Political Science
Overview
The study of political science and international relations involves not only the examination of the structure of government and political systems but the examination of the interaction of individuals and institutions within those systems. These courses offer valuable insight into events on the local, state, national and international levels and they also encourage involvement of the citizenry.
Program Maps
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Dean Emilie Mitchell
- Department Chair Martin Morales
- Career and Academic Community Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Phone (916) 691-7142
- Email mitchee@crc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Political Science
The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Political Science provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to a UC or CSU campus, while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field of Political Science. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths.
Note: It is highly recommended that students consider an internship offered by a participating agency or department.
The Associate in Arts degree in Political Science for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. The Associate in Arts degree in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better in these courses) and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education‐Breadth Requirements.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Degree Requirements
Course Code | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
POLS 301 | Introduction to Government: United States (3) | 3 |
or POLS 481 | Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3) | |
or HONOR 367 | Introduction to Government: United States – Honors (3) | |
POLS 302 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
POLS 382 | Statistics for Social Science | 3 |
A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
POLS 311 | International Political Economy (3) | |
POLS 312 | Politics of the Middle East (3) | |
POLS 313 | Latin America (3) | |
POLS 314 | Modern Europe and the Unification Process (3) | |
POLS 315 | Pacific Rim (3) | |
POLS 317 | Global Studies: Africa (3) | |
POLS 318 | Global Studies: Central Asia (3) | |
POLS 319 | Global Studies: Southeast Asia (3) | |
POLS 324 | Revolutions & Ideologies (3) | |
Total Units: | 18 |
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamentals of political science and governance. (PSLO 1)
- Compare and contrast contemporary comparative systems and governance. (PSLO 2)
- Evaluate the relationship between the governing process and public policy. (PSLO 3)
- Examine how citizen and interest group participation influence political systems. (PSLO 4)
- Analyze the role of culture and its influence on politics. (PSLO 5)
- Assess how the design of political institutions and processes affect policy and stability. (PSLO 6)
- Analyze politics and diplomacy in the international system. (PSLO 7)
- Apply basic research methods to political science. (PSLO 8)
- Analyze political and public policy making processes, and relate these to current issues and problems, for evaluating political events and their role in the political system. (PSLO 9)
- Compare and contrast various theories of justice and the just state. (PSLO 10)
- Evaluate various theories of the purpose of government and apply to a critical analysis of current political events. (PSLO 11)
Career Information
Career opportunities in political science include, but are not limited to, advocate/organizer, campaign worker, diplomat, educator/teacher, events planner, foreign affairs specialist, lawyer, legislative aide (state and federal), lobbyist, political consultant, and public relations specialist.
Political Science (POLS) Courses
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(a); CSU Area D; CSU Area U2; CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4H
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
An introduction to Political Science, American government and politics. Structured to promote political and analytical understanding and thinking regarding American politics and government. Areas of concentration include principles, institutions, problems, processes, theory, philosophy, and ideology. Satisfies the State requirement regarding the Constitution, American Institutions, and State and Local Government.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: demonstrate comprehension of the complexity of the American democratic system.
- define key terms used in the study of the American system.
- explain how the American system affects the student's life in terms of freedoms, restraints, and public policy.
- SLO #2: explain the conditions and values necessary for political democracy to exist.
- SLO #3: illustrate the relationship between national, state and local governments and evaluate the effectiveness of the federal system.
POLS 302 Comparative Politics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 130
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is a comparative study and analysis of political systems, ideologies, institutions, policies, cultures, histories, and the development of selected foreign governments. Special emphasis is placed on the cultural and social dimensions of political behavior and attitudes in connection with governmental and political practices typical of particular geographical regions. Coverage includes an examination of selected developed and lesser developed nation-states from a global perspective.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze, synthesize and explain the differences and similarities of world governments as to their composition, function and policies (SLO #1)
- Identify problems and prospects of specific nations by utilizing comparative data analysis or demographics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cultures through politics, political culture, popular civic participation (SLO #2)
- Compare specific countries by identifying common denominators and symbiotic relationships
POLS 304 Introduction to Government: California
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers the essential organization, institutions, and processes of California state and local government. It fulfills the California State University requirement for state and local government, but not the requirement for the U.S. Constitution.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1 Assess the relationship between citizens and the state of California with emphasis on the impacts of cultural, economic, political, and social diversity
- SLO #2 Describe the various institutions of California government and how each functions in the policymaking process
- SLO #3 Compare and contrast the California and U.S. Constitutions and the effect of these differences on policy making, civil rights and liberties, and political behavior
- SLO #4 Analyze the effects of structural differences between the federal model and the structure of California government institutions on the policy making process and political behavior
- SLO #5 Examine public financing in California and analyze the interconnectedness of federal, state, and local budgets
- SLO #6 Analyze public opinion and the political behavior of California citizens
- Compare and contrast the structure of California government and the federal model
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is an introduction to international relations and a survey of the nation-state system, techniques of interaction, the issue of war, nationalism, power alignments, international actors, transnational movements, diplomacy, political economy, and perceptions in world politics. Particular emphasis is placed on an analysis of the world outlook of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, the United States, the major western allies, China, and the lesser developed world.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss the field of International Relations and global analysis (SLO #1)
- examine the historical development of the academic field of International Relations.
