Program Summary

POLITICAL SCIENCE - Associate in Arts

Political Science is an academic and research discipline that deals with the theory and practice of politics, and the description and analysis of political systems/processes, political behavior and political actors. The Political Science program provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of political science.  Students will develop skills for critical/analytical thinking, perceptive reading/observation and interpretation, and statistics analysis.  A political science background is useful for those interested in working in areas like government/civil service, foreign service, law, journalism, communications, human resources, public relations, non-profits, and business. 

Two Political Science program tracks prepare students to transfer into UC and CSU programs as well as programs at other four-year institutions or career options.  The two tracks offered are:  Associate in Arts in Political Science (AA in Political Science) and Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T in Political Science). 

Career Opportunities
Required Courses (18 credits)
Units: 18.0
POLS 201
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
3.0
POLS C1000
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
3.0
POLS 204
WORLD POLITICS
3.0
POLS 205
LAW AND POLITICS
3.0
POLS 206
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
3.0
POLS 209
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
3.0
Plus 9 credits from the following:
Units: 9.0
ECON 201A
PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS
3.0
HIST 203A
HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS
3.0
HIST 203B
HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS
3.0
HIST 204A
HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION
3.0
HIST 204B
HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION
3.0
HIST 207A
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
3.0
HIST 207B
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
3.0
HIST 210
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
3.0
HIST 212
HISTORY OF MEXICAN AMERICANS
3.0
HIST 233
HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS
3.0
 
3.0
PHIL 206
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
3.0
OR
PHIL 208
CRITICAL REASONING AND WRITING
3.0
PSYC 206
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
3.0
SOC 206
INTRODUCTION TO RACE AND ETHNICITY
3.0
*No more than 6 credits
Total: 27.0
Program Outcomes
Define core terminology integral to the study of politics.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Analyze the roles of individuals, groups, and institution in political processes.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Explain the interrelationships among political processes.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Interpret empirical data and qualitative claims.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of descriptive and normative theories about politics.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Formulate practical responses to political issues/problems.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Recognize the wide array of political experiences and perspectives.
Consolidated course outcomes.
Value the importance of increased knowledge of the political world.
Consolidated course outcomes.