加州州立大學(xué)長灘分校

The political science major is designed to help students learn to think seriously and carefully about politics while preparing them for a wide variety of careers. The program provides a solid foundation in the traditional concerns of the discipline as well as broad exposure to the various things that impinge upon and are affected by the political world. Studying these issues will also enhance your skills in analytical-critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and oral, written, and electronic communication. The CSULB Political Science Department is known as one of the top political science programs in the CSU system, and one of the most reputable non-Ph.D. granting political science programs in the region. CSULB political science offers undergraduate and MA students a wide range of rigorous, intellectually-challenging courses taught by a diverse and talented faculty who take both teaching and research seriously.

The particular focus and strengths of each concentration are as follows.

Political Theory

This concentration explores concepts such as democracy, liberty, economic class, revolution, race/ethnicity, and gender/sexuality. Students critically analyze how the structure of government, genealogy of language, and hegemony of established institutions shape relationships between powerful and marginalized groups. Students with a theory or philosophy background consistently have the highest scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) compared to other students, and they also tend to do better in law school. This is because political theory courses require careful reading of complex texts, analysis of the logic of alternative positions, and clear and persuasive written argumentation. Political theory also traditionally has been considered foundational to a career in politics. In addition, it is a point of departure for careers in humanitarian advocacy, non-profits, activism, think tanks, editorial work, and journalism.

Global Politics

This concentration combines international relations and comparative politics, examining the ideas, movements, and structures that shape the global community. Students examine the interactions among nations, as well as the politics of countries other than the U.S. The emphasis is on war, foreign policy, democratization, nationalism, and globalization. The global politics concentration is a point of departure for graduate or law school, and for careers in the federal government, international development, global non-profits, humanitarian advocacy groups, finance, business, law, federal government contractors of all kinds, military, education, clean energy and the environment.

Law, Politics, and Policy

This concentration examines the interaction of law, politics, and policy in the American context, with an emphasis on governmental institutions, political participation, and the policy making process. A key focus is the explanation of human behavior, group cooperation and conflict, and political outcomes. Students also master the basics of quantitative and qualitative research design and gain quantitative fluency. These abilities are critical in effectively answering dilemmas that arise in a wide array of jobs in the public and private sectors. In particular, this concentration is a point of departure for careers in government (city, county, state or national), political campaigns, law, policy analysis, and public opinion research.