- compare and contrast the models and theories basic to the study of International Relations.
- provide an in-depth analysis of the primary topics of focus of the field, including but not limited to: Power, Balance of Power, Ideology, International Security, The Formulation and Implementation of Foreign Policy, the Causes and Nature of War, International Political Economy, Transnational Movements, Diplomacy, and International Trade, Monetary Exchange, Law, and Organizations.
- recognize the nature of problems, and importance of, the current nation-state system (SLO #2)
- relate the reasons behind, and nature of, the perceptions of global politics and issues held by the United States, Russia, China, America’s allies and the lesser developed nations-states of the world.
- think criticially regarding the subject of global politics necessary for success in higher education.
POLS 312 Politics of the Middle East
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Area Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Area Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of the Middle East. It covers the region in biblical times, its history as part of the Ottoman Empire, its independence and inclusion in the Mandate system and its modern day existence through the twentieth century. The impact of religion, colonialism, the natural resource situation, socio-economics, ideology, conflict and resolution and foreign and domestic policies will be examined in the region on a country-by-country basis. The Palestinian Question, from both the Israeli and Palestinian perspectives will also be analyzed. The course includes an examination of dominant political institutions, actors, processes and belief systems within the context of political culture and history and an analysis of area political economy and foreign policy in the environment of global interdependence. Countries to be covered include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The course concludes with a summation of the region as it stands today and an assessment of where it is likely to go in the near future.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1 explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics.
- describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics.
- trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region.
- compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of the Middle East.
- SLO 2 describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration;
- describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration.
- assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in the Middle East
- SLO 3 compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO 4 synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action.
- evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- communicate effectivley about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats.
- research information concerning the politics and cultures of the Middle East and produce a research paper based on this information.
POLS 313 Latin America
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Area Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Area Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of Latin America. It covers the region in the pre-Columbian era, its history as part of the Spanish Empire, the independence movements of the nineteenth century and the modern day existence of each nation state in the area to the twenty-first century. The impact of religion, colonialism, the natural resource situation, socio-economics, ideology, conflict and resolution and foreign and domestic policies will be examined in the region on a country-by-country basis. The course includes an examination of dominant political institutions, actors, processes and belief systems within the context of political culture and history and an analysis of area political economy and foreign policy in the environment of global interdependence. Countries to be covered include but are not limited to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The course concludes with a summation of the region as it stands today and an assessment of where it is likely to go in the near future.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1 Explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics; ·describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics; ·trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region; ·compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of Latin America.
- SLO 2 Describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration; ·describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration. ·assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in Latin America.
- SLO 3 Compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO 4 Synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action; ·evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading; ·communicate effectively about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats. ·research information concerning the politics and cultures of Latin America and produce a research paper based on this information.
POLS 314 Modern Europe and the Unification Process
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Area Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Area Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of modern Europe and the trends, processes and issues surrounding unification.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1 explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics.
- describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics.
- trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region.
- compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of Europe.
- SLO 2 describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration;
- describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration.
- assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in Europe.
- SLO 3 compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO 4 synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action.
- evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- communicate effectiveley about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats.
- research information concerning the politics and cultures of Europe and produce a research paper based on this information.
POLS 315 Pacific Rim
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Area Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Area Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of the Pacific Rim and its trends, processes and issues.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1 explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics.
- describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics.
- trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region.
- compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of the Pacific Rim.
- SLO 2 describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration;
- describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration.
- assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in the Pacific Rim.
- SLO 3 compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO 4 synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action.
- evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- communicate effectively about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats.
- research information concerning the politics and cultures of the Pacific Rim and produce a research paper based on this information.
