Political Science
13 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
POLS 115 Women in U.S. Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the status and role of women in American politics and their participation in the electoral process as voters, activists, candidates, and elected officeholders. Topics of discussion include theoretical frameworks and approaches to studying women in American politics; the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity in U.S. politics; the gender gap in elections and public opinion; gender stereotypes in American elections; women’s underrepresentation in U.S. politics; and women in political institutions.
POLS 120 California State and Local Governments
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course stresses the study of California state and local government (counties, cities, and special districts) and California party politics, including the study of the California constitution, intergovernmental relations, regional governments, and urban politics and problems. This course is designed to make available to students the concepts, information, and skills which will enable them to better understand the political and governmental systems in which Californians function.
POLS 125 Law and Democracy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an examination and analysis of practical law as it affects people in daily life as citizens in a democracy. It assists in the development of skills to successfully navigate legal systems and in understanding democratic political values. Emphasis is placed on constitutional rights and civil liberties, police encounters and criminal law, local government and advocacy, small claims and traffic courts, landlord/tenant relations, family law, consumer rights, contracts, employment and immigration. Further emphasis is placed on application, critical thinking and problem solving in common legal situations. This course is designed for students wishing to learn more about the law and its interaction with democratic government and those students wishing to attend law school. It is also a requirement for students seeking to participate in the Community College Pathway to Law School Initiative.
POLS 126 Mock Trial
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Advisory
- COMM C1000H, COMM C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course trains students to participate in Rio Hondo College’s Mock Trial Team. Emphasis is placed on preparation, including research and writing, practice, and participation in the American Mock Trial Association's regional mock trial tournament, intercollegiate mock trial tournaments, and/or community events. Students learn the components of a trial: opening statements, direct examinations, cross examination, closing arguments, and objections. The course is appropriate for students specializing in areas involving public speaking. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.
POLS 128 Introduction to Political Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.; ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
This course is for students interested in the relationship between political systems and philosophy, and is especially relevant for students interested in political science, philosophy, and law. The course introduces the history and development of political thought, and considers the justification of the state, interpretations of justice, systems of government, conceptions of rights and distributions of goods, and justification for civil disobedience, among other topics.
POLS 128H Introduction to Political Philosophy Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
This course is for students interested in the relationship between political systems and philosophy, and is especially relevant for students interested in political science, philosophy, and law. The course introduces the history and development of political thought, and considers the justification of the state, interpretations of justice, systems of government, conceptions of rights and distributions of goods, and justification for civil disobedience, among other topics. This course is designed for students who meet Honors Program requirements.
POLS 130 Comparative Government
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 130
This course examines the political systems of selected industrial democracies, dictatorships, and governments of the developing world. Emphasis is placed on the institutional development and political processes and cultures within these countries. The course features an examination of current political problems and a comparison of such differing ideologies as Marxism, democracy, theocracy, and totalitarianism, and is intended for students interested in the study of foreign governments as well as those who want to major in political science.
POLS 135 International Political Economy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course designed for students interested in economics and political science, as well as anyone interested in the global interconnectedness of the world economy. The course focuses on the relations between the political and economic systems within the global economy. The course covers the impact of political decisions on world economies and international organizations. Further emphasis is placed on a comparison-contrast of various national economies. Geographic areas of concern include Africa, Europe, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, Latin America, Russia, China, and the United States. The course is cross-listed as Economics 135 and Political Science 135. Credit is given in either area, not both.
POLS 140 International Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 140
This course examines the structure and operation of the international system. Emphasis is placed on the nature and sources of conflict and cooperation, issues of war and peace among states in the international system, and international economic development. The impact of nation-states, international organizations, and non-governmental actors are all examined. This course is suitable for students who wish to expand their knowledge of international politics and for those who wish to major in political science or international relations.
POLS 150 Latinx Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the history and contemporary role of Latinx people in the U.S. political system. Much of the course will explore the migration and political activism of the largest Latinx-origin groups: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadorean, Dominican, and Guatemalan. The course begins with a review of U.S. demographics and discussion about “Latino” and “Hispanic” as meaningful political terms. Students also learn about the political institutional context in the U.S.; examine the political relationships between Latinx and non-Latinx groups as they relate to political parties, voting coalitions, representation and public policy; and learn how to analyze data on Latinx public opinion, voting behavior, and political attitudes.
POLS 299 Directed Study: Political Science
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students will be expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (formerly POLS 110)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- 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.
POLS C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors (formerly POLS 110H)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.; ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 110
This 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, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.