4units Dynamics of particles, Newtons laws, Lagranges and Hamiltons equations, conservation laws, symmetry and the laws of physics, oscillations, central-force motion, and non-inertial reference frames.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 52, MATH 33A, each with grade of “C-” or better. Grading: Graded
3units Dynamics of systems of particles: collisions, rigid body rotations, non-inertial frames, coupled oscillations, waves. This course is strongly recommended for students who are considering graduate study in physics.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 105A with grade “C-” or better. Grading: Graded
3units Oscillatory phenomena and their connection to waves. Review of simple harmonic motion and extension to damped, driven, and coupled oscillators. Applications to waves on strings, and basic concepts of electromagnetic and sound waves. Connections to the beginnings of quantum theory are developed.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 52 with C- or better Grading: Graded
PHYS 120A - Electronics, Data Acquisition & Analysis
3units The characteristics of basic analog and digital electronic circuits used in a scientific laboratory. Topics include transistors, operational amplifiers, digital electronic circuits, and computer data acquisition.
Misc/Lab: Seminar 2 hours/lab 3 hours.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 51 with “C” or better. Physics Majors Only Grading: Graded
3units Experimental methods of modern physics and solid state physics, including semiconductors, superconducting quantum interference, Faraday effect, magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance.
Misc/Lab: Seminar 1 hour/lab 6 hours.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 122 and PHYS 120A both with C- or better. Physics Majors only. Grading: Graded
PHYS 120C - Advanced Physics Lab: Optics and Lasers
3units Design of optical systems involving lasers and other common optical components. Use of optical systems to explore interference, holography, and other optical phenomena.
Misc/Lab: Lecture 1 hour/lab 6 hours.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 120A and PHYS 158 all with grade of “C-” or better. Grading: Graded
1-2units Health hazards involved in working with radioactive substances. Physical nature of hazards, biological effects, standards of permissible exposures, safety precautions and protection techniques. Two units meet State of California recommendations.
Prerequisite(s): Lower division calculus, chemistry and physics. Grading: Graded
Cross-listed with CHEM 121S / NUCS 121S. Chemistry is responsible for scheduling.
4units Survey of modern physics for science majors, covering special relativity, pre-quantum theory, basic quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear and particle physics, and cosmology. Historical foundations of these topics will also be are presented.
Prerequisite(s):CHEM 1A, MATH 32, and PHYS 52 all with a C- or better. Grading: Graded
3units Basic techniques and procedures used in nuclear science. Nuclear decay, nuclear reactions, radiation detection and measurements, nuclear analytical methods and tracer techniques.
Misc/Lab: Lecture 1 hour/lab 6 hours.
Prerequisite(s):NUCS 121S, CHEM 100W and CHEM 126 (with grades of “C” or better; “C-” not accepted); or instructor consent. Grading: ABC-/NC Grading
Cross-listed with CHEM 127 / NUCS 127. Chemistry is responsible for scheduling.
4units Mathematical methodologies commonly used in physics, including linear algebra, vector calculus, partial differential equations and complex variables, and their applications to classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics.
3units General principles of quantum theories. Wave functions, operator algebra and approximation methods. Applications to atomic structure and solid state physics.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 122, MATH 33A, PHYS 130, all with a grade of “C-” or better. Grading: Graded
3units Physical, mathematical and perceptual foundations of music. Includes musical instruments, hearing, harmony, room acoustics, sound analysis, synthesis and reproduction.
SatisfiesSJSU Studies R: Earth & Environment.
Prerequisite(s): Passage of the Writing Skills Test (WST) or ENGL 100A / LLD 100A with a C or better (C- not accepted), completion of Core General Education and upper division standing are prerequisites to all SJSU studies courses. Completion of, or co-registration in, 100W is strongly recommended. Grading: Graded
Note(s): All of SJSU Studies courses require completion of the WST and upper division standing.
Cross-listed with MUSC 166. Physics and Astronomy is responsible for scheduling.
1-3units Assigned readings of selected books, journals and special papers to fill gaps in training or for contact with new fields. Weekly reports and conferences.
