Political Science (POLIT) Courses

POLIT 100  3 Units  
American Politics  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 as determined by SBVC assessment process and READ 015.

This course is a basic introduction to American politics that is designed to meet requirements in United States and California constitution and government with primary emphasis on the American national government. Topics covered include the political philosophy of democracy and constitutionalism; the specific provisions of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; the operations of national political institutions including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court; the role of political parties; and an overview of California government and politics.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: POLS 110

POLIT 110  3 Units  
Introduction to Political Theory  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course is a survey of Western political thought from classical times to the contemporary period. The course explores such controversial topics as the nature of justice, the morality of political deception and violence, the proper limits of governmental power, the virtues (and challenges) of political diversity, and the future of the bourgeois state in an era of globalization.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: POLS 120

POLIT 110H  3 Units  
Introduction to Political Theory - Honors  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course is a survey of Western political thought from classical times to the contemporary period. The course utilizes selected primary texts to explore such controversial topics as the nature of justice, the morality of political deception and violence, the proper limits of governmental power, the virtues (and challenges) of political diversity, and the future of the bourgeois state in an era of globalization. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: POLS 120

POLIT 138  3 Units  
Service Learning: Student Leadership  

Lecture: 18 contact hours
Lab: 108 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course is a service-learning course designed for the development of leadership skills through participation in student government or other campus activities. The topics covered include community college governance, collaborative problem solving, student issues, methods of effective advocacy, parliamentary procedures, relevant laws, and the challenges and opportunities of social diversity.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

POLIT 138H  3 Units  
Service Learning: Student Leadership - Honors  

Lecture: 18 contact hours
Lab: 108 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course is a service-learning course designed for the development of leadership skills through participation in student government or other campus activities. The topics covered include community college governance, collaborative problem solving, student issues, methods of effective advocacy, parliamentary procedures, relevant laws, and the challenges and opportunities of social diversity. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

POLIT 139  3 Units  
Service Learning: Community Leadership  

Lecture: 18 contact hours
Lab: 108 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course is a service-learning course designed for the development of leadership skills through participation in community affairs on the federal, state, and local levels. The topics covered include street-level politics, coalition-building, direct and indirect lobbying, mass media communications, multicultural relations, legal requirements, and other aspects of civic involvement.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

POLIT 139H  3 Units  
Service Learning: Community Leadership - Honors  

Lecture: 18 contact hours
Lab: 108 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This course is a service-learning course designed for the development of leadership skills through participation in community affairs on the federal, state, and local levels. The topics covered include street-level politics, coalition-building, direct and indirect lobbying, mass media communications, multicultural relations, legal requirements, and other aspects of civic involvement. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

POLIT 140  3 Units  
Introduction to Comparative Politics  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: READ 100 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process

This introductory course compares different political systems to evaluate their similarities and dissimilarities with respect to their corresponding political institutions and processes. Themes covered include presidential versus parliamentary democratic governance; authoritarian versus democratic regimes; patterns of state involvement in the political economy; society and citizen participation through interest groups, political parties and elections.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: POLS 130

POLIT 141  3 Units  
Introduction to World Politics  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This introductory course in world politics (international relations) surveys the principal actors, issues and processes involved in international relations. It includes paradigms and approaches in the study of world politics; foreign policy; issues of war and peace; international organizations; international law; globalization; international political economy, including global financial and trade institutions; human rights; and the global environment with respect to sustainable development.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: POLS 140

POLIT 141H  3 Units  
Introduction to World Politics - Honors  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

This introductory course in world politics (international relations) surveys the principal actors, issues and processes involved in international relations. It includes paradigms and approaches in the study of world politics; foreign policy; issues of war and peace; international organizations; international law; globalization; international political economy, including global financial and trade institutions; human rights; and the global environment with respect to sustainable development. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: POLS 140

POLIT 150  3 Units  
Introduction to Public Policy  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Advisory: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course is an introduction to public policy. It introduces the basic concepts and processes underlying policy analysis, including application of these concepts to economic and budgetary policy, health care policy, welfare and social security policy, education policy, and environmental and energy policy, and social and cultural policies. It covers the actors involved in the policy process such as institutions, congress, the executive branch, and groups. It also addresses the theories involved in the policy process as well as the environment in which policy is made in the United States.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

POLIT 222  1-3 Units  
Independent Study in Political Science  

DIR: 162 contact hours

Students with previous course work in Political Science may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of Political Science and related fields. Student work may include but not be limited to readings, research, projects, intern assignments and conferences. Prior to registration, a contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only