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Political Science

About the Program

The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree meets the lower division course requirements necesssary for the California State University (CSU) system. The world of contemporary politics demands much of both its participants and its critics. The study of political science gives the student an understanding of the workings of American and international politics. In pursuing the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree, students acquire skills in research, information gathering, and analytic thinking. A bachelor or professional degree in political science is a strong foundation for careers in local, state or national government, transnational governmental or non-governmental organizations, law, and business. Graduates also undertake graduate study in fields such as law, politics, labor and industrial relations, city management and urban planning, journalism, interest groups or social movement lobbying, and communication.

For additional information, see a counselor, visit the Career/Transfer Center, or contact the following:

Department Contacts
Name/Office	Phone Number
Humanities and Social Sciences Division	(408) 288-3785

POLSC 001 Politics and Government In America 3 Units

Students are introduced to national, California, and local governments and politics with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution and the national government. Students will examine the historical origins of the development of the U.S. Constitution and the philosophy and principles used by the framers in the late 18th century. POLSC 001, along with HIST 001 or HIST-009 or HIST-021 or HIST-024 satisfies the District requirements in the study of U.S. Constitution, California, and local governments. (C-ID POLS 110)

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D, US-2, US-3 IGETC: 4 District GE: D

POLSC 001H Honors Politics and Government in America 3 Units

Students are introduced to national, California, and local governments and politics with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution and the national government. Students will examine the historical origins of the development of the U.S. Constitution and the philosophy and principles used by the framers in the late 18th century. POLSC 001, along with HIST 001 or HIST-009 or HIST-021 or HIST-024 satisfies the District requirements in the study of U.S. Constitution, California, and local governments. Honors section highlights student research, writing, and oral presentations, both individually and as part of a learning community. (C-ID POLS 110)

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D, US-2, US-3 IGETC: 4 District GE: D

POLSC 002 Comparative Politics 3 Units

Students are introduced to the comparative study of politics by examining the government, politics, and public policies of nations. Similarities and differences are explored and evaluated. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary political problems and how various nations confront and attempt to solve them. (C-ID POLS 130)

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D

POLSC 004 International Relations 3 Units

Students are introduced to the study of world politics. They will be provided with a framework for analyzing world events and the broader dynamics of the relations among nations. Emphasis will be on theories of international relations, the causes and prevention of war, international law and organizations, international political economy, and the foreign policy process both in the United States and abroad. Attendance at an off-campus event may be required. (C-ID POLS 140)

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D

POLSC 005 International Law and Human Rights 3 Units

Students will study international law and human rights. Emphasis will be given to various instruments of international law as they address human rights. Particular emphasis will be given to recognized international law in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, the Organization of American States (OAS), Africa, and Asia. Students will also examine the history and development of international law pertaining to human rights.

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D

POLSC 098 Directed Study in Political Science 0.5-9 Units

Individual or small groups of students who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member will develop appropriate learning outcomes and activities. The number of units to be earned will be determined by the faculty and Division Dean. Guidelines for Directed Study and student contract forms are available in the Division office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.

Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 2.07 Repeatable: Yes Grading: O

Prerequisite: POLSC 001 with C or better

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None