May 03, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 
    
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Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

 

Political Science (POLS)
  

  • POLS 1200 U.S. Politics

    4 semester hours

    An overview of the major political processes in contemporary American life.

    University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Understanding Human Behavior.
  

  • POLS 1400 Comparative Politics

    4 semester hours

    Analyzes political institutions and policies in democratic and authoritarian countries. Combines conceptual understanding with case studies from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

    University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Understanding Human Behavior.
  

  • POLS 1600 International Relations

    4 semester hours

    This course provides an introduction to the field of international relations, with an emphasis on state and non-state behavior in explaining international cooperation and conflict.

    University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Understanding Human Behavior.
  

  • POLS 1810 Political Science Learning Community I

    1 semester hours

    This course introduces students to the opportunities of the Political Science Department and the University and helps them to reflect critically and creatively on the beginning of their college experience through a series of workshops and individual exercises.
  

  • POLS 1820 Political Science Learning Community II

    1 semester hours

    A continuation of POLS 1810 , this course introduces students to the opportunities of the Political Science Department and the University and helps them to reflect critically and creatively on the beginning of their college experience through a series of workshops and individual exercises.
  

  • POLS 1998 Special Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 1999 Independent Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 2000 Foundations of Political Theory

    4 semester hours

    Introduction to the major concepts and theories that lay the foundation for contemporary governments. Writing intensive.

    Students should complete this class in their sophomore year.

    Prerequisite: POLS 1200 , POLS 1400 , or POLS 1600 .

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Writing.
  

  • POLS 2001 Foundations of International Political Theory

    Introduction to the major concepts and theories that lay the foundation for contemporary international politics. Writing intensive.

    Students should complete this class in their sophomore year.

    Prerequisite: POLS 1200 , POLS 1400 , or POLS 1600 .

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Writing.
  

  • POLS 2100 Empirical Approaches

    4 semester hours

    This course introduces the assumptions of the scientific approach in the study of politics, the process of concept formation, and research design. Includes data analysis laboratory sessions.

    Students should complete this class in their sophomore year.

    Prerequisite: POLS 1200 , POLS 1400 , or POLS 1600 .

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Quantitative Reasoning.
  

  • POLS 2998 Special Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 2999 Independent Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 3010 Classical and Christian Political Theory

    4 semester hours

    A survey of Western political thought from ancient Greece through the Renaissance.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice; Flags: Information Literacy, Oral Skills.
  

  • POLS 3020 Modern Political Theory

    4 semester hours

    A survey of Western political thought from the Renaissance through the 19th century.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice; Flags: Information Literacy, Oral Skills.
  

  • POLS 3030 Contemporary Political Theory

    4 semester hours

    A survey of 20th century and 21st century political thought.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice; Flags: Information Literacy, Writing.
  

  • POLS 3040 American Political Thought

    4 semester hours

    A study of the origin and development of liberal democracy from Hobbes and Locke to contemporary American thinkers and groups.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .
  

  • POLS 3050 Critical Race Theory

    4 semester hours

    This course takes up the question of race and politics through the lens of critical theory, legal theory, and political philosophies of race and difference.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000  or AFAM 1211  or CLST 1116 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections; Flags: Information Literacy, Writing.
  

  • POLS 3060 Marx and Marxism

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the Marxist contribution to socio-political thought from Marx to the current era.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .
  

  • POLS 3210 Congressional Politics

    4 semester hours

    A study of the workings of the U.S. Congress with an emphasis on the legislative process. Course is primarily conducted as a simulation of either the House or Senate.

    University Core fulfilled: Flags: Engaged Learning, Oral Skills.
  

  • POLS 3220 Presidency

    4 semester hours

    A study of the powers, process, and problems of the modern United States presidency.
  

  • POLS 3230 Courts, Law, and Society

    4 semester hours

    A study of how America’s courts really work, focusing on the role of judges, juries, and attorneys.
  

  • POLS 3240 Media and Politics

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the broad array of news and information sources in the U.S. A particular focus on media trends and how information dissemination affects democratic principles.
  

  • POLS 3250 Campaigns and Elections

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the electoral process in the United States covering political participation, campaigns, and institutional arrangements at all levels of government.
  

  • POLS 3310 Racial and Ethnic Politics

    4 semester hours

    Comparative analysis of racial and ethnic groups within the United States political system. A focus on the effect of political institutions on minority groups at federal, state, and local levels. Examines the experience of minority groups to illuminate political process in the U.S.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
  

  • POLS 3320 Social Movements

    4 semester hours

    An analysis of the current issues and controversies facing several civil rights movements.
  