POLS 317 Global Studies: Africa
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Global Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Global Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of Africa. It covers the region's history, its independence movements and the modern day existence of nation states in the area to the twenty-first century. The impact of history, colonialism, the natural resource situation, socio-economics, ideology, conflict and resolution and foreign and domestic policies will be examined in the region on a country-by-country basis. The course includes an examination of dominant political institutions, actors, processes and belief systems within the context of political culture and history and an analysis of area political economy and foreign policy in the environment of global interdependence. The course concludes with a summation of the region as it stands today and an assessment of where it is likely to go in the near future.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics.
- Describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics.
- Trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region.
- Compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of Africa.
- SLO #2: Describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration.
- Describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration.
- Assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in Africa.
- SLO #3: Compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO #4: Synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action.
- Evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- Research information concerning the politics and cultures of Africa and produce a research paper based on this information.
- Communicate effectively about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats.
POLS 318 Global Studies: Central Asia
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Global Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Global Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of Central Asia. It covers the region's history, its natural resource situation, socio-economics, ideology, conflict and resolution and foreign and domestic policies on a country-by-country basis. The course includes an examination of dominant political institutions, actors, processes and belief systems within the context of political culture and history and an analysis of area political economy and foreign policy in the environment of global interdependence. The course concludes with a summation of the region as it stands today and an assessment of where it is likely to go in the near future.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics.
- Describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics.
- Trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region.
- Compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of Central Asia.
- SLO #2: Describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration.
- Describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration.
- Assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in Central Asia.
- SLO #3: Compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO #4: Synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action.
- Evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- Research information concerning the politics and cultures of Central Asia and produce a research paper based on this information.
- Communicate effectively about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats.
POLS 319 Global Studies: Southeast Asia
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Global Studies courses cover the government and politics of selected nations within a distinct geopolitical area of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. This Global Studies survey course is designed to give students an understanding of Southeast Asia. It covers the region's history, its natural resource situation, socio-economics, ideology, conflict and resolution and foreign and domestic policies on a country-by-country basis. The course includes an examination of dominant political institutions, actors, processes and belief systems within the context of political culture and history and an analysis of area political economy and foreign policy in the environment of global interdependence. The course concludes with a summation of the region as it stands today and an assessment of where it is likely to go in the near future.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Explain the origins, evolution and organization of area cultures and politics.
- Describe the factors that influence the development and organization of cultures and politics.
- Trace the impact of those factors by describing the major events in the history of the region.
- Compare and contrast the impact of those factors on specific aspects of the cultural and political development of Southeast Asia.
- SLO #2: Describe the dynamics of the area's political processes in the contexts of social and economic forces of globalization, regional integration and disintegration.
- Describe major forces of globalization and regional integration and disintegration.
- Assess the impact of these forces on specific political processes in Southeast Asia.
- SLO #3: Compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- SLO #4: Synthesize and refine their process of thinking and communicating with regard to other cultures, nations and regions, enhancing critical analysis skills and independent action.
- Evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- Research information concerning the politics and cultures of Southeast Asia and produce a research paper based on this information.
- Communicate effectively about cultures, nations, and regions both verbally and in short and long written formats.
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 120
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
In this course, students will examine theoretical approaches to politics and ways of thinking about politics, covering important thinkers and topics during the ancient, medieval, and modern periods.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: demonstrate an understanding of the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian origins of the Western political thought.
- explain the development of a particular category of thought in its own historical context.
- recognize the life and times of various political thinkers.
- SLO 2: describe the logical coherence of a particular category of thought through different historical periods.
- verify thought empirically, testing the philosophical underpinning of a particular thought through observation.
- distinguish continuity from changes in the respective transitions from classic to medieval, to modern and to postmodern periods.
- compare the predominant thought with alternative thoughts in a particular period of time.
- evaluate significant historical events that give birth to the fundamental assumptions of a political thought.
- SLO 3: integrate thought with practice, using thought as guidance to critically analyze current affairs.
- SLO 4: determine which political thought offers more promise, best responds to particular challenges, and best meets the needs of the people.
POLS 324 Revolutions & Ideologies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course seeks to study ideologies and revolutions. Revolutions herald change in political systems. They can be based on ideologies or economic, religious or other differences.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Understand the potential causes of revolutions.
- Identify causes in society that can lead to a revolution.
- SLO #2: Explain the theories underpinning a revolutionary movement.
- SLO #3: Report on the course of a revolution.
- SLO #4: Explain the consequences of revolutions on established institutions.
- SLO #5: Evaluate the potential for and explain the consequences of a counter-revolution.
