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.
What is Political Science?
Political science is an academic discipline focused on the study of government, politics, and power. Political scientists generate and analyze information about the political world using diverse research methodologies and following rigorous academic standards.
At ARC, we help students think like political scientists, developing critical thinking skills and using evidence-based analysis to come to their own conclusions about government and politics. We equip our students with the tools to independently seek and evaluate information, and we support them in reflecting on the theoretical foundations that undergird different political views.
Why Should I Study Political Science?
You can take a math class with no intention of becoming a mathematician. You can take a literature class and never again open a novel. Political science is different. Politics is a world within which you are already deeply immersed, whether you recognize it or not. Studying political science helps you make sense of the political soup we are all swimming in.
Even if you don’t go on to pursue a degree or career in political science, taking a course on government and politics is important (and hopefully enjoyable!)
- Learn about the ways that the government impacts your life, from the toothpaste you used this morning to the high-quality subsidized education you are receiving. Find out where your taxpayer dollars are going and discover benefits for which you are eligible.
- Learn how our government impacts others, both at home and abroad. For example - can you name all of the countries where the US has current military operations?
- As a resident of a democratic nation, learn how you can influence government, from the local to the national level. Even if you are not eligible to vote, you can play an active role in shaping government and our democratic society.
- Learn how power operates within our society outside of the realm of formal politics. How are social hierarchies created or dismantled? How do ideologies spread and change?
- Learn how to critically evaluate and think about international relations, what your role in this system is and can be, and how you can get involved in the process. Compare how other systems of government work around the world.
What Can I Do With A Political Science Degree?
Whether you want to work in Sacramento or Singapore, a political science degree can open doors to exciting career opportunities.
- Advocacy and activism: Work for a non-profit organization or a lobbying firm to influence government and advance issues you care about
- Research and policy analysis: Work within a government institution or a “think-tank” to design and evaluate policy
- Law: Go on to obtain a law degree and shape the interpretation and application of law, as a private lawyer, public defender or prosecutor, or judge
- Foreign service and international development: Work within the US foreign service, an international organization, or an NGO to promote peace and development
- National security: Work within the US national security establishment to identify and address threats to our nation
- Campaigns and elected office: Work for a national, state, or local elected official as a staff member or a campaign organizer - or run for office yourself!
- Public administration: Work within a government agency or other organization to manage and administer programs that impact people’s lives
- Education and academia: Go on to study and teach political science in an educational institution, from high school level to graduate school
Roadmaps
Road maps lay out all of the courses you need to take for a given degree or certificate.
A.A./A.S. Degrees
- Political Science A.A. Degree - general (Full Time) Map
- Political Science A.A. Degree - general (Part Time) Map
- Political Science A.A. Degree - international relations (Full Time) Map
- Political Science A.A. Degree - international relations (Part Time) Map
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Dean Matt Wright
- Department Chair Tressa Tabares
- HomeBase People, Culture, and Society HomeBase
- 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the founding and development of the U.S. and California Constitution. (CCN)
- critique governing institutions and political processes within the United States and California. (CCN)
- employ introductory political science research methods to contextualize contemporary political issues and operations in the United States and California. (CCN)
- assess civil liberties and civil rights of individuals and groups as articulated in the U.S. and California Constitutions and subsequent court decisions. (CCN)
- investigate the role of identity and political ideology in shaping public opinion and public policy in the United States and California. (CCN)
- analyze how to effectively participate in politics at the national, state, county, and/or city levels. (CCN)
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast different political systems, regimes, and ideologies.
- evaluate patterns of political behavior and policy choice.
- assess how regime type and the design of political institutions and processes affect policy, economic development, and political stability.
- examine how citizen and interest group participation influence political systems.
- analyze the role of political culture and its influence on political institutions and political behavior.
- explain the origins of the modern state and evaluate characteristics necessary for state formation.
- identify different relationships between states and markets.
- construct questions, theories, and hypotheses of political behavior.
