Political Science
When you study Political Science, you'll learn about how political power is distributed, how different governments operate and interact, how rules are made and enforced. You will explore both the "who" of politics (such as politicians, international organizations, and the public) and the "how" (such as elections, political institutions, and public administration). Politics affects virtually every aspect of our lives, including the the availability of education, jobs, housing and healthcare. Whether countries are at war or at peace depends both on what governments do and who supports them. Studying political science can open up a wide range of job opportunities in both the public, private, and not-for-profit private sectors. Students interested in careers in business, education, law, journalism, communications, government, or politics more generally will obtain vital knowledge and skills. Students can also get practical skills by doing co-ops with government or organizations as part of their education experience.
Political Science Course Descriptions
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4), C-ID (POLS 130)
Students survey several countries around the world and major con-
cepts in comparative politics, focusing on the 'developing world'
and questions of globalization, democracy, political and economic
development, and major theories and concepts in comparative
politics.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 3B), C-ID (POLS 120)
Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics and
of basic political problems and proposed solutions: analysis of
selected political theories, relevance of theory to contemporary
problems, and new approaches to political thought.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4), C-ID (POLS 140)
Advisory: ENGLISH028
An introduction to international relations theory with an exam-
ination of national, international, transnational, and sub-national
actors and their institutions, interactions, and processes as they
relate to global issues.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4)
Prerequisite: ENGLISH028
Students survey the domestic, regional, and international factors
which shape the political landscape of the Middle East. They iden-
tify and explain sources of instability and violence in the region by
focusing on the processes of state building and state disintegra-
tion. In addition, in a comparative context, they investigate particu-
lar experiences of Middle Eastern countries concerning the nature,
roots, and historical evolution of the region’s regimes, national-
ism, leadership, and institutions. The approach is thematic, not
chronological.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4)
Students learn political theories and public policies which shape
the various possibilities and strategies for women's political par-
ticipation in the United States and elsewhere. They also examine
the political institutions, processes, and problems of the national,
state, and local government.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4)
Advisory: ENGLC1000
Introduction to the phenomenon of globalization from the broad
perspectives of economics, governments and conflicts, and cul-
tures and societies. Structured around these three pillars of global-
ization, this course is designed to provide a framework for under-
standing the multiple and complex connections that globalization
produces among nation-states, non-governmental organizations,
and societies around the world with their particular ethnic, cultural
and religious groups.
3.00 Units (Lec 3 Hrs)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC(CalGETC Area 4), C-ID (POLS 110)
This course is an introduction to government and politics in the
United States and California. Students examine the constitutions,
structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and
civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy
using political science theory and methodology.
Useful Links
Social Sciences Department
College Catalog
Schedule of Classes