POLS 382 Statistics for Social Science
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Intermediate Algebra (or equivalent in high school) or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
- Transferable:CSU; UC ( POLS 382, ECON 310, PSYC 330, STAT 300 and STAT 480 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
- General Education:AA/AS Area II(b); CSU Area B4; IGETC Area 2
- C-ID:C-ID MATH 110
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course focuses upon the concepts and applications of descriptive and inferential statistics in political science and other social sciences. Topics include data collection, descriptive statistics, probability and sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, statistical inference, correlation and regression, chi-square, t-tests, and analysis of variance procedures. This course will analyze and interpret social data sets from at least two of the following disciplines: business, economics, social science, psychology, political science, administration of justice, and education. The course will utilize both hand computation and statistical software.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: ORGANIZE AND ANALYZE DATA.
- Organize raw data into tables, frequency distributions, charts, and graphs.
- Differentiate between discrete and continuous variables.
- Identify different kinds of measurement including nominal, ordinal, interval,and ratio measures.
- SLO 2: CALCULATE AND ANALYZE DATA USING DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS.
- Calculate simple statistics such as frequencies and percentages, and measures of central tendency such as mean, median, and mode.
- Describe the variability of a data set using concepts such as range, variance, and standard deviation. Calculate the mean and variance of discrete and normal distributions.
- SLO 3: DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRINCIPLES OF PROBABILITY AND HYPOTHESIS TESTING.
- Define probability. Compute probabilities using sample spaces. Calculate probabilities for binomial and normal distributions.
- Develop and apply probability distributions for discrete variables.
- Apply the principles of probability using probability distributions including Z scores, student t distributions, and Chi-Square distributions.
- Differentiate between one and two tailed tests.
- Determine and interpret levels of statistical significance (p-values).
- Distinguish the difference between Type I and Type II errors.
- SLO 4: ANALYZE BIVARIATE AND MULTIVARIATE RELATIONSHIPS USING REGRESSION.
- Estimate relationships using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression techniques.
- Test for statistical significance using ANOVA and F tests.
- Identify and test for known violations of OLS regression in data analysis, including multi-collinearity and non-linearity.
- SLO 5: DEMONSTRATE MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCY AND THE APPLICATION OF QUANTITATIVE REASONING.
- Calculate simple statistics such as frequencies, percentages, standard deviations, and variance by hand.
- Calculate more sophisticated statistical estimations, such as regression, using statistical software such as SPSS.
- SLO 6: UNDERSTAND THE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS OF USING STATISTICS IN SOCIAL RESEARCH.
- Identify the means of obtaining data. Identify advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Understand concepts including but not limited to ecological fallacies, groups and subgroups,and varying units of analysis.
- Use appropriate statistical techniques to analyze and interpret applications based on data from at least two of the following disciplines: business, economics, social science, psychology, political science, administration of justice, life science, physical science, health science, information technology, and education.
POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors
- Same As:HONOR 367
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(a); CSU Area D; CSU Area U2; CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course analyzes the U.S. government's historic origins, philosophical and theoretical justification, constitutional structures and how these institutions work. It examines and describes the procedural aspects of the political system including holding elections, campaigning, voting, lobbying, legislating, executing and adjudicating law. It provides an analysis of contemporary problems and issues. It further examines California state and local governments' constitutional base, structures and functions, political process, problems, and issues.
The honors course offers rigorous preparation in critical thinking, and analytic reading and writing skills for students intending to transfer to a four-year college or university. It provides an opportunity to engage contemporary political and social issues through small group discussion, a structured sequence of papers requiring higher-level thinking tasks, and collaborative projects. Research projects require extensive analysis of topics such as American institutions, political processes, and political behavior. Paper requirements are designed to challenge and motivate.
This course is not open to students who have completed POLS 301. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website.
This course is the same as Honor 367. This course, under either name, may be taken only one time for credit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: UTILIZE MODES OF ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL THINKING IN THE STUDY OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AS APPLIED TO SIGNIFICANT ISSUES AND/OR PROBLEMS.
- Describe the nature of government and its theoretical foundations and functions.
- Relate American political thought, the Constitution, and governing institutions to one another.
- Identify and explain the structures and functions of the United States and California governments prescribed by their respective constitutions.
- Compare and contrast the federal, state and local governments with respect to their political foundations, functions, and contemporary problems.
- Explain the civil liberties and civil rights of individuals as articulated in the United States Constitution and federal court decisions.
- Identify and evaluate political processes within the United States and California, including the development of political ideologies, voting behavior and other forms of political participation.
- SLO 2: ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN INTELLECTUAL INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING BEYOND THAT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PASS A COURSE OF STUDY IN AMERICAN DEMOCRACY.
- Analyze complex readings and processes as they apply to contemporary issues in American Politics.
- Illustrate and appraise the relationship between national, state, and local governments and evaluate the effectiveness of the federal system.
