Use this tool to find descriptions of courses currently offered at APU. For more information on academic programs, requirements, and policies, see the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.
View Specific Course
Search for Courses
Discipline: POLI Political Science
25 ResultsPOLI 150
American Government
Units: 3
This course is a study of the institutions and processes of American government on the local, state, and national levels. This course meets the state requirement for U.S. history and government. Meets the general studies core requirement for Heritage and Institutions.
POLI 160
Introduction to Politics
Units: 3
This course introduces the beginning political science student to the fundamental themes and enduring problems of political life. Meets the general studies core requirement in Heritage and Institutions.
POLI 210
Current Events
Units: 3
Students explore selected current domestic and foreign policy issues.
POLI 220
State and Local Government
Units: 3
This course offers a comparison of the organizations, processes, and functions of local government in the United States, including counties, cities, and special districts.
POLI 271
Political Topics
Units: 3
Subject matter for this course varies and may include topics in political theory, American government, and international affairs. Possible topics include: nuclear arms, religion and politics, and presidential elections. POLI 271 and POLI 471 may not be taken concurrently, and additional work is required in POLI 471. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Up to eight units may be earned for participation in seminars offered by the American Studies Program.
POLI 300
Research and Writing
Units: 3
This is an upper-division writing intensive course emphasizing the research and writing skills common to the disciplines of history and political science. Fulfills general studies requirement for upper-division writing intensive course. Strongly recommended before taking any 300- or 400-level courses.
POLI 320
Comparative Politics
Units: 3
This course offers a comparative study of major political systems. The communist, socialist, and democratic systems are compared as they have been applied in various states.
POLI 325
Constitutional Law
Units: 3
This course is an inquiry into the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution concerning the powers of the states, the president, Congress, and the courts. Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor's permission
POLI 326
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Units: 3
Students analyze Supreme Court decisions related to the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment. Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor's permission
POLI 327
Introduction to Legal Studies
Units: 3
This course is a study of forms of law school writing, the profession of the law, and the philosophy of law as it has developed from ancient to contemporary times. The course is primarily for students intending to pursue a career in law and should ideally be taken by students in their junior year. Prerequisite: POLI 325 and POLI 326, or instructor's permission
POLI 340
International Relations
Units: 3
The foundations and development of the nation-state system are explored, with an emphasis on policy formation and conflict resolution. Meets the general studies elective requirement.
POLI 360
Classical Political Thought
Units: 3
This course is a study of ancient Greek political thought with some reference to Roman and medieval political thought. The course focuses on ideas of justice, nature, and human nature.
POLI 363
Modern Political Thought
Units: 3
This course is a study of major political thinkers from the 16th century to the present. Meets the general studies elective requirement.
POLI 376
The American Founding
Units: 3
This is a study of the central ideas of American constitutional democracy as they are illuminated in selected writings of the American founders and in modern contemporary scholarship on the American founding. Meets the general studies elective requirement for Heritage and Institutions. Prerequisite: POLI 150, POLI 160, or instructor's permission
POLI 390
History and Politics of the Non-Western World
Units: 3
This course offers an overview of historical and political patterns in one pre-announced selected area of the non-Western developing world. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies.
POLI 399
Political Science Practicum
Units: 1-8
This practicum gives credit for field work in an area chosen by the student. The American Studies Program and the University of California, Davis' Capitol Campus Program offer internship opportunities in Washington, DC, and Sacramento. Other local opportunities include government agencies, political parties, and political campaign organizations. Up to eight units may be earned. Only six units are counted toward the political science major and three units toward the political science minor. All other units count as elective credits.
POLI 400
Seminar on American Politics
Units: 3
This course facilitates inquiry into one pre-announced aspect of American politics, such as political parties, voting behavior, or interest groups. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor's permission
POLI 405
The American Presidency
Units: 3
This course presents an overview of the American presidency, including
the historical development of the presidency, contributions of individual
presidents to the executive office, presidential authority and politics in
the modern era, the presidential election process, and the role of the
executive branch. Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor’s consent
POLI 410
Congress
Units: 3
This course is an inquiry into the Supreme Court’s interpretation of
This course provides an overview of the functioning of Congress as an
institution. Topics include the historical evolution of Congress, changes
in internal rules and procedures that guide congressional action, the role
of Congress within the federal system, and external influences on the
legislative process. Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor’s consent
POLI 415
The Federal Judiciary
Units: 3
This course provides an overview of the federal judicial system, with
particular attention given to the power and function of the U.S. Supreme
Court, methods of constitutional interpretation, judicial selection, and
the role of the judiciary in the constitutional system of government.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor’s consent
POLI 471
Political Topics
Units: 1-8
Subject matter for this course varies and may include topics in political theory, American government, and international affairs. Possible topics include: nuclear arms, religion and politics, and presidential elections. POLI 271 and POLI 471 may not be taken concurrently, and additional work is required in POLI 471. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Up to eight units may be earned for participation in seminars offered by the American Studies Program.
POLI 496
Senior Seminar: Religion and Politics
Units: 3
This seminar focuses on the ethical, political, and historical implications of ideas both in their historical context and in contemporary society. Meets the general studies senior seminar requirement. Prerequisites: senior standing; completion of the majority of the units required for God's Word and the Christian Response;
completion of the majority of course work in the major, and upper-division writing intensive course
POLI 497
Readings
Units: 1-4
This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between, and designed by, a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
POLI 498
Directed Research
Units: 1-4
This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The one-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than one unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
POLI 499
Thesis/Project
Units: 1-4
This is a senior-level "capstone" type of independent study/research experience, involving the student in a unique project with a sophisticated level of research, synthesis, analysis, and communication. The one-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying readings, log, instructor discussions, and writing of summary analysis and conclusions. The thesis or project may result in formal thesis, published article, electronic media, or artistic creation of a material form. No more than one unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class. Prerequisites: upper-division writing intensive course completed or instructor's permission; and junior or senior standing