Prerequisite(s): Not available to Open University Students. Grading: Credit/No Credit
Note(s): Maximum 4 units of 180/184 may be applied toward graduation.
1-6units Study Abroad and Away transfer credit course. Study Abroad and Away provides students the opportunity to study abroad on long term programs (Exchange Programs, CSU International Programs, and International Student Exchange Programs) and short-term programs (Faculty-Led Programs and Summer School Abroad Programs) for academic credit, offering Alternative Break Programs for cultural immersion, and designing other globally focused opportunities. This course is designated as a placeholder course for Study Abroad and Away programs.
PHYS 196B - Physics Education: Theory and Practice
3units Instructional Student Assistants and Teaching Associates integrate educational theory, pedagogy, content, and practice by focusing on practical concerns and associated theoretical models. Weekly readings, in-class discussions, out-of-class data collection, reflections, projects, and presentations based on classroom teaching experience.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 50, PHYS 2A, or equivalent Grading: Graded
3units Learn and develop modern research and communication skills for physics and astronomy, including literature review, proposal writing, posters, research reports, theses, publications, resume/CV, and oral presentations. Research strategies and methodologies for effective communication to general and specialized audiences.
3units This course introduces the physical principles of electro-optics including modulators (electro- and acousto-optic), non-linear optics, semiconductor lasers, optical detection and integrated optics with applications.
3units Topics in electrostatics and magnetostatics; Maxwell equations; solutions of boundary-value problems using methods of images and Green’s function; boundary-value problems in magnetostatics; electromagnetic plane waves and wave propagation in a dielectric media; Fresnel Equations.
3units Covers the application of Lasers and Optics with emphasis on topics such as Gaussian beams, Fabry-Perot cavities, Laser oscillators including CW and pulsed operation, non-linear optics, frequency stabilization and Fourier Optics. Communication of scientific content through written communication.
3units Basic concepts in celestial mechanics emphasizing orbital mechanics and the calculation of orbital perturbation. Topics covered include dynamical principles, potential theory, planetary equations, the disturbing function, Lagrange’s perturbation equations and geopotential perturbations.
Prerequisite(s): Senior or graduate standing. Grading: Graded
3units Postulates of quantum theory. The Schroedinger equation and its solution for simple physical systems. Heisenberg’s matrix formulation of quantum mechanics. Approximation methods: Time dependent and time independent perturbation theory. Variational method.
3units Importance of spectroscopy. Interaction of radiation with matter. Instrumentation for laser spectroscopy. Examples of various techniques, cw and pulsed.
Prerequisite(s):PHYS 110B, PHYS 158 or instructor consent. Grading: Graded
Cross-listed with CHEM 268. Physics and Astronomy is responsible for scheduling.
3units Study of superconductivity and magnetism in solids. Fundamental and technological importance. Type I and Type II superconductivity. BCS theory. High-Tc superconductivity. Interplay of superconductivity and magnetism. Origins and characterization of magnetization types.
1units Meetings for the presentation and discussion of advanced studies in special fields including work by the faculty, guest investigators and graduate students. Topics will vary each semester.
3units Institutions and processes of American government and democracy; the U.S. Constitution and California state and local government. American Institutions Requirement: US2 and US3
SatisfiesAmerican Institutions US2+3: US Constitution and California Government
Grading: Graded
Note(s): Satisfies American Institutions requirements in American and California government.
3units Comparative analysis of different kinds of political systems; their political institutions, processes and policies; the environments in which they occur and their consequences.
3units Thinking critically about the classic problems of politics; learning how to interpret, discuss and write about historical and contemporary political thought.
3units Introductory survey of major topics in international relations, including global, national and individual causes of war and peace, international cooperation, north-south relations and political economy.
POLS 15 - Essentials of U.S. & California Government
3units Treatment of essentials of U.S. and California government. Satisfies the American Institutions requirements in U.S. Constitution (US2) and California Government (US3), and the Core GE requirement in Social Sciences: Social Issues (D3).
