course begins with an examination of influential economic philosophies and the debates they have sparked. How do societies encourage economic growth, allocate resources, protect and help the poor, and balance competing economic claims? How do domestic policy choices affect other countries? By studying basic economic principles and case studies that highlight economic challenges around the world, students will learn to see the complexity of economic and political choices.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

This course is cross-listed with HIST-262. Writing intensive class which will teach students proper research techniques and the different aspects of History and Political Science scholarship. Class will focus on how to write a major research paper. Strongly recommended before taking upper-division History and Political Science courses. Satisfies ENGL-220C requirement. Students are expected to take HIST-262 or POLS-262, but if ENGL-220C was taken before a History & Political Science major was declared, it will be an acceptable substitution. Must be passed with a "C" (not a "C-") or better to fulfill the core curriculum requirement.

Prerequisite: ENGL-120C

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is cross-listed with PSYC-304. This course evaluates theories from the field of Psychology to help us understand how people think and feel about politics. Students will investigate how social, cognitive, emotive, and physiological factors interact to influence political preferences and opinions.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

This class is a study of the complex relationship between church and state, the Kingdom of Heaven as it relates to earthly kingdoms, and what civil law means in light of grace, as understood by major Christian philosophers in church history. Students examine scripture, as well as the writings of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, the American Puritans, and contemporary thinkers. (This course is currently in teach out. See POLS-324.)

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

A historical review of Classical, American, Christian, and Modern political thought from Plato to present.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Examines the impact of race, ethnicity, and identity in American politics and policy; surveys political attitudes, behavior, and experiences of Americans of African, Asian and Latinx descent.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Examines the relationship between gender and political participation and representation; explores inequalities and how gender hierarchy is produced and reproduced through socio-cultural, economic, and political practices and structures.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Principles, practice, and ethical issues of United States foreign policymaking. Particular emphasis on the policymaking process.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Organizations and function of political parties, nominations, elections, tactics of campaigning and campaign finance; explores mass political attitudes and behavior of American electorate.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

This course is devoted to the U.S. Supreme Court. We will examine the Court as an institution, its historical development, and the way it works today. We will meet particular justices throughout the Court's history, and examine their roles and judicial philosophies. The class will then study the Court's most important rulings, and consider how they shaped the power of the federal government, its relationship with the states, as well as its protection of civil rights and liberties, and the shape of our national life.

Prerequisite: ENGL-220C, HIST-262, or POLS-262

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Comparative politics is the study of political systems around the world. Students will examine the theoretical background of various regime types, the history of modern nation-states, and survey a variety of existing political systems. Students will consider the difference between autocracy and democracy, the causes of poverty and development, and the consequences of the way power is distributed and checked within any society.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

A conclusion to the institutions classes (Congress, the Presidency and Constitutional Law), this course is a study of major laws and their effect on society, with particular attention devoted to immigration, poverty, education and healthcare. Throughout, students will consider the cost-benefit analysis, public administration, policy assessment, and the various views about concepts of the public good.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Regular hours each week for classes and/or meetings are established at the beginning of the semester. The intern assists an instructor in planning and conducting a course and/or laboratory session. Maximum of three units. (Maximum six units for HIST-450, POLS-450, HIST-454, POLS-454, HIST-457, and POLS-457.)

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Internship with Vanguard University, local museum, archives, government office, or political campaign. Maximum of three units. (Maximum six units for HIST-450, POLS-450, HIST-454, POLS-454, HIST-457, and POLS-457.)

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Exploration of theoretical concept of representation; motivations and behavior of Members of Congress; impact of money and interest groups on legislative bills and campaigning.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Advanced work in research in Political Science in an on-going project with the cooperation and supervision of a faculty member. Students will meet with instructor weekly to discuss findings and progress. Maximum three units. (Maximum six units for HIST-450, POLS-450, HIST-454, POLS-454, HIST-457, and POLS-457.)

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Experimental or occasional courses not offered on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Experimental or occasional courses not offered on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Historical development and operation of the Presidency as an institution, examines sources of presidential power, recent leadership styles and decision-making within the presidency.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Examination of the concepts and principles of the international political system.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.