Political Science POLS

8 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027

POLS 101 Introduction to Political Science

Units
3
Advisory
Eligibility for ENGL C1000
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
POLS 150

Course Offered: Spring, Fall

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This is an introductory course examining a variety of approaches to the study of political science with particular emphasis on the American political system in comparative perspective. Topics discussed include nature of politics, comparative politics, selected political philosophers, principles of government, methods used by political scientists, and American government. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities and Allan Hancock College. Students receiving credit must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge about national and state government.

Offered: Summer 2026 (1 section) · Fall 2026 (2 sections) · Spring 2027 (2 sections)

POLS 104 Introduction to International Relations

Units
3
Advisory
ENGL C1000 and POLS C1000
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
POLS 140

Course Offered: Spring, Fall

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

A study of the forces and conditions involved in the actions, interactions and relations of nations and organizations within the international system. Emphasis is placed on the tools of analysis for understanding and predicting behavior on the international stage.

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section)

POLS 105 Comparative Politics

Units
3
Advisory
ENGL C1000 and POLS C1000
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
POLS 130

Course Offered: Fall

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course is an introduction to the comparative analysis of contemporary governmental institutions, political processes and their environments. The survey includes current political institutions, citizen participation, political problems, politics, and policies within these systems.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

POLS 106 California Government and Politics

Units
1
Advisory
ENGL 514
Transfers to
CSU

Course Offered: Spring

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

Introduction to the structure and function of California state government. Satisfies California state and local government requirement for students who have taken Federal, State, and Local Government without a California component or who receive Advanced Placement credit for American Government.

Not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

POLS 110 Political Theory

Units
3
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
POLS 120

Course Offered: Spring, Spring, Spring, Fall, Fall, Fall

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

Introduction to political theory. Focuses on concepts like: authority, liberty, equality, law, justice, community, rights, citizenship, property, class conflict, and constitutionalism. Readings from major thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Rawls, and others.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

POLS 189 Independent Projects-Honors

Units
2
Prerequisite
program application
Transfers to
CSU

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

Honors courses designed to be an enriching experience associated with a specific general education course. The course material will either be a more in depth coverage of the material in the GE course, or will be more advanced material related to the course topics.

Not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

POLS 199A Special Topics in Political Science

Units
1
Advisory
ENGL 514
Transfers to
CSU
C-ID
N/A

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course will examine the campaigns, issues, electoral process and candidates for the United States Presidential election.

Not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules.

POLS C1000 American Government and Politics

Units
3
Advisory
Eligibility for ENG 101
Transfers to
CSU, UC
C-ID
POLS 110

Course Offered: Spring, Fall

Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. A study of American government at the national, state, and local levels. Governmental principles, institutions, and their historical development are examined. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities, University of California, Allan Hancock College, and many private colleges. (F,S). The course is not open to students who received credit for POLS 103.

Offered: Summer 2026 (5 sections) · Fall 2026 (12 sections) · Winter 2027 (4 sections) · Spring 2027 (9 sections)

View in the original catalog

Machine-readable: Markdown · JSON