Political Science Department

Department Office
Stevenson Hall 2070
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone: (707) 664-2179
Fax: (707) 664-3920

Department Chair:
Diane Parness

Office Staff:
Shannon Fields
Administrative Assistant
Julie Wood
Administrative Analyst

Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Master's in Public Administration
Minor in Political Science
Teaching Credential Preparation
Certificate Program in the Administration of Nonprofit Agencies
(see catalog for complete descriptions)

The Political Science program at Sonoma State University offers excellent opportunities for the study of government and politics. Over 40 courses cover all major aspects of the discipline. Students develop an understanding of human behavior as this relates to politics. They learn to discuss and analyze critically the many current public policy issues facing the United States and the world. They are taught how to analyze and understand world affairs and comparative politics. They are trained in the appropriate research techniques for the study of political processes.

The political science major is a relatively open major, allowing students to choose from a wide range of courses and subjects within a general framework. A common core of courses studies the relationship between values, ideology and politics (Pols 201), fundamental issues in American politics (Pols 202), the logic of research in political science (Pols 302), comparative approaches and politics (Pols 303), and a senior research seminar (Pols 498). Beyond this common core, as part of the additional 20 units required for the major, each student must complete at least one upper-division course in each of the four major fields of political science: political theory, international relations, comparative government, and American government and politics. Since politics and economics are so closely tied together, the department recommends each student complete a basic course in economics. In addition, the department encourages international study for political science students and will arrange for appropriate credits for courses of study at international universities.

A 20-unit minor in political science also is available. Although the minor most often is used in conjunction with such majors as communications, history, economics and sociology, it can be paired with almost any major offered at the university.