Political Science
Overview
Government and politics profoundly impact us every day, from the laws that govern our behavior, to the quality of the water we drink, to the decision of whether to go to war. Political Science encourages critical thinking about how government works at the local, state, national, and international levels, and how we—as democratic participants—can make government work better. Political Science students may pursue a wide range of careers, at home or abroad, in fields such as law, advocacy, diplomacy, and public administration.
Degrees Offered
- A.A.-T. in Political Science
- A.A. in Political Science
- Dean Matt Wright
-
Department Chair
Tressa Tabares
- Phone (916) 484-8283
- Email tabaret@arc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Political Science
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to a California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Political Science at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.
Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (Pursuant to SB1440, §66746):
• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
All ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: | ||
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | |
| or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| or POLS 480 | Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| List A: | ||
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| Any course from the Required Core not already used or | ||
| POLS 304 | Introduction to Government: California (3) | |
| POLS 330 | Constitutional Rights (3) | |
| POLS 342 | Women and Politics from a Global Perspective (3) | |
| PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| or ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| or STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics (4) | |
| or STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4) | |
| List B: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| Any course from the Required Core or List A not already used or | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| HIST 300 | History of Europe and the Mediterranean to 1500 (3) | |
| or HIST 480 | History of Western Civilization - Honors (3) | |
| HIST 302 | History of Europe Since 1500 (3) | |
| or HIST 481 | History of Western Civilization - Honors (3) | |
| PHIL 310 | Introduction to Ethics (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| or SOC 480 | Introductory Sociology - Honors (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the fundamentals of political science and governance.
- compare and contrast contemporary comparative systems and governance.
- evaluate the relationship between the governing process and public policy.
- examine how citizen and interest group participation influence political systems.
- analyze the role of culture and its influence on politics.
- assess how the design of political institutions and processes affect policy and stability.
- analyze politics and diplomacy in the international system.
- apply basic research methods to political science.
- analyze political and public policy making processes, and relate these to current issues and problems, for evaluating political events and their role in the political system.
- compare and contrast various theories of justice and the just state.
- evaluate various theories of the purpose of government and apply to a critical analysis of current political events.
Career Information
Career opportunities related to the study of political science include, but are not limited to, advocate/organizer, campaign worker, diplomat, educator/teacher, events planner, foreign affairs specialist, lawyer, legislative aide (state and federal), lobbyist, political consultant, and public relations specialist.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Political Science
This degree provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of political science. It stresses the systematic study of politics, political institutions and governmental processes, state and local government, public policy, foreign policy, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | 3 |
| or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | 3 |
| or POLS 480 | Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 (3) | |
| or HIST C1001H | United States History to 1877 - Honors (3) | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 (3) | |
| or HIST C1002H | United States History since 1865 - Honors (3) | |
| GLST 301 | Introduction to Global Studies (3) | |
| GLST 302 | Global Issues (3) | |
| POLS 304 | Introduction to Government: California (3) | |
| POLS 330 | Constitutional Rights (3) | |
| POLS 342 | Women and Politics from a Global Perspective (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Political Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the fundamentals of political science and governance.
- compare and contrast contemporary comparative systems and governance.
- evaluate the relationship between the governing process and public policy.
- examine how citizen and interest group participation influence political systems.
- analyze the role of culture and its influence on politics.
- assess how the design of political institutions and processes affect policy and stability.
- analyze politics and diplomacy in the international system.
- apply basic research methods to political science.
- analyze political and public policy making processes, and relate these to current issues and problems, for evaluating political events and their role in the political system.
- compare and contrast various theories of justice and the just state.
- evaluate various theories of the purpose of government and apply to a critical analysis of current political events.
Career Information
This degree is designed to facilitate successful transfer to four-year institutions. Career opportunities in political science include, but are not limited to, advocate/organizer, campaign worker, diplomat, educator/teacher, events planner, foreign affairs specialist, lawyer, legislative aide (state and federal), lobbyist, political consultant, and public relations specialist.
Political Science (POLS) Courses
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course was formerly known as POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States.
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 course was formerly known as POLS 301 and is not open to students who have completed POLS 301, 481, or C1000H.
POLS 302 Comparative Politics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a comparative study and analysis of political systems, ideologies, institutions, policies, cultures, histories, and the development of government within various countries. It emphasizes the cultural and social dimensions of political behavior and attitudes in connection with governmental and political practices typical of particular geographical regions. It also covers an examination of selected developed and lesser developed nation-states from a global perspective.
POLS 304 Introduction to Government: California
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course covers the essential organization, institutions, and processes of California state and local government. It fulfills the California State University requirement for state and local government, but not the requirement for the U.S. Constitution.
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course introduces the academic field of International Relations. It surveys global issues as they relate to theories of international relations, the nation-state system, the role of state and non-state actors, globalization, armed conflict and its causes, international law and conflict resolution, and international political economy. It emphasizes comparing global perspectives among developed and developing nations. This course is not open to students who have completed POLS 480.
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a survey of the ideas that have shaped Western political development, covering important thinkers from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Topics include theories of just and unjust societies, social contract theory, justifications for government authority, and the rights of citizens versus the responsibilities of citizenship.
POLS 330 Constitutional Rights
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a survey of American constitutional rights and civil liberties. Emphasis is placed on analysis of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and related materials dealing with issues arising under the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
POLS 342 Women and Politics from a Global Perspective
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines the impact of politics on women's lives and women's impact on politics from a global perspective. It explores past and current influences on the political and legal status of women as well as women’s participation in the political process throughout the world.
POLS 480 Introduction to International Relations - Honors
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Placement into ENGL C1000H (formerly ENGWR 480) through the Los Rios placement process OR guided self-placement.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines global issues as they relate to theories of international relations, the nation-state system, the role of state and non-state actors, globalization, armed conflict and its causes, international law and conflict resolution, and international political economy. Emphasis is placed on the comparison of global perspectives among developed and developing nations. This seminar-style honors course approaches the topical material through class discussion which encourages problem-solving techniques focusing on current international relations issues. This course is not open to students who have completed POLS 310.
POLS C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course was formerly known as POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors.
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. As an Honors course, classes will be conducted in a seminar format and emphasize participatory engagement and independent learning. The instructional materials and assessments will be more in-depth, complex, and challenging as compared to POLS C1000.
This course was formerly known as POLS 481 and is not open to students who have completed POLS 301, 481, or C1000.
POLS 494 Topics in Political Science
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 102 or 103, and ENGRD 116 with a grade of "C" or better; OR ESLR 320 and ESLW 320 with a grade of "C" or better; OR placement through assessment process.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides the opportunity for concentrated study of specialized topics in Political Science. Each offering focuses on a discrete aspect of the Political Science discipline. Refer to class schedule for class topic. Individual field trips may be required.
POLS 495 Independent Studies in Political Science
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
POLS 499 Experimental Offering in Political Science
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
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