Political Science, Associate in Arts Degree
Banner Code: 2_AA_POLS
Control Number: 18415
Financial Aid Eligible
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:
- Demonstrate knowledge of important findings, theories, and changing issues relevant to political science.
- 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.
- Utilize appropriate investigative methods and appropriate technologies to access relevant research.
- Manage information and prepare and present their work effectively.
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| PSCI G180 | American Government | 3 |
| PSCI G110 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI G185 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| PSCI G150 | Political Theory | 3 |
| List A | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| MATH G160 | Introduction To Statistics | 4 |
| PSYC G140 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| ECON G160 | Statistics for Business and Economics | 3 |
| 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 | 18-19 | |
| GE Pattern (Local, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC) | 18-39 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Recommended Program Sequence
These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students. The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Students are advised to use the IGETC pattern of general education when pursuing this AA degree. Students are advised to speak with a GWC Counselor to identify specific requirements for transfer.
Year 1:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| CMST G110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CMST G100 | Interpersonal Communication | |
| ENGL G100 | Freshman Composition ^ | 4 |
| Area 3A: Arts course | 3 | |
| UC Transferable elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| PSCI G180 | American Government (recommended) | 3 |
| PSCI G110 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI G185 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| MATH G160 | Introduction To Statistics | 3-4 |
| or PSYC G140 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| or ECON G160 | Statistics for Business and Economics | |
| PHIL G125 | Critical Reasoning and Writing (or Area 1B: Critical Thinking course) | 3-4 |
| UC Transferable elective coursework for a total of 6 units | 6 | |
| Select one of the following NOT already taken: | 3 | |
| PSCI G110 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI G180 | American Government | 3 |
| PSCI G185 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Units | 15-17 | |
Year 2:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | ||
| Area 5A: Physical Science course (with or without lab) * | 3-4 | |
| Area 3: Arts & Humanities course | 3 | |
| UC Transferable elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
| Select one of the following NOT already taken: | 3 | |
| PSCI G110 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI G150 | Political Theory | 3 |
| or PHIL G150 | Political Theory | |
| PSCI G185 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Select one of the following NOT already taken: | 3 | |
| 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 |
| Units | 15-16 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | ||
| Area 5B: Life Science course (with or without lab) * | 3-4 | |
| Area 4: Social & Behavioral Sciences course (other than PSCI, if not already satisfied with Major course) | 3 | |
| Area 6: Ethnic Studies course | 3 | |
| UC Transferable elective coursework to reach a minimum of 60 units | ||
| Select one of the following NOT already taken: | 3 | |
| GLST G101 | Introduction to Global Studies | 3 |
| GLST G102 | Global Issues | 3 |
| PSCI G100 | Introduction To Political Science | 3 |
| PSCI G101 | Survey Of Current Issues | 3 |
| PSCI G110 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI G130 | Law In American Society | 3 |
| PSCI G150 | Political Theory | 3 |
| HIST G161 | World History 1 | 3 |
| HIST G162 | World History 2 | 3 |
| HIST G180 | Western Civilization 1 | 3 |
| HIST G185 | Western Civilization 2 | 3 |
| ECON G170 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON G175 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON G130 | Environmental Economics and Policy | 3 |
| Units | 12-14 | |
| Total minimum units required | 60 | |
- ^
Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement.