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.
Completion of this program can lead to professions in public or private sector in the areas of law, public relations, business, advocacy, lobbying, international relations, diplomacy, and academia.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- 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 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, 2025
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 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) | |
| 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, 2025
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 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, 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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
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:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze, synthesize, and explain the differences and similarities of world governments as to their composition, function, and policies.
- explain the connections between culture, popular culture, and popular civic participation.
- compare specific countries by identifying common denominators and symbiotic relationships.
- identify problems and prospects of specific nations by utilizing comparative data analysis or demographics.
- examine political developments, contributions of underrepresented populations, gender roles, political representations, and equity.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess and critique 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, discuss, and explain the various institutions of California government and how each functions in the policymaking process.
- identify, formulate, and 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 and interpret public financing in California and analyze the interconnectedness of federal, state, and local budgets.
- compare and contrast the California and US constitutions and the effect of these differences on policy making, civil rights, civil liberties, and political behavior.
- apply knowledge to become an active and informed citizen.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- comprehend the complexity of the global nation-state system.
- define key terms used in the study of International Relations.
- compare and contrast regional, cultural, and ideological perceptions of global politics.
- explain the conditions and values necessary for resolving conflicts in the global nation-state system.
- explain how the global nation-state system affects their lives in terms of freedoms, restraints, and public policy.
- apply effective tools of global participation, critical thinking, and research.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian origins of the Western political thought.
- explain the development of a particular category of thought in its own historical context.
- describe the life and times of various political thinkers.
- distinguish continuity from changes in the respective transitions from classic to medieval to modern and to postmodern periods.
- compare the predominant political thought with alternative political thoughts in a particular period of time.
- evaluate significant historical events that give birth to the fundamental assumptions of a political thought.
- integrate thought with practice, using thought as guidance to critically analyze current affairs.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine and define the nature and functions of ideology.
- describe various types of ideologies and their impact on political actors and political systems.
- compare and contrast the ways in which ideologies affect practice and justify political actions in different regions and in different times.
- evaluate the historical, social, and economic settings that determine the broad outlines of the way people think.
- describe the philosophical underpinnings of selected political ideologies.
- analyze the clashes of ideologies in the 21st century and fundamental beliefs used to justify terrorist acts of various forms.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the present state of women's political participation in American politics (all levels of government, but in particular, the federal level) and how we compare to women's level of participation in other countries.
- critically analyze the problems and impact of women’s political participation in America.
- assess how self-perceptions affect women's political participation.
- analyze how cultural attitudes and traditions affect women’s political participation.
- explain and judge the role and impact of political groups on women’s political participation.
- critique current studies of women in politics, specifically involving gender gap, representation, traditional and emerging family roles, political attitudes, and self-perception.
- create future strategies for improving women's political participation.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate comprehension of the complexity of the global nation-state system.
- define key terms used in the study of International Relations.
- compare and contrast regional, cultural, and ideological perceptions of global politics.
- explain the conditions and values necessary for resolving conflicts in the global nation-state system.
- explain how the global nation-state system affects their lives in terms of freedoms, restraints, and public policy.
- apply effective tools of global participation, critical thinking, and research.
- conduct an in-depth research project utilizing primary and secondary sources and applying critical thinking skills to evaluate and synthesize information to produce a substantial academic and scholarly research project.
- engage in scholarly and academic dialogue amidst peers at venues such as Honors Research Conferences to foster learning communities and exhibit commitment for intellectual exchanges.
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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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. 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 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. (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)
- Critically analyze and engage in academic inquiry about issues in American politics.
- Independently conduct and present scholarly research on topics in American government and politics.
POLS 494 Topics in Political Science
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast theories and concepts utilized in the disciplined study of countries and regions.
- synthesize and refine processes of thinking and communicating with regard to other nations in the region enhancing critical thinking analysis skills and independent action.
- evaluate texts and other sources critically and be able to draw rational conclusions from that reading.
- compare leadership forms and content of policy formation and implementation.
- compare and contrast policy options.
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, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- design and discuss a topical study with a supervising political science instructor.
- independently pursue a course of study or project in government.
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, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- reinforce and complement classroom study through application of planned and supervised on-the-job experiences.
- demonstrate practical workplace (soft) skills.
- demonstrate knowledge of the political and government fields.
POLS 499 Experimental Offering in Political Science
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
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