- Las Positas College
- Courses
- Courses - Political Science
Political Science
Political Science students study public issues of the day, as well as the timeless issues of government, public policy, and the political process as preparation for a wide variety of careers. At Las Positas College, courses cover the full spectrum of the political science discipline, from American Government, California State and Local Government, Comparative Government, Political Theory, and International Relations. The academically rigorous program provides opportunities for learning about the political process, fulfilling general education requirements, as well as preparation for transfer, fulfilling the typical lower-division requirements at a four-year institution. The course curriculum is designed for building critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for a variety of careers but also offers avenues for students to actively participate in the political process.
Degrees:
Political Science Courses
POLI 7 - Introduction to American Government
4 units
Introduction to the principles, problems and basic issues of government with particular emphasis on the national government in the United States, including discussion of the American Constitution, and California state and local government. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 72 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D8; CSU AI: US2, US3; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 110.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
POLI 12 - Introduction to California State and Local Government
3 units
Organization and operation of government and politics at the state, county and municipal level; emphasis on current issues and the influences of historical, geographical, political, economic and social factors on public policy. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D8; IGETC: 4H.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
POLI 20 - Comparative Government
3 units
Contemporary forms of government, institutions and political problems of selected national governments. Strongly Recommended: POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C, Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D8; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 130.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
POLI 25 - Introduction to Political Theory
3 units
Various theoretical approaches to politics including selected aspects of political thought from ancient times to the present with application of current political thought. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A, POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D8; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 120.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
POLI 26 - Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Politics
3 units
Gender, Sexuality, and Politics illustrates that politics involves more than the institutions of government and representation. Politics also revolves around social, cultural, economic, and legal structures as well. The course examines the impact of politics on the lives of cis women and LGBTQ people and their reciprocal impact on politics, primarily in United States but contextualized using intersectional and comparative methods. Students will think critically about the theories and relationship of gender, sexuality, and power. Assessment of the role and impact of individuals, groups, and cultural attitudes and traditions involved in the women’s and LGBTQ rights movements, exploring the debates over theory and strategy that have worked to their advantage and disadvantage to achieve social policy aimed at bringing equality. The course uses historical and topical approaches, analyzing the struggles for gaining a political voice and participation, with discussion of public policies, and a critique of contemporary issues and self-perceptions that affect cis women and LGBTQ people's political rights. Strongly Recommended: POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
POLI 29 - Independent Study, Political Science
0.5 - 2 units
For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.
POLI 30 - International Relations
3 units
Introduction to international relations, politics, theories and institutions with an emphasis on contemporary practices. Strongly Recommended: POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C, Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D8; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 140.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
Independent Study
0.5 - 2 units
Independent Study courses are open to all students and employ many combinations of media and educational techniques to create individualized, self-pacing education. Check with the Counseling Center, Building 1600, concerning transferability of Independent Study courses to four-year institutions. Independent Study is contracted through an instructor for research, field experience, or skill development. Independent Study is offered under many subject areas contained in the Catalog using the number 29. Transfer: CSU; UC credit may be granted only after review of course outline by specific UC campus after transfer. Independent Study courses have a grading option of "OP" unless otherwise indicated.
- Degree Applicable, Credit