Political Science
7 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
POLS-C1000 American Government and Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A); ENGL-C1001 (formerly ENGL/PHIL-13) OR ENGL-C1001H (formerly ENGL/PHIL-13H)
- Formerly
- POSC-01
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 110
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. Emphasis is placed upon various roles of the national and state government, constitutional rights and obligations of citizens, and the evolution and development of California state political Institutions. (11/24)
POLS-C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A); ENGL-C1001 (formerly ENGL/PHIL-13) OR ENGL-C1001H (formerly ENGL/PHIL-13H)
- Formerly
- POSC-01H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 110
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. This is an honors course. Emphasis is placed upon various roles of the national and state government, constitutional rights and obligations of citizens, and the evolution and development of California state political Institutions. (12/24)
POLS-02 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- POSC-02
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 130
This course is a comparative study of the theory, history, structure, and application of the governmental systems of major European nations, as well as non-European countries. Emphasis will be placed on the governments of England, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan. (2/06)
POLS-03 Introduction to International Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- POSC-03
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 140
An introduction to international relations theory with an examination of national, transnational, and subnational actors and their institutions, interactions, and processes as they relate to global issues. (03/19)
POLS-04 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- POSC-04
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics and of basic political problems and proposed solutions. Analysis of selective political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary problems. (04/19)
POLS-05 Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Formerly
- POSC-05
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 160
This course surveys the research methods employed in political science. Research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, the collection, interpretation, and reporting of research data, and research ethics are introduced. (12/22)
POLS-07 Politics of Race and Ethnicity (Also: Ethn-07)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- POSC-07
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The racial foundations of American democracy have long been contested by communities of color in the United States. Democracy’s literal meaning is “rule by the people,” yet oppressed groups have questioned who is and is not included in the political community this meaning implies. This course will critically explore historical sources, competing theories, and contemporary examples of American politics and frameworks for democracy. In doing so, students will examine how Black and Indigenous perspectives have contributed to the formation of and struggle against the American political establishment at its foundation, as well as how oppressed groups continue to contest the limits of American democracy in the present. (11/22)