  • POLS 3330 Immigration Politics and Policy

    4 semester hours

    This course focuses on the historical and contemporary politics of immigration. The course will cover issues ranging from root causes of international migration, to the various social, cultural, and political consequences of immigration in the United States.

    University Core fulfilled: Foundations: Studies in American Diversity.
  

  • POLS 3340 Urban Politics

    4 semester hours

    Analysis of political institutions and processes in urban areas of the U.S., including policy-making processes, power structures, urban problems, and intergovernmental relations.
  

  • POLS 3350 Elderly and the Law

    4 semester hours

    A study of the intersection of aging issues with the legal system including advance directives, guardianships, wills and trusts, assisted living arrangements, health care benefits, age discrimination in employment, long term care, and elder abuse.

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Engaged Learning.
  

  • POLS 3410 Politics of Africa

    4 semester hours

    An analysis of the problems and prospects for political, economic, and social development in Africa south of the Sahara.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections; Flag: Writing.
  

  • POLS 3420 Political Dynamics of East Asia: Greater China, Japan, and the Koreas

    4 semester hours

    Northeast Asia is one of the most economically dynamic and politically fraught regions in the world. This course introduces students to the political systems of the region focusing on China, Japan, and the Koreas, and Taiwan.

    Prerequisite: POLS 1400 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
  

  • POLS 3425 Japanese Society and Politics

    4 semester hours

    This course delves into Japan’s modern transformations focusing particularly on the period since World War II to understand the origins and development of Japan’s political and economic institutions, the evolving nature of Japanese society, and the domestic and international challenges facing the nation.
  

  • POLS 3430 Politics of Latin America

    4 semester hours

    Analyzes political institutions and processes in Latin America. Emphasizes current political and economic challenges to democratic consolidation in the region.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2100 .
  

  • POLS 3440 Politics in the Middle East

    4 semester hours

    An overview and analysis of the major patterns and problems in political development and life in the Middle East and North Africa from a cross-national perspective.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections; Flag: Engaged Learning.
  

  • POLS 3445 Politics of Modern Israel

    4 semester hours

    This course is an in-depth study of the politics and history of contemporary Israel.
  

  • POLS 3480 U.S.-British Politics

    4 semester hours

    A comparative study of political systems of the United States and Great Britain.
  

  • POLS 3481 British Government

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the political system of the United Kingdom (offered as part of the Hansard Fellowship).
  

  • POLS 3482 British Public Policy

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the public policy process of the United Kingdom (offered as part of the Hansard Fellowship).
  

  • POLS 3510 Politics of Development

    4 semester hours

    An analysis of the various theoretical approaches to understanding the political economy of developing nations and the empirical consequences of development strategies.
  

  • POLS 3610 International Cooperation

    4 semester hours

    A study of the patterns of formal institution building and informal regime definition that underlie and define the development of cooperative relationships among the nations of the world.
  

  • POLS 3620 International Security

    4 semester hours

    A survey of challenges to security and peace in modern international relations, such as war, the nuclear peril, terrorism, revolution, ecological dangers, economic pressures, and sociodemographic crises.

    Prerequisite: POLS 1600 .
  

  • POLS 3630 Peace and Reconciliation

    4 semester hours

    A survey of peace and conflict resolution processes in various international contexts.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
  

  • POLS 3640 Politics of the European Union

    4 semester hours

    An analysis of the political structures and processes of the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other European nations.
  

  • POLS 3650 United States Foreign Policy

    4 semester hours

    Analysis of recent United States foreign policy with a focus on the policy making and implementation process.
  

  • POLS 3800 Internship

    1 TO 4 semester hours

    The academic component of a supervised internship in an appropriate agency in Los Angeles or Sacramento.

    In addition to the internship itself, the student must meet regularly with a faculty member selected prior to the start of the internship and write a research paper.

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Engaged Learning.
  

  • POLS 3810 Washington Internship

    1 TO 8 semester hours

    The academic component of a supervised internship in Washington, D.C.

    Credit/No Credit grading.
  

  • POLS 3820 Washington, D.C. Politics

    4 semester hours

    A part of The Washington Center academic internship program, this course is a comprehensive reflective examination and evaluation (in portfolio format) of the student’s academic and internship experience.
  

  • POLS 3830 British House of Commons Internship

    1 TO 8 semester hours

    The academic component of a supervised internship in the British House of Commons (offered as part of the Hansard Fellowship).

    Credit/No Credit grading.
  

  • POLS 3850 Politics and Film

    4 semester hours

    An exploration of political themes as presented in movies.
  