SatisfiesD3+US23: Social Issues and US Constitution and California Government
3units Basic concepts in critical thinking as demonstrated in legal reasoning and analysis of contemporary legal issues possibly including abortion, drug testing, offensive speech, affirmative action, gender and sexual preference discrimination, school prayer and pornography.
SatisfiesA3: Critical Thinking
Prerequisite(s): Completion of GE Areas A1 and A2 each with grades of C- or better Grading: Graded
1-12units Study Abroad and Away transfer credit course. Study Abroad and Away provides students the opportunity to study abroad on long term programs (Exchange Programs, CSU International Programs, and International Student Exchange Programs) and short-term programs (Faculty-Led Programs and Summer School Abroad Programs) for academic credit, offering Alternative Break Programs for cultural immersion, and designing other globally focused opportunities. This course is designated as a placeholder course for Study Abroad and Away programs.
4units Introduction to the scope and methods of political science. Beginning with research design, measurement, and ethical considerations, and including a variety of research methods including surveys, experiments, interviews, fieldwork, content analysis, and an introduction to quantitative and qualitative analysis.
3units Writing skills for majors in political science. Basic materials; research; memos and research reports, press releases, analyses of political/electoral behavior, political speeches. GE Area: Z.
SatisfiesSJSU Studies Z: Written Communication II.
Prerequisite(s): A3 or equivalent second semester composition course (with a grade of C- or better); completion of core GE; satisfaction of Writing Skills Test or completion of ENGL 100A / LLD 100A with C or better; and upper division standing. Or Graduate or Postbaccalaureate level. Grading: Graded
Note(s): Must be passed with C or better to satisfy the CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).
3units Introduction to the institutions and processes of American and California governments with emphasis on meeting CCTC Teacher Preparation Standards. Topics include U.S. Constitution, federalism, political participation, civil rights and liberties, Congress, the presidency.
4units This course examines the politics and institutions of U.S. state governments. The structure and powers of state legislatures, governors, and court systems are analyzed. The effect of states’ racial, ideological, and economic characteristics on public policy is also explored. American Institutions Requirement: US3
SatisfiesAmerican Institutions US3: California Government
Grading: Graded
Note(s): Satisfies American Institutions requirement in California government.
4units Offers a theoretical and practical study of local politics and government. The structure, role, and functions of city and county governments are examined. Students gain knowledge of the resources and skills required for effective citizenship in their communities.
4units Examines politics and policymaking in the U.S. Congress. Topics include party leadership, interest groups in Congress, congressional committees, political representation, redistricting and congressional elections, party polarization, and the process of how a bill becomes law.
4units Examination of the American presidency. Topics include the historical emergence of the presidency as an institution, the formal and informal powers of the modern presidency, and the tension between the presidency and other federal institutions, most notably Congress.
4units Examines the measurement and impact of public opinion on the democratic political process. The effects of socialization, media, and ideology on public opinion are explored, as well as the state of American public opinion on current political issues.
4units Explores various forms of political participation including voting, community engagement, and social change. Includes consideration of the roles that socialization, media, campaign and elections, and other social and technological factors play in shaping citizen participation.
4units Examines social movement strategies and theories of gender and power employed by differently situated women. Includes critical examination of the relationship between sex and gender, and intersections of race, class, gender, law and nation.
4units Examines race and politics in America by focusing on political participation and social movement strategies among minoritized groups. Explores theories of equality, diversity, and justice, and the changing legal relationship between states and citizens.
3units A broad overview of the theory and practice of public policy analysis and management in the modern context. Topics include aspects of organizational theory, leadership, budgeting, finance, personnel management, problem formulation, analysis and decision making in a political environment.
3units Social and philosophical foundations of law and legal systems and development of legal institutions in various cultures. Anglo-American law and administration of justice in the U.S. emphasized. GE Area: S.
SatisfiesSJSU Studies S: Self, Society & Equality in US.
Prerequisite(s): Passage of the Writing Skills Test (WST) or ENGL 100A / LLD 100A with a C or better (C- not accepted), completion of Core General Education and upper division standing are prerequisites to all SJSU studies courses. Completion of, or co-registration in, 100W is strongly recommended. Grading: Graded
Note(s): All of SJSU Studies courses require completion of the WST and upper division standing.
