Political science is the study of political philosophies, processes, principles, and the structures of government and other political institutions. This academic discipline leads toward an understanding of the institutions of political ideologies, institutions of government, the roles of citizens and political leaders, interest groups and political parties, the electoral process, and con-temporary issues that surround our public life. This field also includes an analysis of governments around the world and of international relations.
Career Opportunities
Attorney, Budget Analyst, Campaign Consultant/Staff Member, Educator, Foreign Diplomat/International Organization Worker, Government Official/Elected Official, Intelligence Officers & Analysts, Law Enforcement Officer Legislative/Executive Staff Assistant, Lobbyist, National/International Business Position, Nonprofit Organization Staff Member, Print/Broadcast Journalist, Political Party Worker, Urban Planner/City Manager
Faculty
Bozonelos, Dino
Dupree, David
Transfer
- California State University, San Bernardino: Political Science major
- University of California, Riverside: Political Science major
- University of California, Irvine: Political Science Major
- California Baptist University, Riverside: Political Science Major
- Chapman University, Orange: Political Science Major
Local Bachelors Programs - Visit the High Desert Four-Year Universities website.
- Park University, Victor Valley: Public Administration major
For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Political Science, AA-T (33022)
Political science is the study of political philosophies, processes, principles, and the structures of government and other political institutions. This academic discipline leads toward an understanding of the approaches to the study in the field of political science, political ideologies, institutions of government, the roles of citizens and political leaders, interest groups and political parties, the electoral process, and contemporary issues that surround our public life. This field also includes an analysis of governments around the world and of international relations.
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree is aligned with the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Political Science. The goal of the degree is to prepare students for transfer to the California State University system. It is specifically designed to fulfill the lower division requirements for the Baccalaureate degree in Political Science at a California State University. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether this degree is the best option for their transfer goals.
To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC pattern; the Basic/Golden 4 requirements; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| POLS 102 | Introduction to American Government And Politics | 3.0 |
| Complete three courses from the following: | 9.0-10.0 | |
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| Contemporary World Affairs | ||
| Comparative Government | ||
| Political Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
or PSYC 215 | Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences | |
| Complete two courses from the following: | 6.0 | |
| Principles of Economics: Macro | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Politics of Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy And Natural Resource Management | ||
| Global Issues | ||
| Total Units | 18-19 | |
International Studies Certificate of Career Preparation
The International Studies Certificate program at Victor Valley College is designed for students pursuing careers in International affairs. Career Opportunities include: Foreign Diplomat, Homeland Security Analyst, Intelligence Officers & Analysts, International Organization Worker, and International Business Positions.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| POLS 104 | Introduction to Global Studies | 3.0 |
| POLS 110 | Contemporary World Affairs | 3.0 |
| POLS 112 | Comparative Government | 3.0 |
| POLS 113 | Politics of Middle East and North Africa | 3.0 |
| Complete one course from the following: | 3.0-5.0 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Elementary French | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Geography | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Latin American History From 1822 | ||
| Global Issues | ||
| Model United Nations | ||
| Religions of the Middle East & the West | ||
| Elementary Spanish | ||
| Fundamentals of Spanish 101A | ||
| Conversational Spanish I | ||
| Total Units | 15-17 | |
Political Science Courses
An introduction to political science designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, political systems, and subfields within political science. Presents a comprehensive survey of the study of political science, modern political ideologies and movements, participation, institutions of government, political issues and foreign affairs of nation-states around the world.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Examines the workings of our complex system of American government, including: national, California state, and local levels (with emphasis on the national level). This survey will focus on the historical and contemporary development of our Constitution, political institutions, citizen participation, politics, and policies. Examines the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to significant problems in contemporary America.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
An introduction to the study of the American political system at the state and local levels of government. Examines the workings of our complex system of federalism by focusing on contemporary state and local government institutions, citizen participation, political problems, politics, and policies. Emphasis is given to the analysis of California political issues, politics and government.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
A survey of the historical and cultural processes that have made the world more interconnected. This course will canvass the "great ideas" that have connected humancivilizations and the processes which ahv initiated and continued the process of globalization. Topics include the cultural, economic, historical, political and religious effects of globalization.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Introduces the analytical approaches to the study of world affairs and theories of international conflict and cooperation. Explores the variety of governmental and non-governmental entities on the world stage today, their foreign policy goals and interests, and instruments and uses of power. Examines contemporary issues confronting the global community and the historical development and uses of international law and organizations.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
An introduction to the comparative analysis of contemporary political systems and their environments around the world. Examines current political institutions, citizen participation, political problems, politics, and policies within these systems. Emphasis is given to selected nation-states in order to provide a broader, representative knowledge encompassing a variety of modern political systems and environments reflecting the geographic regions of the world.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This course will examine the Middle East and North Africa through a comparative politics perspective. This will include an examination of the following items: an overview of the region's histories, geographies, peoples, cultures, religions and languages; the fundamentals of the Islamic and Judaic belief systems; current events such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the War in Iraq and other real and potential geopolitical conflicts. Grade Option.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Introduction to the normative discussion of social organization from a variety of philosophical perspectives. Topics include the nature of the state, rights, the role of law, liberty, distributive justice, and the common good. Emphasis on the American social experience with additional attention given to the global context. Crosslisted with PHIL 114.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Assigned projects involving research, directed study, internship hours or study abroad opportunities for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge in political science on an independent study basis. Enrollment limited to those who meet independent study criteria. Prior to registration, a contract must be prepared. See instructors for details.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course is designed for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or possible career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences. Students must have a co-op approved worksite to enroll in this class and establish new learning objectives.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course examines American environmental policy and how natural resources are managed. The historical, global, and ethical dimensions of how our society relates to the environment are analyzed from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Surveys recent developments in the nature of global interdependence. Examines the major political, economic, and military conflicts of this century and recent problems of population growth, environmental decay, ethnic/national antagonism and violence, and post-Cold War politics. Course content changes based on current events. Grade Option.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
The course introduces students to the theory and practice of international diplomacy through participation in Model United Nations simulations.
Lecture Hours: 54.00
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Program Learning Outcomes
A student receiving a degree or certificate in this field will be able to:
- Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and critical thinking skills as related to political theory, institutional politics and political behavior
- Analyze political and social issues within a wide variety of assigned formats
- Recognize the relationships among political actors within political systems and the political processes for policy development