Political Science, AA

Since exposure to other political systems and ideas is vital in this increasingly interdependent world, students of all interests and backgrounds will find political science courses relevant and of value. The political science curriculum includes both required and elective courses appropriate for a general liberal arts education and for the major in political science. The core course, American Government, meets the general education requirement in American Institutions and lays a broad analytical framework that may be employed in examining political issues. Other courses in the curriculum meet general education requirements in the social sciences. Most social, economic and moral issues have political implications; and governmental policy affects most aspects of daily life. Political science is an excellent liberal arts major for students interested in learning how groups of people govern themselves; how policies are made; and how we can improve our government policies at the local, state, national, and international levels. Those interested in American politics, international affairs, critical issues such as civil rights, health care, the environment and the deficit should consider this course of study.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

Identify the institutions, players and processes in both American national and state government.
Understand the importance of citizenship and political participation.
Analyze the exercise of power in formal governmental institutions and non-governmental institutions.
Differentiate and classify political systems, their historical context and development, and the social and economic systems with which they interact.
Compare the U.S. political system to the political systems of European, Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern states.
Describe the political and economic relations among states and the transnational relations practiced by people, organizations, and institutions.

Required Core Courses

Complete the following:

PS 1 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 3 Units
OR
PS 1H AMERICAN GOVERNMENT HONORS 3 Units
PS 3 CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 3 Units
PS 4 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE 3 Units
PS 5 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PS 12 COMPARATIVE POLITICS 3 Units
OR
PS 12H COMPARATIVE POLITICS HONORS 3 Units
PS 14 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 3 Units
OR
PS 14H INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS HONORS 3 Units

Required Options, Regional Studies

Complete one of the following courses:

PS 6 POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT OF THE MIDDLE EAST 3 Units
PS 17 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT 3 Units
PS 41 THE HISTORY OF EAST ASIA SINCE 1800 3 Units

Total Units Required: 21

Recommended Electives:

PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 1 Unit
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 2 Units
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 3 Units
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 4 Units
ECON 1 PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS - MICRO 3 Units
OR
ECON 1H PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS - MICRO HONORS 3 Units
ECON 2 PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS - MACRO 3 Units
OR
ECON 2H PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS - MACRO HONORS 3 Units
ECON 20 INTRODUCTORY ECONOMICS 3 Units
OR
ECON 20H INTRODUCTORY ECONOMICS HONORS 3 Units
HIST 10 WESTERN CIVILIZATION: BEGINNINGS TO THE REFORMATION 3 Units
HIST 11 THE WEST AND THE WORLD SINCE THE RENAISSANCE 3 Units
HIST 20 AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH THE CIVIL WAR 3 Units
HIST 21 AMERICAN HISTORY SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 3 Units
PHIL 2 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS 3 Units
PS 21 MODEL UNITED NATIONS 3 Units
ECON 10 STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS 3 Units
OR
ECON 10H STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS HONORS 3 Units
OR
MATH 10 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS 3 Units
OR
PSYC 10 STATISTICAL METHODS IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 3 Units
OR
PSYC 10H STATISTICAL METHODS IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES HONORS 3 Units
OR
MGT 10 STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS 3 Units
OR
MGT 10H STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS HONORS 3 Units

To earn the associate degree:

See Earning an Associate Degree for associate degree graduation requirements.

To transfer:

Courses required for the associate degree major at IVC may not be the same as those required for the major at a four-year school. If you plan to transfer, consult a counselor to identify the courses needed for the major at your transfer school and to develop a plan that will best meet your goals. View more information about transferring at Transfer to a Four-Year Institution .

Catalog and Student Handbook

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