Political science, the systematic and rigorous study of government, public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions, is becoming increasingly crucial in a complex and controversial world. Most social, economic and moral issues have political implications; and governmental policy affects most aspects of daily life. The goal of the Associate of Arts Degree in Political Science is to provide students with an understanding of the American political system and other political systems within the context of global forces, international conflicts, ideological systems and diversity. Courses in this major are designed to introduce students to the field of political science and the primary subfields of political science and to equip students with specialized research and analytical skills necessary to examine political issues. This analytical framework will familiarize students with more generalized communication and problem solving skills sufficient to allow them to make valuable contributions to any vocation or enterprise they pursue. Students will be prepared for a baccalaureate degree in Political Science. The successful student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of important findings, theories, and changing issues relevant to political science; demonstrate critical thinking about political issues and evaluate theories’ and arguments’ major assertions, background assumptions, the evidence used to support assertions, and their explanatory value; utilize appropriate investigative methods and appropriate technologies to access relevant research; manage information and prepare and present their work effectively. 

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of important findings, theories, and changing issues relevant to political science.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking about political issues by evaluating the major assertions, background assumptions and the evidence used to support assertions, as well as their explanatory value.
3. Utilize appropriate investigative methods and appropriate technologies to access relevant research.
4. Manage information and prepare and present their work effectively.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
Select three of the following:		9
POLS G180	American Government and Politics	3
PSCI G110	International Relations	3
PSCI G185	Comparative Politics	3
PSCI G150	Political Theory	3
List A
Select one of the following:		3-6
STAT G160	Introduction to Statistics	3-6
or STAT G160S	Introduction to Statistics
or SOC G125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
or ECON G160	Statistics for Business and Economics
or PSYC G140	Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
List B
Select two from the following:		6
GLST G101	Introduction to Global Studies	3
GLST G102	Global Issues	3
PSCI G101	Survey Of Current Issues	3
PSCI G100	Introduction To Political Science	3
PSCI G130	Law In American Society	3
HIST G180	Western Civilization 1	3
HIST G185	Western Civilization 2	3
HIST G161	World History 1	3
HIST G162	World History 2	3
ECON G170	Principles of Microeconomics	3
ECON G175	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
ECON G130	Environmental Economics and Policy	3
Major Total		18-21
GE Pattern (Local or Cal-GETC )		24-34
Total Units		60