Political Science

Associate in Arts for Transfer
2022-2023

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About the Program

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: American Government, California State and Local Government, Comparative Government, Political Theory, Gender, Sexuality, & Politics 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.

About the Degree

The Las Positas College Political Science program offers courses that lead to an Associate of Arts in Political Science for Transfer Degree. Students will have guaranteed admission to a California State University (CSU) campus upon successful completion of the program requirements. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether this degree is the best option for their transfer goals. General education requirements should be selected carefully based on the intended transfer institution.

Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
   2. 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.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C " (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Program Outcomes

• Upon completion of the AA-T in Political Science, students are able to analyze and assess various types of sources in the discipline.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Political Science, students are able to demonstrate an understanding of socioeconomic and/or political power disparities existing along the lines of identities such as race, class, gender, sexuality, legal status, and religion.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Political Science, students are able to demonstrate understanding and application of theories and concepts in political science to contemporary political phenomenon.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Political Science, students are able to research, synthesize, and argue a political thesis.
  
  

Required Core: (4 Units)
Units

Course	Units
POLI 7 Introduction to American Government	4

List A: Select Three (9-10 Units)

Course	Units
POLI 20 Comparative Government	3
POLI 25 Introduction to Political Theory	3
POLI 30 International Relations	3
MATH 40 Statistics and Probability	4

List B: Select Two (6-7 Units)

Course	Units
Any List A course not already used	3-4
POLI 12 Introduction to California State and Local Government	3
POLI 26 Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Politics	3
GS 1 Introduction to Global Studies   or
SOC 5 Introduction to Global Studies	3
HIST 7 US History Through Reconstruction	3
HIST 8 US History Post-Reconstruction	3

Units

Units Category	Units
Total Units in the Major	19 - 20
Additional General Education and Elective Units	40 - 41
Total Units	60

See the Las Positas College California State University General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Elective units are CSU transferable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.

Updated: October 2022