Political Science for Transfer, AA-T

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.

Pursuant to SB1440, section 66756, to earn an AA-T in Political Science, students must:

Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

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 (3 units):

PS 1 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 3 Units
OR
PS 1H AMERICAN GOVERNMENT HONORS 3 Units

List A: Select three (9 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
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

List B: Select two (6 units)

Any LIST A course not already used

PS 3 CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 3 Units
PS 6 POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT OF THE MIDDLE EAST 3 Units
PS 17 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT 3 Units
PS 21 MODEL UNITED NATIONS 3 Units
PS 41 THE HISTORY OF EAST ASIA SINCE 1800 3 Units
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 1 Unit
OR
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 2 Units
OR
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 3 Units
OR
PS 167 COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE 4 Units

Total Units Required: 18-19

To earn the associate for transfer degree:

See Earning an Associate Degree for associate degree for transfer graduation requirements.

Catalog and Student Handbook

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