Political Science, B.A.

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Four options are offered in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, each adapted to a different objective as follows:

The General Political Science option is a general program of undergraduate preparation for active participation in public life or for graduate study.

The Global Politics option is a general program of undergraduate preparation focusing on the changing nature of international politics and the emergence of a global political space and preparing students for graduate study and active participation in public life.

The Prelegal Studies option provides undergraduate preparation for professions in law, education, and public service. While a strong emphasis is placed on developing skills of legal analysis and research, courses in this option also provide students with a critical understanding of the interrelationship between law and politics in American society.

The Public Administration option provides undergraduate preparation for career government service or positions in nonprofit organizations. This option may be coordinated with a public service internship (see Cooperative Education).

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science is 120 units, of which 46 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Requirements for the Major (46 units)

Major requirements consist of a common core of two lower division and five upper division courses (22 units) to be taken by all political science majors, and eight elective courses (24 units) in a selected political science option. POLS 1000 is a prerequisite for all Political Science courses in the major and minor programs. It is recommended that 2000- and 3000-level requirements are completed prior to enrolling in 4000 level courses. Furthermore, it is recommended that all required courses are taken before electives in the major options and in the minor programs. The senior capstone requirement should be taken at the end of your BA major program.

Core Requirements (22 units)

Options (24 units)

There are four options in the Political Science major. The following courses, all of which are three (3) units, are required in addition to the core:

General Political Science Option (24 units)

Eight elective courses in political science, one of which may be at lower division level, with the approval of an adviser.

Global Politics Option (24 units)

Select one course from each of the following four areas (12 units):

1. International Relations (3 units)

2. Globalization and North America (3 units)

3. Regional Politics: Asia (3 units)

4. Regional Politics: Other (3 units)

Select four elective courses in Political Science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (12 units).

Prelegal Studies Option (24 units)

Required Courses (3 units)

POLS 4400 - Judicial Process (3)

Select one courses from the following (3 units):

Select two courses from the following (6 units):

POLS 4440 - Legal Advocacy (3)
POLS 4450 - Judicial Behavior (3)
POLS 4460 - Global Legal Studies (3)
PHIL 4900 - Philosophy of Law (3)
HIST 4790 - Constitutional History of United States (3)
Select four elective courses in Political Science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (12 units).

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Political Science, B.A.

Requirements for the Major (46 units)

Core Requirements (22 units)

Options (24 units)

General Political Science Option (24 units)

Global Politics Option (24 units)

1. International Relations (3 units)

2. Globalization and North America (3 units)

3. Regional Politics: Asia (3 units)

4. Regional Politics: Other (3 units)

Select four elective courses in Political Science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (12 units).

Prelegal Studies Option (24 units)

Required Courses (3 units)

Select one courses from the following (3 units):

Select two courses from the following (6 units):

Public Administration Option (24 units)

Required Courses (6 units)

Select two courses from the following (6 units):

Select four elective courses in political science, one of which may be taken at lower division level (12 units).