Political Science

Political Science is the rigorous study of governments and related institutions, public policies, and political behavior both in the United States and abroad. This field of study is increasingly crucial in today’s complex world. Social, economic, environmental, and moral issues have political implications; the policy decisions of governments both at home and abroad affect all aspects of our daily lives. Studying politics involves an understanding of the basic rights and responsibilities of citizens, new insights into the political phenomena, as well as a heightened awareness and engagement in domestic and international issues.

The goal of the Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer is to introduce students to the field of political science and to provide students with a worldview of different political systems within the context of domestic and global forces, international conflicts, ideological systems and diversity. Courses in this major are designed to introduce students to the primary subfields of political science and to encourage students to engage in discussions, debates, and problem-solving activities. This program’s courses will equip students with specialized analytical thinking, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, and argumentation and communication skills with which to examine, discuss, and predict critical issues that affect their everyday lives. This analytical framework will prepare students for various careers and will allow them to make valuable contributions to any vocation or enterprise they pursue. Students who successfully complete this degree will be prepared for transfer to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Political Science or related field.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Examine political science subfields and their relevant theories, concepts, and methodology.
2. Analyze domestic and international political institutions, processes, and behavior.
3. Apply social science research methods to key political issues.
4. Examine factors that shape politics and policymaking including race, ethnicity, gender, class, political culture, political socialization, media, political ideologies, political movements, and publicopinion.
5. Assess potential solutions to political and policy problems.

Potential careers students may enter upon completion are as follows:

• Domestic and International Governmental Agencies
• Law
• Non-Governmental Agencies
• Campaigns/Elected Positions
• Advocacy (i.e, human rights, environment, consumer rights, labor)
• Business/Multi-national Corporations
• Education
• Domestic and International Intelligence Agencies
• Public Service
• Media / Communication
• Policy Analysis
• Research and Development
• Consulting

Requirements

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Associate Degrees for Transfer require students to meet the following requirements:

• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
• Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
• Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
• Completion of Cal-GETC.

Students should consult a GWC counselor to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.