- assess the impact of the relationship between states and markets on economic development.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess the relationship between citizens and the state of California with emphasis on the impacts of cultural, economic, political, and social diversity.
- compare and contrast the structure of California government and the federal model.
- describe the various institutions of California government and how each functions in the policymaking process.
- analyze the effects of structural differences between the federal model and the structure of California government institutions on the policy making process and political behavior.
- examine public financing in California and analyze the interconnectedness of federal, state, and local budgets.
- compare and contrast the California and U.S. Constitutions and the effect of these differences on policy making, civil rights and liberties, and political behavior.
- analyze public opinion and the political behavior of California citizens.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the field of international relations and methods associated with research in the field.
- compare and contrast different theoretical approaches to the study of international relations and the roles they play in understanding the international system.
- analyze the evolution of the nation-state system and issues associated with nation-state actors in the international system.
- identify the global south, its experiences, challenges, and responses to world powers.
- analyze the causes and trends of armed conflicts, their resolution, and the causes of international conflict in the 20th Century and 21st Century.
- assess the potential for international law and its use for preservation of world peace and stability.
- critique contending international political economic theories in a changing global economy.
- define key terms used in the study of International Relations.
- research topics related to International Relations issues and principles while demonstrating critical thinking.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain arguments made by political philosophers from different periods of history.
- assess the historical development of ideas regarding just and unjust regimes, government authority, the ends of civil society and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
- critique arguments made by political philosophers from different periods of history.
- compare and contrast various conceptions of just and unjust regimes, justifications for government authority, the ends of civil society, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
- construct theoretical insights into the current problems facing governments and societies.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the philosophical bases for constitutional protection of certain human rights.
- compare and contrast various approaches to judicial interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
- evaluate the current status of constitutional rights as reflected in United States Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Fourteenth Amendment and U.S. law.
- evaluate the current status of constitutional liberties as reflected in U.S. Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Bill of Rights and U.S. law.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess the impact women have had on political institutions, social movements, interest groups, and revolutions.
- evaluate the impact that public policy has on women's lives.
- explain the importance of studying the roles of women in politics globally.
- identify similarities and differences in women's reasons for political organizing, as well as their choice of tactics and methods.
- construct questions, theories, and hypotheses related to the impact of women on politics.
- explain the rationale for state public policies regarding women.
- analyze the current status of women in the developing world.
- compare the different issues that impact women in the developing world to those in the advanced industrial 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the field of international relations and methods associated with research in the field.
- compare and contrast different theoretical approaches to the study of international relations and the roles they play in understanding the international system.
- analyze the evolution of the nation-state system and issues associated with nation-state actors in the international system.
- identify the developing world, its experiences, and challenges.
- analyze the causes and trends of armed conflicts, their resolution, and the causes of international conflict in the 20th Century and 21st Century.
- assess the potential for international law and its use for preservation of world peace and stability.
- critique contending international political economic theories in a changing global economy.
- define and compare key terms used in the study of International Relations.
- analyze complex readings and processes as they apply to contemporary issues in International Relations.
- hypothesize the conditions under which various international relations outcomes are likely to occur and provide theoretical explanations for said outcomes.
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the founding and development of the U.S. and California Constitution.
- critique governing institutions and political processes within the United States and California.
- employ introductory political science research methods to contextualize contemporary political issues and operations in the United States and California.
- assess civil liberties and civil rights of individuals and groups as articulated in the U.S. and California Constitutions and subsequent court decisions.
- investigate the role of identity and political ideology in shaping public opinion and public policy in the United States and California.
- analyze how to effectively participate in politics at the national, state, county, and/or city levels.
- critically analyze and engage in academic inquiry about issues in American politics. (Honors)
- independently conduct and present scholarly research on topics in American government and politics. (Honors)
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain key political processes covered in the course
- assess the relationship between individuals, governmental actors, and the topic covered
- evaluate the the relationship between the governing process and the topic covered
- analyze the impact of the topic covered on the political system under analysis
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.
Faculty
For additional information and political science resources please visit our Political Science Program page.
Check Out Degree Planner
If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.