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Political Science

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Sacramento City College offers a unique political science experience that combines both the science and arts of politics that can only be fully appreciated in the heart of California’s capital. Faculty provide a strong orientation to the world of politics by blending theory and real-world activities, which students will value throughout their academic and professional careers.

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Political Science
A.A. in Political Science

Dean Dennis Lee
Department Chair Paul Frank
Phone (916) 558-2401
Email frankp@scc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Political Science

This program is designed to provide a clearly articulated curricular track for Sacramento City College students preparing for seamless transfer in Political Science at the California State University while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field. This program will expose students to some of the principles and techniques of political science and help students build a foundation for their personal, academic, or professional interests.

Sacramento City College offers a unique political science experience that combines both the science and art of politics that can only be appreciated in the heart of California's capital. Faculty provide a strong orientation to the world of politics by blending theory and real-world activities, which students will value throughout their academic and professional careers.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

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, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
POLS 301	Introduction to Government: United States (3)	3
or POLS 481	Introduction to Government: United States - 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
COMM 335	Conflict Management (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
HIST 311	History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
or HIST 321	History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
or HIST 484	History of the United States - Honors (3)
PHIL 368	Law, Justice, and Punishment (3)
POLS 304	Introduction to Government: California (3)
POLS 322	Political Ideologies (3)
POLS 340	Women in Politics (3)
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
or STAT 300	Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
or STAT 480	Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4)
SOC 345	Global Women's Issues (3)
or WGS 302	Global Women's Issues (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 overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of political science and governance.
examine and apply theories, concepts, and practices in political theory.
demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary systems and governments.
analyze world politics and diplomacy in the international system.
analyze, investigate, and compare ideological approaches to governmental systems.
demonstrate knowledge of practical applications and evaluations of policy outcomes in a civic culture.
analyze political theory and concepts using critical thinking skills.
research specific topics of discussion in local, state, national, and international politics.
demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods and applications.
apply appropriate technology in the field of political science.
demonstrate knowledge and competence in writing, analysis, and preparation of media release.

Career Information

Completion of the degree can lead to professions in the public or private sector in the areas of law, government, public relations, business, advocacy, lobbying, international relations, diplomacy, and academia.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Political Science

Sacramento City College offers a unique political science experience that combines both the science and arts of politics that can only be fully appreciated in the heart of California's capital. Faculty provide a strong orientation to the world of politics by blending theory and real-world activities, which students will value throughout their academic and professional careers.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 9 units from the following:		9
POLS 301	Introduction to Government: United States (3)
POLS 302	Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310	Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 480	Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3)
POLS 481	Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
POLS 304	Introduction to Government: California (3)
POLS 320	Introduction to Political Theory (3)
POLS 322	Political Ideologies (3)
POLS 340	Women in Politics (3)
POLS 497	Internship in Political Science (1 - 4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
HIST 310	History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
or HIST 320	History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
or HIST 483	History of the United States - Honors (3)
HIST 311	History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
or HIST 321	History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
or HIST 484	History of the United States - Honors (3)
Total Units:		18

The Political Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of political science and governance.
examine and apply theories, concepts, and practices in political theory.
demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary comparative systems and governments.
analyze world politics and diplomacy in the international system.
analyze, investigate, and compare ideological approaches to governmental systems.
demonstrate knowledge of practical applications and evaluations of policy outcomes in civic culture.
analyze political theory and concepts using critical thinking skills.
research specific topics of discussion in local, state, national, and international politics.
demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods and applications.
apply appropriate technology in the field of political science.
demonstrate knowledge and competence in writing, analysis, and preparation of media release.

Career Information

Political Science (POLS) Courses

POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(a); AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area U2; CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4H
C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course, students will examine principles and problems of government, the political process, and democracy as practiced in the United States. This course fulfills federal, state, and local government requirements.

POLS 302 Comparative Politics

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
C-ID:C-ID POLS 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The political systems of selected nations such as Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, Mexico, People's Republic of China, India, South Africa, and Cuba are analyzed. The course will also compare the formation of language, culture, religion, and political institutions, and the role of political culture, political parties, and public policy.

POLS 304 Introduction to Government: California

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(a); AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4H
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the essential organization, institutions, and processes of California state and local government. The state's diversity will be a key theme in explaining California's political history, participation, and policies.

POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course, students will examine the problems, motivating forces, and techniques of conflict resolution among actors within the global nation-state system. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing perspectives among developed and underdeveloped nations.

POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
C-ID:C-ID POLS 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course, students will examine theoretical approaches to politics and ways of thinking about politics, covering important thinkers and topics during the ancient, medieval, and modern periods.

POLS 322 Political Ideologies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course, comparative, conceptual, and historical analysis of competing ideological approaches to government will be covered. Emphasis will be on the theories, values, and assumptions that make up a political ideology and the effect of such theories on a political system.

POLS 340 Women in Politics

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4H
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course, students will learn about current problems affecting women's political participation, particularly running for office, in the United States. Students will analyze the role and impact of cultural attitudes and traditions, self-perceptions, and political groups affecting women’s political participation in America. Students will also critique current studies of eligible women candidates and the decision to run for office, including political ambition, familial issues, political recruitment, perceptions of the electoral environment and campaign process, and gender gap to determine future goals of improving women's representation in electoral politics.

POLS 480 Introduction to International Relations - Honors

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D8; IGETC Area 4H
C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course students will examine the problems, motivating forces, and techniques of conflict resolution among actors within the global nation-state system. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing perspectives among developed and underdeveloped nations. This honors section uses an intensive instructional methodology with extensive research projects on international institutions designed to challenge motivated students. Honors courses are open to students who demonstrate an ability to write carefully reasoned, well-organized essays of varying lengths, are prepared to make clear oral presentations in class, and are able to actively contribute to seminar discussions. Credit may be earned for POLS 310 or POLS 480 but not for both.

POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(a); AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area U2; CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4H
C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this course students will examine principles and problems of government, the political process, and democracy as practiced in the United States. The classes are conducted in a seminar format and requires a higher level of student academic engagement, reading and writing, and course preparation. This honors section uses an intensive instructional methodology with extensive research projects on American institutions designed to challenge motivated students. Honors courses are open to students who demonstrate an ability to write carefully reasoned, well-organized essays of varying lengths, are prepared to make clear oral presentations in class, and are able to actively contribute to seminar discussions. Credit may be earned for POLS 301 or POLS 481 but not for both.

POLS 494 Topics in Political Science

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Content will differ each time course is offered. The objective is to focus content on topics and issues of local, national, or international significance at the time of offering course. (Credit may be earned for HIST 494 or POLS 494, but not for both.) UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admission to the university.

POLS 495 Independent Studies in Political Science

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

An independent studies project involves an individual student or a small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the regularly offered political science courses. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admission to the university.

POLS 497 Internship in Political Science

Units:1 - 4
Hours:54 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to career goals with a cooperating site supervisor.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies. Learning objectives will be developed between the student, employer, and Work Experience Instructor to best meet the students level of learning. During the semester, the student is required to complete 54 hours of related work experience for 1 unit. An additional 54 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 1 unit. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.This course consists of a supervised internship and study in political, governmental, or related organizations.

POLS 499 Experimental Offering in Political Science

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.