Political science is the study of political philosophies, processes, principles, structures of government, and other political institutions. This academic discipline leads toward an understanding of 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.
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
- Brandman 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
State Control Number: 33022
Program Code: POLST.AA or POLST.IGETC.AA
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
The importance of politics in everyday life has been gaining momentum. There is not one professional management career area that is exempt from politics and navigating the political world, such as working with government or grappling with local, national and international issues. Knowledge of policy processes and exposure to different political systems helps build the critical reading, writing and thinking skills necessary for success in any field. The Political Science curriculum adequately prepares students to transfer to a 4-year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree in political science, international relations, global studies, and public policy. The major requirements for the AA-T degree align with the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Political Science. 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 (for CSU or UC) pattern; 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 |
| List A | ||
| Complete three courses from the following: | 9.0-10.0 | |
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Government And Politics | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory and Thought | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| List B | ||
| Complete two courses from the following, or any List A course not already used: | 6.0 | |
| Global Problems/Issues | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Politics of Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Total Units | 18-19 | |
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. C-ID: POLS 150.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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. C-ID: POLS 110.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
An introduction to the analysis of the historical development and contemporary setting of political relations between and among nation-states, trans-national movements, and international organizations. 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. C-ID: POLS 140.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Comparative analysis of different kinds of political systems, including their history, political institutions, processes and policies, the environments in which they occur, and their consequences. C-ID: POLS 130.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics, with a focus on conceptions of the "common good" and distributive justice, the nature of rights, the significance of "equality" and "liberty". Analysis of selected political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary themes and global challenges, e.g. same-sex marriage, racial justice, economic inequality, health care, war and violence, immigration, debt cancellation, immigration, climate change, international law. Crosslisted with PHIL 114. C-ID: POLS 120.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
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: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This course surveys the research methods employed in the social sciences. Research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, and the collection, interpretation, and reporting of research data, and the ethics of research are introduced.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101, Minimum grade C
Recommended Preparation: MATH 120
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
The course introduces students to the theory and practice of international diplomacy through participation in Model United Nations simulations. The course focuses on the history, structure, and functions of the United Nations; international bargaining and diplomacy; conflict resolution; researching and writing position papers and resolutions; and public speaking. Students are not required to attend a Model United Nations Conference.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
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Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and critical thinking skills as related to political theory, institutional politics and political behavior.
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Analyze political and social issues within a wide variety of assigned formats.
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Recognize the relationships among political actors amongst the different levels of political systems and the political processes for policy development.