- Discuss and analyze contemporary political issues and operations in the United States and California.
- SLO 3: RECOGNIZE THE ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF DECISIONS AND ACTIONS.
- Hypothesize the conditions under which various political outcomes are likely to occur and provide theoretical explanations for said outcomes.
- SLO 4: ARTICULATE AN AWARENESS OF THE VARIETY OF PERSPECTIVES WITHIN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND THE RELEVANCE OF THESE PERSPECTIVES TO ONE'S OWN LIFE.
- Evaluate and explain how the American system affects the student's life in terms of freedoms, restraints, and public policy.
- Analyze the role of culture, diversity, and ideology in shaping public opinion and public policy in the United States and California.
- SLO 5: EXPRESS IDEAS CLEARLY IN WELL-ORGANIZED WRITTEN MESSAGES
- Express ideas competently, using appropriate grammar, in a variety of written formats.
POLS 482 International Political Economy - Honors
- Same As:HONOR 368
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed to introduce students to the major theories, institutions, and issues in international political economy. International political economy examines the interaction between politics and economics on a global scale; in particular, how political forces influence markets, and how market forces influence politics. In this course of study, students will examine the major theoretical perspectives on political economy, such as mercantilism, liberalism, structuralism, and statism. Students are then introduced to the major components of the international economy: multilateral trade, domestic trade policy, international finance, and currency policy. Last, this course focuses on several major issues in international political economy. Examples might include the gap between the developed and developing world, the globalized economy, the role of transnational corporations, and the political economies of oil, migration, food, or the environment.
The honors course offers rigorous preparation in critical thinking, and analytic reading and writing skills for students intending to transfer to a four-year college or university. It provides an opportunity to engage contemporary political, economic, and social issues through small group discussion, a structured sequence of papers requiring higher-level thinking tasks, and collaborative projects. Research projects require extensive analysis of topics such as economic institutions, economic policy processes, market behavior, and state responses. Paper requirements are designed to challenge and motivate.
This course is not open to students who have completed POLS 311. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. Details about the Honors Program can be found in the front of the Catalog and on the CRC website. This course is the same as Honor 368. This course, under either name, may be taken only one time for credit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: UTILIZE MODES OF ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL THINKING IN THE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY AS APPLIED TO SIGNIFICANT ISSUES AND/OR PROBLEMS.
- Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches to international political economy, including but not limited to mercantilism/neo-mercantilism, liberalism/neo-liberalism, rational choice theory and structuralist critiques.
- Define the basic concepts of international trade and finance, including but not limited to tariff barriers, advantages, factor endowments, the balance of payments, currency policy, and macro-economic policy.
- Relate how various states approach the international political economy from various positions of strength and weakness.
- Compare the preferences of political and economic actors for different trade and finance policies.
- Explain the impact of globalization on the relative economies of the world system.
- Assess the impact of the international political economy on issues such as peace, stability, sovereignty, integration, solvency, resource development, poverty, and ecological sustainability.
- SLO 2: ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN INTELLECTUAL INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING BEYOND THAT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PASS A COURSE OF STUDY IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY.
- Analyze complex readings and processes as they apply to contemporary issues in International Political Economy.
- Illustrate and appraise the relationship between sovereign states and international and transnational organizations.
- Discuss and analyze contemporary political and economic issues in the United States and in the global system.
- SLO 3: RECOGNIZE THE ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF DECISIONS AND ACTIONS.
- Hypothesize the conditions under which various political and economic outcomes are likely to occur and provide theoretical explanations for said outcomes.
- Examine the impact of policy choices on citizens and communities.
- SLO 4: ARTICULATE AN AWARENESS OF THE VARIETY OF PERSPECTIVES WITHIN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND THE RELEVANCE OF THESE PERSPECTIVES TO ONE'S OWN LIFE.
- Evaluate and explain how the international political economy affects the student's life in terms of freedom, choices, resources, the environment, and international standing.
- Analyze the role of culture, diversity, and ideology in shaping global approaches to trade, finance and international cooperation.
- SLO 5: EXPRESS IDEAS CLEARLY IN WELL-ORGANIZED WRITTEN MESSAGES.
- Express ideas competently, using appropriate grammar, in a variety of written formats.
POLS 495 Independent Studies in Political Science
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 4).
- Discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
- Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
- Use information resources to gather discipline-specific information.
- SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 3).
- Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
- Explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
- SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study (College Wide Outcome – Area 3).
- Demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
- SLO #4: Identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively (College Wide Outcome – Area 4).
- Utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.
POLS 499 Experimental Offering in Political Science
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
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