  • POLS 3900 Special Studies in Political Theory

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 3920 Special Studies in U.S. Politics

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 3940 Special Studies in Comparative Politics

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 3960 Special Studies in International Politics

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 3970 Mock Trial I

    2 semester hours

    This course is only open to students selected to the Mock Trial Team, and consent of the instructor is required. The course is centered on preparation for mock trial competition, especially the American Mock Trial Association regional competition in the Spring, although it is possible that additional competitions will take place in the Fall. Students should only take this course if they also plan on taking POLS 3971 Mock Trial II  in the Spring.
  

  • POLS 3971 Mock Trial II

    2 semester hours

    This course is only open to students selected to the Mock Trial Team, and consent of the instructor is required. The course is centered on preparation for the Spring American Mock Trial Association regional competition and possible additional competitions afterwards. Space is limited, and strong preference is given to students who are currently enrolled in POLS 3970 Mock Trial I , although exceptions will be made if there are good reasons for doing so.
  

  • POLS 3998 Special Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 3999 Independent Studies

    0 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 4010 Ethics, Politics, and Policy

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the ethical dimensions of political action and public policy. The course combines theoretical analyses and case studies.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice.
  

  • POLS 4020 Ethics of War

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the ethical dimensions of military and political action, with special attention to just war theory and its applicability to today’s world. The course combines theoretical analyses and case studies.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .
  

  • POLS 4030 Punishment and Mercy

    4 semester hours

    This course explores theoretical and practical challenges to reconciling effective and just social punishment with the virtue of mercy.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice; Flags: Information Literacy, Oral Skills.
  

  • POLS 4040 Political Rhetoric

    4 semester hours

    An examination of how rhetoric shapes political life and social goals. This course analyzes how the structure and content of arguments helps to create political narrative and guide political action.

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Oral Skills.
  

  • POLS 4100 Advanced Empirical Methods

    4 semester hours

    This course introduces advanced techniques in the empirical study of politics.

    Students who intend to employ advanced methods in their senior thesis should plan to take this class their junior year.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2100 .
  

  • POLS 4210 United States Constitutional Law: Case Method I

    4 semester hours

    Judicial, executive, and legislative power; individual rights.
  

  • POLS 4220 United States Constitutional Law: Case Method II

    4 semester hours

    Freedom of Speech and Equal Protection.
  

  • POLS 4250 Public Policy Analysis

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the processes by which public policy is formulated, implemented, and evaluated. Emphasis will be placed on policy planning and evaluation competencies.
  

  • POLS 4300 Political Psychology

    4 semester hours

    A study of the relationship between selected psychological and social-psychological characteristics of individuals and political behavior.
  

  • POLS 4310 Chicana/o Politics

    4 semester hours

    A study of the social and political development of the Chicano community in the United States.
  

  • POLS 4330 Women and Politics

    4 semester hours

    An analysis of the issues and topics resulting from the intersection of gender with the political system.
  

  • POLS 4360 Public Opinion and American Culture

    4 semester hours

    An examination of public opinion and political participation in terms of their development, trends, measurement, and influencing factors.
  

  • POLS 4370 Interest Groups and Advocacy

    4 semester hours

    An examination of the role of groups and advocacy organizations in the U.S. Central assignment of the course will be a founding of an interest group.
  

  • POLS 4380 Politics of California

    1 TO 4 semester hours

    An examination of the structure and dynamics of California government and politics.
  

  • POLS 4390 Politics of Los Angeles

    4 semester hours

    A study of the structure and dynamics of county, city, and special district governments in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
  

  • POLS 4440 Politics of the Middle East through Film

    4 semester hours

    This course surveys the history, economics, and politics of the Middle East and North Africa through film. It examines salient cultural, economic, and political issues in the region through film. The course examines explanations from various disciplines and compares these with empirical evidence to make informed arguments about contemporary and historical social and political issues in the Middle East and North Africa.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
  

  • POLS 4510 Slavery, Abolition, and Modern Slavery

    4 semester hours

    The first part of this course examines historical slavery and global abolition. The second part of the course concentrates on modern slavery and its eradication.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
  

  • POLS 4650 The Politics of the Global Economy

    4 semester hours

    This course looks at how politics has shaped the modern global economy and how these global forces are re-shaping the relationship between states, markets, and society.

    Prerequisite: POLS 1600 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
  

  • POLS 4710 International Law

    4 semester hours

    Focus on some of the major doctrines of international law and the processes of making and implementing law in the contemporary international system.
  

  • POLS 4720 Global Human Rights

    4 semester hours

    This course introduces students to human rights issues around the world, with particular attention paid to international actors, such as the United Nations, that seek progress in this arena.
  

