Program Summary

POLITICAL SCIENCE - Associate in Arts for Transfer

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 the CSU system as well as other four-year institutions. Two tracks are offered: Associate in Arts in Political Science (AA in Political Science) and Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T in Political Science).

The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system, although not necessarily to a specific campus or major. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

The Cuesta College AA-T/AS-T degree requires:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   (A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).

   (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

(3) Earning a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A"P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.

Career Opportunities
Required Core: 1 course (3 credits)
Units: 3.0
POLS C1000
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
3.0
List A : Complete three courses (9-10 credits) chosen from
Units: 9.0-10.0
POLS 201
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
3.0
POLS 204
WORLD POLITICS
3.0
POLS 206
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
3.0
POLS 209
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
3.0
STAT C1000
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
4.0
List B: Complete two courses (6-7 credits) from
Units: 6.0
 
3.0-4.0
Any course(s) not selected from List A
3.0-4.0
OR
POLS 205
LAW AND POLITICS
3.0
Total: 18.0-19.0
Program Outcomes
Define core terminology integral to the study of politics.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Analyze the roles of individuals, groups and institutions in political processes.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Explain the interrelationships among political processes.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Interpret empirical data and quantitative claims.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of descriptive and normative theories about politics.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Formulate practical responses to political issues/problems.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Recognize the wide array of political experiences and perspectives.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.
Value the importance of increased knowledge of the political world.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for each political science course taught at Cuesta College will be used to assess the effectiveness of the program learning outcomes. Political Science SLOs results will be used to determine if modifications are necessary for the program learning outcomes.