Political Science, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer
Banner code: 2_AAT_POLS
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 transfer 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 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.
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.
Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements
Associate Degrees for Transfer require students to meet the following requirements:
- 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.
Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| PSCI G180 | American Government | 3 |
| List A | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9-10 | |
| PSCI G150 | Political Philosophy | 3 |
| PSCI G185 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| PSCI G110 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI G100 | Introduction To Political Science | 3 |
| MATH G160 | Introduction To Statistics | 4 |
| or PSYC G140 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| List B | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
Any Course from List A not used | ||
| PSCI G101 | Survey Of Current Issues | 3 |
| PSCI G130 | Law In American Society | 3 |
| PSCI G105 | Introduction to Global Studies | 3 |
| PSCI G205 | Global Issues | 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 Micro Economics | 3 |
| ECON G175 | Principles of Macro Economics | 3 |
| SOC G111 | Introduction to Social Justice | 3 |
| Major Total | 18-19 | |
| GE Pattern (CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC) | 37-39 | |
| Total units that may be double-counted | 9-15 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 units) | 11-20 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |