# POLITICAL SCIENCE (Associate in Arts)

Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: History

Source: https://cuesta.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/30065/30066/30067/30068/30234

Political Science is an academic and research discipline that deals with the theory and practice of politics, and the description and analysis of political systems/processes, political behavior and political actors. The Political Science program provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of political science.  Students will develop skills for critical/analytical thinking, perceptive reading/observation and interpretation, and statistics analysis.  A political science background is useful for those interested in working in areas like government/civil service, foreign service, law, journalism, communications, human resources, public relations, non-profits, and business.

Two Political Science program tracks prepare students to transfer into UC and CSU programs as well as programs at other four-year institutions or career options.  The two tracks offered are:  Associate in Arts in Political Science (AA in Political Science) and Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T in Political Science).

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Define core terminology integral to the study of politics.
2.  Analyze the roles of individuals, groups, and institution in political processes.
3.  Explain the interrelationships among political processes.
4.  Interpret empirical data and qualitative claims.
5.  Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of descriptive and normative theories about politics.
6.  Formulate practical responses to political issues/problems.
7.  Recognize the wide array of political experiences and perspectives.
8.  Value the importance of increased knowledge of the political world.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses (18 credits)** | | 18 |
| POLS 201 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE | 3 |
| POLS C1000 | AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS | 3 |
| POLS 204 | WORLD POLITICS | 3 |
| POLS 205 | LAW AND POLITICS | 3 |
| POLS 206 | COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT | 3 |
| POLS 209 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY | 3 |
| **Plus 9 credits from the following:** | | 9 |
| ECON C2002 | PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS | 3 |
| HIST 203A | HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS | 3 |
| HIST 203B | HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS | 3 |
| HIST 204A | HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION | 3 |
| HIST 204B | HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1877 | 3 |
| HIST C1002 | UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 210 | HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA | 3 |
| HIST 212 | HISTORY OF MEXICAN AMERICANS | 3 |
| HIST 233 | HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS | 3 |
| PHIL 206 | INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY | 3 |
| or PHIL 208 | CRITICAL REASONING AND WRITING | 3 |
| PSYC 206 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| SOC 206 | INTRODUCTION TO RACE AND ETHNICITY | 3 |
| **Total** | | **27** |