Political Science Course Descriptions
POL 101 - AMERICAN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
This course is a study of national, state and local government, including the national
and state constitutions. It emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of citizens
and political processes and issues facing government. Emphasis will be given to practical
policy formulation at all levels.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 201 - INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE & AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
This course is an introductory survey of the field of political science designed to
familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, political
systems, and subfields within political science. This course will also focus on the
major concepts, theories, institutions, processes and policies of government at the
national, state, and local levels. The class is intended for college transfer students,
especially political science majors.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 210 - INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
This course is a study of basic concepts, theories, and principles of international
politics. Emphasis shall be placed on an examination of contemporary world affairs
including the importance of nationalism, imperialism, ideology, alliance systems,
the rise of the developing nations and the nature of international organizations.
Specific case studies shall be examined to illustrate the various principles of international
relations.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 220 - COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
This course includes a study of comparative systems of government, differing ideologies,
and current political problems. Analyses of revolutionary forces in the 20th century
are conducted for political insight and understanding.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 230 - CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL ISSUES: MIDDLE EAST
A one-semester course emphasizing the basic issues in conflict between nations of
the Middle East, this class will investigate, in addition to the political and economic
conditions, the social and cultural contributions of the Middle Eastern nations.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 240 - INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
This course is an introduction to western political thought. The course surveys major
themes in the history of political theory, including works by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine,
Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau and Marx. Topics of discussion include how best
to govern society, the quality and ethics of political leadership, the sources of
law and governmental authority, the issue of liberty and justice, and the role of
the state in economic relations.
Transfer Credit: CSU;UC
POL 250 - MODEL UNITED NATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of international diplomacy
through participation in Model United Nations simulations. It explores the purpose
and functions of international organizations with emphasis on the United Nations.
It examines the historical development, norms, rules and procedures of the United
Nations. Students will debate major issues of the organization; learn parliamentary
procedures, diplomacy, international advocacy and extemporaneous speaking. The simulation
activities in this course will afford students the opportunity to role-play as delegates
representing specific countries at conferences sponsored and attended by colleges
and universities in the region, nation-wide and all over the world. This course may
be taken a maximum of 2 times.
Transfer Credit: CSU
POL 260 - PUBLIC POLICY & THE SUPREME COURT
This course introduces students to the concept of how public policy is formed, how
law reflects and affects societal norms, how legal mores change over time, and how
law relates to its execution. Students study civil liberties, Supreme Court cases,
and the tension between rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Students learn how
gender, race and sexuality have been defined over time by policymakers.
Transfer Credit: CSU
POL 280 - RACE, GENDER & SEXUAL IDENTITY IN POLITICS
This course introduces students to an overview of the history, the issues, and the
political processes that effect the status and power of groups which have traditionally
been politically and socially disadvantaged, scapegoated and marginalized in the United
States. These groups include, but are not restricted to, African-Americans, Asians,
Latinx, women, gay and lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. Of particular
concern are the ways inequalities regarding race, gender, sexual orientation and identity
affect political power and political privilege within the American political system.
Transfer Credit: CSU;UC
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