POLS 121A - Constitutional Law: Institutional Powers
4units Examines the U.S. Supreme Court, its processes, and the role it plays in the American governing system. Examination of judicial policy making through cases on judicial review, separations of powers, federalism, commerce, and tax and treaty powers.
4units Explores the constitutional basis for civil liberties in America. Application of methods of constitutional analysis to cases involving freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Examination of personal privacy rights including abortion, gun rights, and criminal procedures.
4units Explores the constitutional basis for civil rights in America. Application of methods of constitutional analysis to cases involving discrimination, equal protection, and due process. Examination of leading cases related to voting rights, affirmative action, criminal justice, and other issues
4units Examines the effects of political forces on judicial behavior. Includes consideration of the roles of interest groups, public opinion, methods of selecting judges, and the importance of judges’ personal political beliefs, on judicial decisions.
3units Development, interpretation, application and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and legal policies by legislatures, courts, administrative agencies and citizens. Examination of air and water quality, hazardous materials, workplace, land use and wetlands regulation, international, ethical and efficacy issues.
Prerequisite(s):ENVS 1 or Instructor Consent. Grading: Graded
Cross-listed with ENVS 124. Environmental Studies is responsible for scheduling.
4units Introduces students to the public policy making process in the American governing system. The politics of agenda setting, policy formulation, and policy implementation are examined. Students learn to analyze and evaluate public policy outcomes.
3units Inquiry focuses on state of the environment, public attitudes toward the problem, interest groups involved in formulation of policy, the response of government leaders to the problem and what the future outlook is for addressing the agenda.
Grading: Graded
Cross-listed with ENVS 135. Political Science is responsible for scheduling.
4units Political development and change in countries that have transitioned from communist or socialist systems such as Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus; internal politics of these countries and relations with other countries.
4units Basic concepts, theoretical perspectives, and information to understand the evolution of contemporary African states. Begins with a study of colonialism, and proceeds to nationalism, personalistic and military rule, development, democratization, and inter-state and civil war.
4units Study of unfolding events in the Middle East. Themes include: the failure of democratic movements, nuclear proliferation and terrorism, US foreign policy towards the region, the Israel-Palestine conflict, urbanization, gender and human rights.
4units Study of unfolding events in Asia. Themes include: the Asian economic ‘miracle,’ the implications of China’s rise for international security, nuclear proliferation and terrorism, and sustainability; specifically, energy, environment and human rights.
4units Survey of the political systems of Latin American countries. Places Latin American countries in a global perspective. Major themes include: civil-military relations, democratization, economic development, social movements, and foreign relations both within and outside Latin America.
4units Considers the impact of economic and political globalization, focusing primarily on nations in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Issues include the effects of multinational production, migration, aid, international institutions and humanitarian intervention.
POLS 148 - Nationalism and Comparative Political Cultures
4units Comparative analysis of the origin, nature, and impact of nationalism on the politics of Western and non-Western states. Students examine cases where nationalism resulted in conflict, and those in which it supports a stable nation-state. Completion of POLS 2, POLS 3 and POLS 4 highly recommended before enrolling.
POLS 149 - Comparative Public Policy and Administration
4units Ideologies, institutions and public policy making in a comparative context. Policy making process in various countries, from emerging issues to choices to implementation and subsequent impact on political systems.
3units Fundamental human questions about causes of war, definitions of peace and approaches toward achieving peace from perspectives of historical and contemporary thinkers, including philosophers, political leaders, military strategists and diplomats. GE Area: V.
SatisfiesSJSU Studies V: Culture, Civil & Global Understanding.
Prerequisite(s): Passage of the Writing Skills Test (WST) or ENGL 100A / LLD 100A with a C or better (C- not accepted), completion of Core General Education and upper division standing are prerequisites to all SJSU studies courses. Completion of, or co-registration in, 100W is strongly recommended. Grading: Graded
Note(s): All of SJSU Studies courses require completion of the WST and upper division standing. Not counted as a core course in the international relations subfield.
