Political Science
8 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
POLI 31 Social and Behavioral Sciences Statistics Support
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture
- Corequisite
- POLI 201
This course provides additional hands-on experience in basic mathematical and statistical concepts. Students review key terms and definitions and practice foundational skills. This course is intended for students who require additional support to succeed in transfer-level Social and Behavioral Science statistics course.
POLI 101 Introduction to Political Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the field of political science. Emphasis is placed on the concepts and methodologies used in the study of political institutions, political participation, public opinion, and the international political system. Other topics include a survey of political theory and the history of American political ideology and culture. This course is intended for students majoring in Political Science and those interested in the field of political science.
POLI 103 Comparative Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to comparative politics. Emphasis is placed on analyses of various political systems using the fundamental concepts and methodologies of comparative politics. This course is designed for political science majors and anyone interested in comparative and/or international politics.
POLI 121 American Political Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an overview of American political development. Students engage in a historical analysis of the evolution of governmental institutions in the United States, and study how political ideas, political practices, and political actors (including ethnic groups, women, political parties, interest groups, and social movements) shape and are shaped by these institutional factors. This course is intended for transfer students, political science majors, or students interested in the American political system.
POLI 124 Power and Justice: An Introduction to Political Theory
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an exploration of the relationship between power and justice in modern society. Topics include various accounts of the meaning of power and justice, how political institutions harness power, and the ways in which political power can both impede and advance justice. Materials include classic and contemporary texts, films, and literature. This course is intended for political science majors, transfer students, and students interested in these topics.
POLI 140 Contemporary International Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of world politics including the various approaches to international relations and international political economy. Emphasis is placed on the roles of nationalism, nation-states, transnationalism and international organizations in the making of contemporary world politics as well as on issues of national security, power and diplomacy, economic competition, international law and the environment. This course is intended for students majoring in political science or anyone with an interest in world politics.
POLI 201 Elementary Statistics for Political Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an introductory course on statistical methods for political and social sciences. Emphasis is placed on basic data analysis techniques as well as elementary statistical and probability concepts. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-square and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis based on data from disciplines including business, social and behavioral sciences, life science, health science, and education. This course is designed for Political Science majors, other Social Sciences majors, and anyone interested in statistics.
POLI 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course if for students who wish to study special topics in political science. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.