Political Science AA-T

Units: 90 units

The discipline of political science involves the study of political behavior both within and outside of formal governing structures and systems. It is composed of multiple sub-fields of specialization, including American government, political theory, law and jurisprudence, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, and public administration. It also encompasses related issues such as race and ethnic politics and gender politics as well as civic participation. Furthermore, scholars in the discipline utilize a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to answer their research questions. This program is designed for students to not only develop a foundational understanding of the discipline and prepare them for coursework at a university, but also teach them ways they can partake in the democratic process to shape policy in its many forms. Students completing the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system but not to a particular campus or major. To obtain the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree, students must complete the following requirements: 1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: (A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) - Breadth Requirements. (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. 2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. 3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Examine the development of political science as an academic discipline.

• Discuss the major sub-fields of study that compose the discipline, including classic and contemporary works from each.

• Explain the different kinds of quantitative and qualitative methods that political scientists utilize to conduct research.

• Differentiate between the field of political science and both political history and political journalism.

• Identify the different types of work that political science majors secure upon graduation.

• Explore the connections between political science and other disciplines, including, but not limited to, history, psychology, and sociology.

Program Requirements