4units Examines the structures and functions of different types of international organizations (such as the UN, NATO, regional organizations, and non-governmental organizations), and their role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights and economic development, and protecting the environment.
4units Surveys and analyzes the historical evolution, the institutions, as well as the process of policy making in the European Union. Examines key policy areas: agricultural, social, economic, environmental, and foreign policy.
POLS 154 - U.S. Foreign Policy: Formulation and Administration
4units Consideration of the factors that shape American foreign policy making, including ideology, organization, as well as partisanship, interest groups, and public opinion. Issues considered include relations with the Middle East and Russia, and economic diplomacy.
4units This course examines how states, international and multinational bodies, and global social movements shape trade, financial, and labor relations. Topics include: international trade and protectionism, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, regional integration, and transnational corporations.
3units An in-depth look at the roots of Islamic tradition, law, politics, culture, and society. Emphasis on Islam’s growing global prominence; relations with the West; stereotypes and misconception, as well as the nature of the Islamic state.
Prerequisite(s): Upper-division standing or instructor consent. Grading: Graded
Cross-listed with MDES 156 / RELS 156. Humanities is responsible for scheduling.
4units Examines theories of international security, debates over sources, conduct and termination of conflict, including but not limited to inter-state war; security decision-making; military and economic strategy; crisis management; regional security; intelligence; new and complex security issues along the war-peace continuum.
3units Critical examination of the foundations of Western political thought and the continuing influence of these foundations; sources chosen from among a variety of pre-Renaissance traditions and include writers such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas.
3units The basis of the modern state and society as interpreted by political thought between (and including) the Renaissance and the French Revolution; this key period includes writers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau.
3units The roots of today’s politics in the ideas and writers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; sources drawn from a variety of recent traditions such as democratic theory, Marxism, political psychology and political sociology.
3units Critical examination of the origins and development of American politics as seen through theorists, concepts and forces which have shaped American political consciousness.
POLS 170V - American Politics in Global Perspective
3units A survey of U.S. and California political institutions and culture in comparison with political institutions and cultures outside the U.S. GE Area: V, as well as American Institutions Requirement: US2 and US3.
SatisfiesSJSU Studies V + US23: Culture, Civilization & Global Understanding + US Constitution and California Government.
Prerequisite(s): Passage of the Writing Skills Test (WST) or ENGL 100A / LLD 100A with a C or better (C- not accepted), completion of Core General Education and upper division standing are prerequisites to all SJSU studies courses. Completion of, or co-registration in, 100W is strongly recommended. Grading: Graded
Note(s): All of SJSU Studies courses require completion of the WST and upper division standing.
4units Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology, with a focus on topics including personality and leadership, political cognition, social identity, emotions and attitudes, voting and political behavior, racism and ethnocentrism, ethnic conflict and genocide, nationalism, terrorism, and conflict resolution.
Prerequisite(s):POLS 1 (or other US2-3), PSYC 1, or instructor consent Grading: Graded
Cross-listed with PSYC 177. Political Science is responsible for scheduling.
4units Offers students the opportunity to connect knowledge of politics, government, and policy making learned in the classroom to real life application through internships with elected officials, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or political campaigns.
Prerequisite(s):POLS 100W and instructor consent. Grading: Credit / No Credit
4units Application of knowledge of politics, government, and policy making through internships with elected officials, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or political campaigns. Students complete a major capstone paper.
Prerequisite(s):POLS 100W and POLS 100M, and instructor consent. A minimum grade of C- is required to fulfill the BA Political Science capstone requirement. Grading: Graded
1-4units Program of reading and writing created through student/faculty consultation in areas not covered by other courses. Course is not repeatable for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate courses, instructor consent and department chair consent. Grading: Graded
4units Culminating experience for the political science major. Seminar class with significant participation required. Specific course topics vary each semester.
Repeatable for credit.
Prerequisite(s):POLS 100W and POLS 100M, or instructor consent. A minimum grade of C- is required to fulfill the BA Political Science capstone requirement. Grading: Graded