Political Science
10 courses · Gavilan College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
POLS 1 Introduction to American Government
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- POLS 110
Explores the development of American political institutions and their utilization in dealing with issues arising at the international, national and state levels. Emphasis is placed on those problems which have defined our federal system of government. California government and appropriate state institutions will be included as a vital part of our federal system of government. (C-ID: POLS 110)
POLS 3 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- POLS 130
Comparative survey of political institutions and processes around the globe. Selected nations may include, but are not restricted to: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, India, Nigeria, and Mexico. (C-ID: POLS 130)
POLS 4 Introduction to International Relations
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- POLS 140
This course provides an introduction to key contemporary international problems and the means to analyze them. Topics include war and peace, foreign policymaking, the international economy, and future trends in world politics. (C-ID: POLS 140).
POLS 5 Introduction to Modern International Terrorism
- Units
- 3
This course centers on conceptually defining terrorism (all types-foreign and domestic, left and right-wing, religious, environmental, and political, state and non-state), tracing the history and beginnings of modern international and domestic terrorism, critically examining the various U.S.- global responses to the 9-11-01 attacks, as well as generally evaluating and assessing how countries and people around the world try to cope with, prevent and/or respond to attacks by terrorist organizations, groups, or acts of terrorism perpetrated by nation-states or groups working with nation-states. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. This course is also listed as AJ 5.
POLS 6 Introduction to Conflict Resolution
- Units
- 3
Introduction to Conflict Resolution introduces students to non-violent communication skills, conflict resolution, and mediation models. Integrating non-violent theory and practice, students will learn how to choose, practice and evaluate communication skills in a variety of settings and formulate appropriate conflict resolution strategies based on analysis of varying conflict situations with sensitivity to ethnicity, class, sexuality, and gender influences. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. This course is also listed as PSYC 6 and CMUN 6.
POLS 7 Introduction to California Government and Politics
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- English 250 and English 260
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how the state of California is governed. Emphasis will be placed on local elections, political parties, legislative, executive, and judicial power, special interest groups, lobbying, urban politics, how such a diverse and multi-linguistic state be effectively governed, and policy-making, citizen activism and the importance of community service. Major events in the historical development of California and on current issues of significance will be examined in the context of the United States and California state constitutions. ADVISORY: English 250 and English 260.
POLS 10 Introduction to Political Science
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- POLS 150
Introduction to Political Science introduces students to the discipline of political science. It is designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, theories, political systems, and sub-fields within the field of political science. (C-ID: POLS 150)
POLS 12 Introduction to Political Thought
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- POLS 120
This course provides students with an introduction to and grounding in classical and modern political thought. Students will be introduced to theorists such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Marx. Students will also examine such timeless questions as: "What is justice?" "What is the good life?" and "What is power?" among others. This course is also listed as PHIL 12. Previously POLS 2. (C-ID: POLS 120)
POLS 32 Introduction to Research Methods
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 or SOC 1A with a grade of "C" or better and STAT C1000 with a grade of "C" or better. C-ID: (SOCI 120)
An overview of the qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in the social sciences. Students will learn how to design and conduct research, including: formulating research questions and hypotheses, reviewing the scientific literature, evaluating ethical issues, selecting appropriate methodologies, sample selection, organizing and analyzing data, applying statistics, and writing research reports. This course is also listed as ANTH 32, PSYC 32, and SOC 32. PREREQUISITE: PSYC C1000 or SOC 1A with a grade of "C" or better and STAT C1000 with a grade of "C" or better. C-ID: (SOCI 120)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics
- Units
- 3
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. (Also known as POLS 1 or C-ID POLS 110)