  • POLS 4750 Foreign Policy Analysis

    4 semester hours

    This course will focus on the foreign policy of states, with particular attention to decision making and policy planning models.
  

  • POLS 4800 Political Leadership

    4 semester hours

    A study of the sources and uses, limits and possibilities of leadership in the political arena. The course focuses on leadership and followership in political systems across cultures and systems but focuses on the United States.
  

  • POLS 4900 Special Studies in Political Theory

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 4920 Special Studies in U.S. Politics

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 4940 Special Studies in Comparative Politics

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 4960 Special Studies in International Politics

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 4998 Special Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 4999 Independent Studies

    1 TO 4 semester hours

  

  • POLS 5010 Political Ethics

    4 semester hours

    This seminar examines how ethical principles can be applied to the realities of political action and public life.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice.
  

  • POLS 5020 Christianity in Modern Political Thought

    4 semester hours

    This seminar examines how differing interpretations of Christian theology influenced the development of modern political thought.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Information Literacy.
  

  • POLS 5030 Detention and Incarceration

    4 semester hours

    A seminar examining the theory and practice of punishment in the form of detention and incarceration, and how these contribute to defining contemporary understandings of individual agency and of the modern democratic state.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .
  

  • POLS 5260 Education Policy

    4 semester hours

    A seminar examining selected dimensions of education policy in the United States.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2100 .

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Writing.
  

  • POLS 5320 New Social Movements

    4 semester hours

    The course analyzes sociopolitical movements across western cultures from the student movements, anti-war protests, and women’s movements of the 1960s and 70s to contemporary social movements.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2100 .
  

  • POLS 5350 The Law and Presidential Power

    4 semester hours

    A seminar examining the ways and extent to which the Constitution and statutes empower and enchain the American President.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2100 .

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Oral Skills.
  

  • POLS 5360 Women and the Law

    4 semester hours

    This course focuses on the evolution and current situation of how women and their related issues fare in the legal system, including domestic violence, child custody, reproductive rights, marriage and divorce, domestic partnerships, education, employment, sexual harassment, prostitution and pornography.

    Political Science majors only.
  

  • POLS 5420 Rivalry and Cooperation in East Asia

    4 semester hours

    What does the future hold for East Asia? This course explores this question by looking at a confluence of trends: the rise of China which is reviving regional tensions, unresolved historical tensions, growing economic interdependence, and the role of the U.S. in the region.

    Prerequisites: POLS 1400  or POLS 1600 ; POLS 2100 .
  

  • POLS 5600 Theories of International Relations

    4 semester hours

    This course critically examines important debates and topics in international relations. It surveys prevailing theories and empirical research in the field.

    University Core fulfilled: Flags: Oral Skills, Writing.

    Prerequisites: POLS 1600  and POLS 2100 .
  

  • POLS 5710 International Affairs and Social Justice

    4 semester hours

    This course is designed to expose students to issues in international affairs in terms of ethics and social justice.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice; Flag: Engaged Learning.

    Prerequisites: POLS 1600  and POLS 2100 .
  

  • POLS 5720 Comparative Human Rights

    4 semester hours

    Examines the tension between human rights and national sovereignty and analyzes how international norms are changing the domestic protection of human rights. Explores how human rights are defined and derived, surveys the historical development of human rights law, and studies enforcement mechanisms and international tribunals.

    Junior and senior Political Science majors only.

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Ethics and Justice; Flag: Writing.
  

  • POLS 5800 Honors Seminar

    4 semester hours

    A particularly challenging senior seminar for students contemplating graduate work. Also provides preparation for writing a senior thesis.

    Prerequisites: POLS 2000 , POLS 2100 , and consent of instructor.

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Writing.
  

  • POLS 5810 Honors Thesis

    4 semester hours

    This is an opportunity for Honors-Eligible students to complete a substantive research project to qualify for Departmental Honors.

    Prerequisite: POLS 5800 .
  

  • POLS 5820 Senior Thesis

    4 semester hours

    The senior thesis provides the opportunity for students to complete a substantive research project to culminate their study of Political Science.

    Senior standing required.

    Prerequisites: POLS 2100  and consent of department chairperson. Also, the student must obtain the written approval of the faculty supervisor the semester prior to writing the thesis.
  

  • POLS 5850 Politics in Shakespeare

    4 semester hours

    Examines political ideas and themes in the plays of William Shakespeare.

    University Core fulfilled: Flag: Information Literacy.
  

  • POLS 5900 Special Studies in Political Thought

    1 TO 4 semester hours

    Senior standing required.

    Prerequisite: POLS 2000 .

    University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
 

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