Political Science
Overview
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
- Interim Dean Jeff Moran
-
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 California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
(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, 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 | |
| COMM 335 | Conflict Management (3) | |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 (3) | |
| or HIST 321 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST C1002H | United States History since 1865 - Honors (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 C1000 | Introduction to Statistics (4) | |
| or STAT C1000H | Introduction to 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 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:
- 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, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| POLS 480 | Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3) | |
| POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - 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 C1001 | United States History to 1877 (3) | |
| or HIST 320 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST C1001H | United States History to 1877 - Honors (3) | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 (3) | |
| or HIST 321 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST C1002H | United States History since 1865 - Honors (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 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
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.
Political Science (POLS) Courses
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- 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: Introduction to Government: United States. This course is not open to students who have completed POLS 301, POLS 481, or C1000H.
POLS 302 Comparative Politics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- 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. 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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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 C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- 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, this course emphasizes participatory engagement and independent learning. The instructional materials and assessments are more challenging as compared to non-honors courses. This honors politics course focuses on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that extend past those developed in a traditional politics course. This rigorous course requires the analysis of complex materials. It emphasizes the writing of carefully reasoned, stylistically sophisticated original research projects. The course also emphasizes presentation of independent and collaborative research. 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 - 72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
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, 2026
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, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Catalog
- Introduction Toggle Introduction Menu
- Getting Started Toggle Getting Started Menu
-
While You Are Here
Toggle While You Are Here Menu
- Financial Aid Toggle Financial Aid Menu
- College and Academic Regulations Toggle College and Academic Regulations Menu
- Enrollment Verification
- Credit for Prior Learning and Alternative Study Options Toggle Credit for Prior Learning and Alternative Study Options Menu
- College Safety and Security Toggle College Safety and Security Menu
-
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Toggle Student Rights and Responsibilities Menu
- Academic Rights and Responsibilities
- Access to Student Records (FERPA)
- Alcohol, Drug, and Smoking Policy
- Computer and Internet Use Policy
- Copyright and Piracy Policy
- Disciplinary Procedures and Due Process
- Photo and Video Policy
- Plagiarism and Cheating Policy
- Right-to-Know Program Completion
- Service Animals on Campus
- Social Media Policy
- Standards of Conduct
- Student Grievance and Class-Related Concerns
- Equal Opportunity, Equity, Discrimination, and Harassment Toggle Equal Opportunity, Equity, Discrimination, and Harassment Menu
- Graduation and Transfer Toggle Graduation and Transfer Menu
-
Programs of Study
Toggle Programs of Study Menu
- List of Degrees and Certificates
- Description of Courses Toggle Description of Courses Menu
- Course Prefixes
- Cross-Listed Courses
- Meta Majors
-
List of Programs
Toggle List of Programs Menu
- Accounting
- Administration of Justice
- Air Traffic Control
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program
- Allied Health
- Anthropology
- Art
- Art History
- Astronomy
- Aviation
- Barbering
- Biology
- Business
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Course Sequence
- Communication
- Community Healthcare Worker
- Community Leadership Development
- Computer Information Science
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Manufacturing
- Cosmetology
- Deaf Culture and American Sign Language Studies
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Design and Digital Media
- Early Childhood Education
- Economics
- Education/Teaching
- Electronics Technology
- Engineering
- Engineering Design Technology
- English
- English Course Sequence
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- English as a Second Language Noncredit
- ESL Course Sequence
- Ethnic Studies
- Fashion
- General Education - Transfer
- Geography
- Geology
- Gerontology
- Global Studies
- Health Education
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- History
- Honors
- Human Services
- Human/Career Development
- Humanities
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Technician
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- International Studies
- Journalism
- Kinesiology
- Law, Public Policy, and Society
- Legal Studies
- Library Program
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical-Electrical Technology
- Modern Making
- Music
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Food Science
- Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
- Occupational Therapy Assisting
- Optical Technology
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Railroad Operations
- Real Estate
- Recreation
- Sociology
- Social Justice Studies
- Social Work and Community Studies
- Student Government
- Surveying (Geomatics)
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Arts Film
- Tutor Education and Learning Assistance
- Women and Gender Studies
- Work Experience
- World Languages
- Administrators, Faculty, and Staff Toggle Administrators, Faculty, and Staff Menu
- Index
- Catalog Archives