# Political Science (POSC) courses

Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 8 courses

Source: https://palomar.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/32573/33385/32680

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027.

### POSC 100 — Introduction to Political Science

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lecture
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/posc.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/posc.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass

Introduction to the scope and methods of political science; basic political concepts and policies; comparative government institutions, stressing the United States; an overview of political theories, international politics, and political economy.

### POSC 101* — Introduction to Politics and American Political Institutions

- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules

See POLS C1000 American Government and Politics

### POSC 102* — Introduction to United States and California Governments

- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules

See POLS C1000 American Government and Politics

### POSC 103 — Introduction to Comparative Politics

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lecture
- **C-ID:** POLS 130
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/posc.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/posc.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass

This course is an introduction to comparative politics. Emphasis is placed on analyses of various political systems around the world and key regions using the fundamental concepts and methodologies of comparative politics and political science. This course is designed for political science majors and anyone interested in comparative and/or international politics.

### POSC 110 — Introduction to World Politics

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3.00 hours lecture
- **C-ID:** POLS 140
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/posc.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/posc.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass

Sources and uses of power in the arena of international politics. Causes and consequences of 20th century wars. The balance of power, history, geography, military and economic potential will be examined to show their impact on foreign policies of the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, China and less-developed states. Uses of military force, economic leverage, diplomacy, law, etc., discussed as approaches to limit war.

### POSC 120 — California Government

- **Units:** 1
- **Hours:** 1.00 hours lecture
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/palomar-college/schedule/fall-2026/posc.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/palomar-college/schedule/spring-2027/posc.md)
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass

Intended for students who have completed the American History and Institutions requirements for the A.A. Degree or CSU General Education, but have not met the California Constitution requirement. Organization and operation of California state and local government. Stress upon citizen participation in the decision making process.

### POSC 197 — Political Science Topics

- **Units:** 0.5-4
- **Hours:** 0.50-4.00 hours lecture, 1.50-12.00 hours lab
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass
- Notes: Units awarded in topics courses are dependent upon the number of hours required of the student. Any combination of lecture and laboratory may be scheduled by the department. Refer to Class Schedule. May be transferable to UC upon UC's review of the course syllabus.

Topics in Political Science. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered.

### POSC 295 — Directed Study in Political Science

- **Units:** 1-3
- **Hours:** 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** Approval of project or research by department chairperson
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Grading: Grade/Pass/No Pass
- Notes: May be transferable to UC upon UC's review of the course syllabus.

Independent study designed for advanced students who have demonstrated a proficiency in political science subjects and have the initiative to work independently on projects or research that does not fit into the context of regularly scheduled classes. Students will work under the personal supervision of an instructor.