Programs | Courses

Politics & Political Analysis

3 Units

The primary aim of this course is to assist the student/citizen in the development of a set of skills which can be helpful in analyzing political situations in the world today. In order to accomplish this objective, students will be introduced to the basic approaches, perspectives, techniques and models of the political scientist. Accordingly, this course covers some universal aspects of political stability and change, ideologies, conflicts, institutions, political economy and issues. ***Basic approaches, perspectives and techniques of the political scientist.

***Basic approaches, perspectives and techniques of the political scientist.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:
(AA/AS-D, CSU-D, IGETC-4)

Intro to U.S. Government & Politics

3 Units

This course analyzes the evolution of the structures and functions of the U.S. and California political systems from the time of the nation’s founding to the current day in what is now the United States. This course emphasizes the continuity and uniqueness of the American political experience and how that experience has derived from other political cultures. This will be examined in the context of the larger cultural, economic, and sociological forces shaping the U.S. political system. Attention will also be given to significant events affecting the evolution of the U.S. political system since its founding. The development and evolution of the U.S. Constitution and policy making role of traditional political institutions such as the presidency, the Congress, and the judiciary will be explored. The impact of other political forces such as mass movements, the media, the bureaucracy, interest groups and ethnic and social groups will also be examined. All topics covered in the course will be illustrated through reference to actual political events occurring as the course progresses.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:
(AA/AS-D, CSU-D, IGETC-4)

Comparative Government & Politics

3 Units

Students in this course will analyze the political systems of selected developed, transitional, and developing countries of the world in order to understand the importance of political development, political institutions, political actors, political processes, and political change for the dynamics of today’s global society.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

(AA/AS GE, CSU, CSU GE, IGETC, UC)

Intro International Relations

3 Units

This course is a survey of the field of international relations. Students will be introduced to the major theories of international relations and will learn to apply them to contemporary problems in world politics. Issues examined include global peace and security, international political economy, international law and organization, sustainable development, and human rights.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:
(AA/AS-D, CSU-D, IGETC-4)

Model United Nations

3 Units

A course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the role of the United Nations in world affairs. By assuming the role of different countries and by researching crucial topical issues, students will prepare for participation in United Nations simulations. The course will include participation in regional Model United Nations.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

Intro to California Government & Politics

3 Units

This course examines the structure and functions of California state and local governments and politics. Attention will be given to the evolution of the principal features, organization, and operation of state and local governments within the framework of U.S. federalism from the time of the nation’s founding. Emphasis is placed on the role of significant events, major ethnic groups, major social groups in the development of the political structures and processes of California state and local governments and contemporary political issues.

Requisites:

None  

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

(AA/AS-D, CSU-D, IGETC-4)

Intro to Latin American Government & Politics

3 Units

This course provides an analysis of the politics and governance of selected Latin American countries. The course examines political and economic development of Latin America from independence to the present, structure and organization of governments, political participation, the role of religion, and civil-military relations. In addition, major developments in the area of political modernization, democratization, economic growth and modernization, questions of race and identity, and U.S.-Latin American Relations will be explored.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

(CSU-D)

Intro to Middle Eastern Government & Politics

3 Units

This course introduces students to the politics and governance of the Middle East and North Africa. The course will cover the political, social, and economic development of specific countries in the region, conflict, revolution, key individuals, armed conflicts, the role of Islam, Judaism, and Christians, and the role of foreign powers in shaping the politics of the region. The course begins with the origins of the Modern Middle East from the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the First World War (1914-1918), the consequences of the Ottoman Empire's collapse, the rise of the modern nation-state, the role of oil in politics and economic development, Westernization and the Islamic resurgence, and nationalism. The curriculum proceeds to a study of armed conflicts in the region, including, but not limited to, the Arab-Israeli conflict, The War on Terror, and U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East.

Requisites:

None.

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

(CSU-D)

American Foreign Policy

3 Units

This course offers an introduction to American Foreign Policy since World War II. The course provides a chronological assessment of the American decision-making process, key actors, and events in pursuit of American national security, economic, and moral interest from the Cold War to the present era. The course will explore American foreign policy in specific regions of the world including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa while seeking greater understanding of the questions of war and peace, democracy promotion, human rights, economic development, the War on Terror, and the emergence of great power rivalry in the 21st century.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

 (CSU-D)

Intro to Political Theory 

3 Units

A comparative and conceptual analysis of the principal ideological and philosophical approaches to government. This course surveys the important political ideas and alternatives which have been suggested from ancient to modern times. A major emphasis of the course will be to introduce and clarify for the student the basic aspects of nationalism, democracy, orthodox Marxism, anarchism, philosophical conservatism, New Left thought and fascism.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:
(AA/AS-D, CSU-D)

State/Society in Asia Pacific

3 Units

An historical, cultural and social science based comparative analysis of the evolution and current conditions of significant political/economic/social communities within the Asia Pacific Region. The course will focus on the endurance of traditional cultures, the intermingling and grafting of the Asian tradition, the influence of Western values and institutions, socioeconomic development and change, the relationship between individuals and institutions of state, national identity and nationalism, and the importance of globalization for the region. States studied through the above lenses may include China, India, Japan, states of Southeast Asia, the Koreas, Australia, New Zealand, the Russian Pacific, the island states of the Pacific, and states of Central and South Asia.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:
(CSU-D, IGETC-4)

Politics in Film

3 Units

This course uses film to explore major aspects of political life and to examine the cultural creation of meaning about social and political power, values, and activities. Films are studied as social and political products and to enhance understanding of political phenomena in the American and other cultures. These phenomena include social/political movements, civil liberties, electoral politics, war, law, political economy, and race, gender, and class differences and conflict. This course explains for students how they can view films in different political contexts and view politics from different theoretical lenses to gain insight about contemporary political life.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:
(AA/AS-D, CSU-D, IGETC-4)

Internship / Political Science

CSLE

1 Unit

Community Service Learning Experience (CSLE) is a community outreach program which promotes the national agenda of volunteer engagement. The purpose is to provide students an opportunity to explore options and careers in a selected area of study. This course places students with political office holders at the federal, state, and local levels; government and social agencies; non-profit and lobbying groups; law firms, and similar locations.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

N/A

Internship / Political Science

CSLC

2 Units

Community Service Learning Experience (CSLE) is a community outreach program which promotes the national agenda of volunteer engagement. The purpose is to provide students an opportunity to explore options and careers in a selected area of study. This course places students with political office holders at the federal, state, and local levels; government and social agencies; non-profit and lobbying groups; law firms, and similar locations.

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU

Degree / Transfer areas:

N/A

Special Studies / Projects - POSC

1 - 3 Units

Future course description coming

Requisites:

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Must be completed prior to taking this course.

Transfers to:

Degree / Transfer areas:

N/A

Selected Topics - Political Science

CSLE

1 - 3 Units

Future course description coming

Requisites:

N/A

Transfers to:
N/A

Degree / Transfer areas:

N/A

Selected Topics - Political Science

CSLE

1 - 3 Units

Future course description coming

Requisites:

None

Transfers to:

N/A

Degree / Transfer areas:

N/A