Political Science
7 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
POLI 2 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Political Science C1000 and eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course students will analyze political systems of different countries in a comparative context. Emphasis will be placed on studying the differences and similarities of governmental systems found in developed democratic nation-states. Developing countries, regional systems, and new democracies will also be analyzed to illustrate the complex nature of creating and maintaining a functioning nation-state system.
POLI 3 Introduction to Principles and Methods of Political Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on analysis of the basic concepts, political theories and subfields of political science. Major topics include a description of the methodology and research techniques employed by contemporary political scientists. Major political theories of the individual and the state, and the impact of these themes on modern political ideologies will also be examined.
POLI 5 Ethnicity in the American Political Process
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will analyze racial and ethnic group relations in the context of the American political system and process. The relationship of racial and ethnic groups in American society to local, state, and national governments will be examined. Emphasis is placed on problems of assimilation and integration into the American political system.
POLI 6 Civil Rights and Liberties in the United States
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to the study of civil rights and liberties based on current legislation and pertinent court decisions. Emphasis is placed on freedom of speech, religion and press, rights of the defendant, and equal protection issues of minority groups facing discrimination.
POLI 7 Political Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will examine political theory as presented in the primary works of major Western thinkers from Plato to Marx. Fundamental issues to be explored include human nature, justice, power, the role of the state, and the legitimate scope of government. Note: Political Science 7 is the same course as Philosophy 117.
POLI 10 Introduction to International Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Political Science C1000 AND eligibility for English C1000 or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course students will examine the factors that determine the relations between nations and the problems that result from the interplay of these factors. The conditions that can lead to both conflict and cooperation among nations will be examined. Major topics include international security, issues of international political economy, and international organizations. International law and diplomacy are examined as alternative means of resolving conflict.
POLI 10H Honors Introduction to International Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Political Science C1000 AND eligibility for English C1000 or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, students will examine the factors that determine the relations between nations and the problems that result from the interplay of these factors. The conditions that can lead to both conflict and cooperation among nations will be examined. Major topics include international security, issues of international political economy, and international organizations. International law and diplomacy are examined as alternative means of resolving conflict. This course is enriched through extensive, rigorous reading, writing, and research assignments. *Note: Students may take either Political Science 10 or Political Science 10H. Duplicate credit will not be awarded. **Note: Some UC transferable courses have credit limitations. For details, see a counselor, the Transfer Center advisor, or the articulation officer.