Political Science
8 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PS 2 Introduction to Political Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 150
Use of methods and concepts to analyze political institutions, behavior, cultures, and ideologies. Various political systems (American and non-American) and the factors that lead to stability, change, and revolution.
PS 3 California Politics and Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of state, county, and municipal governments with an emphasis on California’s unique heritage, culture, people, and politics. Issues such as economic and class conflict, immigration and ethnic-cultural influences, and problems in urban government in the 21st century are examined.
PS 4 Political Theory
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
Introduction to the philosophical underpinnings of historical and contemporary political systems. Analysis of theoretical concepts including the nature of justice, power, freedom, and democracy. Views of theorists such as Plato, Machiavelli, and Marx, as well as non-Western sources are examined.
PS 7 International Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 140
An introduction to international relations theory with an examination of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions and processes as they relate to global issues. Examination of key IR theories and research methodologies, international security, the global economy, international law and organizations (e.g. UN, WTO), and non-traditional issues of human security - global poverty, pandemics, environment and resource management, and NGOs. Emphases on the foreign policies of major states, areas of conflict and tension, and various aspects of globalization.
PS 10 Comparative Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 130
Introduction to the study of comparative politics by analyzing the political systems of select industrialized democracies, current/former communist states, and developing states. Focus on each state’s unique ideological, social, economic, and historical factors, and an examination of how these factors impact their governments and politics. In addition to surveying democratic and non-democratic systems of governance, emphasis on the process of democratization.
PS 21 Urban Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Analysis of the politics of urban and suburban areas in the United States, other industrialized countries, and the Third World. Important issues such as unemployment, poverty, racism, and the impact of economic change will be examined.
PS 25 Latino Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Examination of Latino politics. Topics include: political influence, civil rights, discrimination, immigration, affirmative action, assimilation, acculturation, citizenship, political efficacy, voting affiliations and tendencies, diversity within the Latino community, and contemporary political issues affecting Latinos. Special emphasis on the growing political and economic impact of Latinos on the local, state, national, and international levels.
PS 32 Law and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Analysis of law, its functions, cultural variations, legal theories of justice, and law as a tool of social change. A comparative analysis of Western and Third World legal systems will also be made.