Classes in pols

POLS 1 Introduction to American Government 3.0 units
Description: Explores the development of American political institutions and their utilization in dealing with issues arising at the international, national and state levels. Emphasis is placed on those problems which have defined our federal system of government. California government and appropriate state institutions will be included as a vital part of our federal system of government. (C-ID: POLS 110)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe and analyze the critical issues in the evolution of the U.S. Constitution.
2. Identify and evaluate the role of the three major branches of the American national government.
3. Identify and evaluate the leading theories onAmerican governance.
4. Identify the major interest groups in American society and assess their impact on the democratic process.
5. Identify and evaluate America's progress in its pursuit of equal opportunity and justice for all.
6. Analyze the role of culture, diversity and ideology in shaping public opinion and public policy in the U.S. and California.


POLS 3 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3.0 units
Description: Comparative survey of political institutions and processes around the globe. Selected nations may include, but are not restricted to: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, India, Nigeria, and Mexico. (C-ID: POLS 130) ADVISORY: Eligible for English 250 and English 260.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and evaluate the various political systems in the world.
2. Identify and evaluate why different political systems have developed the way they have.
3. Compare and contrast various political systems with that of the United States.
4. Develop and demonstrate an understanding of diverse people and cultures.


POLS 4 Introduction to International Relations 3.0 units
Description: This course provides an introduction to key contemporary international problems and the means to analyze them. Major parts of the course cover such topics as war and peace, foreign policymaking, the international economy, and future trends in world politics. (C-ID: POLS 140)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and critically evaluate the origins of the modern world system.
2. Identify, define, and evaluate important international relations terms and concepts such as power, the North-South economic gap, ethnic conflict and so on.
3. Identify and critically evaluate the key theories in the field: feminist theories, classical realism, idealism, Marxism, and power transition theory among others.
4. Identify and evaluate the relevancy of key current problems (AIDS, over-population, war, global warming, female genital mutilation and so on), and likely trends in world politics.
5. Identify, investigate and complete research on an international topic of relevancy and concern.
6. Identify and assess the degree of complexity and diversity existing in today's global system.


POLS 5 Introduction to Modern International Terrorism 3.0 units
Description: This course centers on conceptually defining terrorism (all types-foreign and domestic, left and right-wing, religious, environmental, and political, state and non-state), tracing the history and beginnings of modern international and domestic terrorism, critically examining the various U.S.- global responses to the 9-11-01 attacks, as well as generally evaluating and assessing how countries and people around the world try to cope with, prevent and/or respond to attacks by terrorist organizations, groups, or acts of terrorism perpetrated by nation-states or groups working with nation-states. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. This course is also listed as AJ 5.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and analyze the historical and conceptual frameworks that precipitate terrorism in the modern world
2. Illustrate ideology, method, and motivation of numerous modern terrorist groups, in both domestic and non-Western societies, including how global problems impact a group's decision to engage in terrorist activities
3. Recognize the interconnection between actors in the international system and the affects that terrorism in one country have on other countries. Identify the role of cooperation in solving complex international problems.
4. Employ the methods of research to find information, analyze its content, and incorporate information into written work about international terrorism
5. Explain and define the concept"International Terrorism"
6. Identity and analyze the roots/history of international terrorism
7. Identify and analyze the structure and significance of domestic terrorism throughout the world
8. Identify, explain, and analyze counter-terrorism strategies employed by governments and communities around the world
9. Explain and analyze the social, political, and economic precedents which cultivate terror and the psychological results that follow terrorist attacks in order to recognize shared international problems related to national security and terrorism and to compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions.
10. Evaluate theories regarding the methods decision-makers use to resolve conflict and better understand the nature of value judgments.


POLS 6 Introduction to Conflict Resolution 3.0 units
Description: Introduction to Conflict Resolution introduces students to non-violent communication skills, conflict resolution, and mediation models. Integrating non-violent theory and practice, students will apply core concepts about the causes of conflict; choose, practice and evaluate communication skills in a variety of settings on campus and in the community; and formulate appropriate conflict resolution strategies based on analysis of varying conflict situations with sensitivity to ethnicity, class, sexuality, and gender influences. They will also develop and practice basic co-mediation skills in formal and informal settings. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. This course is also listed as PSYC 6 and CMUN 6 ADVISORY: English 250 and English 260.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Compare, evaluate, and practice alternatives to violence in a variety of situations with a variety of different kinds of people.
2. Identify various communication styles that exacerbate or resolve conflict.
3. Identify, summarize, and address core issues for various stakeholders in real-life conflict situations.
4. Explain the history of nonviolence and the theory of its most famous and successful practitioners
5. Appraise the impact of various cultural differences upon the definition, recognition, management, and resolution of conflicts
6. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of various means of conflict resolution in differing scenarios, developing a personal


POLS 7 Introduction to California Government and Politics 3.0 units
Description: The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how the state of California is governed. Emphasis will be placed on local elections, political parties, legislative, executive, and judicial power, special interest groups, lobbying, urban politics, how such a diverse and multi-linguistic state be effectively governed, and policy-making, citizen activism and the importance of community service. Major events in the historical development of California and on current issues of significance will be examined in the context of the United States and California state constitutions. ADVISORY: English 250 and English 260.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. List, discuss, and assess the political values and historical events that have shaped California government and politics.
2. Evaluate and assess various political ideologies underlying the California political system.
3. Explain why and how power is distributed and utilized within the political culture, structures, and institutions of California state and local politics.
4. Differentiate among and appraise the relative purpose and impact of different types of political participation (e.g. voting, lobbying, protesting, initiatives, organizing, volunteering, etc).
5. Apply the knowledge gained from the class to engage in a Service Learning Project relevant to achieving a particular student political goal or desired objective.
6. Explain and evaluate the institutions of California politics (alternative democratic processes such as ranked choice voting and citizen oversight groups, parties, interest groups, the media, social movements, the state legislature and executive, bureaucracies, courts, county and city governments, as well as the initiative, referendum, and citizen recall powers).
7. Write clearly, systematically, and analytically about contemporary political issues and policies.
8. Evaluate and assess the form and function of local governments throughout California.
9. Evaluate and assess how a state with such ethnic and linguistic diversity can continue to be governed effectively.


POLS 9 Global Social Change 3.0 units
Description: This course examines the social, economic and political forces that have led to a process known as "globalization." It explores how the global integration of societies, economies, and cultures fundamentally transforms human life with specific emphasis on: the global economy and economic development; transnational political organizations; culture and identity; the effect of globalization on social stratification, including gender/race/ethnic inequalities; transnational migration; environmental change; and transnational social movements. Also listed as SOC 9. PREREQUISITE: English 250 ADVISORY: English 1A

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. To examine how institutional forces shape a global society and reflect critically on the process of global social change
2. To examine the linkages between local and global processes and the ways in which various social groups are affected by the global social change
3. To evaluate theories and explanations of global social change and globalization
4. To analyze global social problems, such as environmental degradation, clandestine migration, gender inequality, global slums, etc. and to propose possible solutions
5. To examine responses to global social changes through various social movements and forms of resistance
6. To analyze the role of information technology and communication flows in global social change and to evaluate their impact on local and global cultures


POLS 10 Introduction to Political Science 3.0 units
Description: Introduction to Political Science introduces students to the discipline of political science. It is designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, theories, political systems, and sub-fields within the field of political science. (C-ID: POLS 150)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the development of political science and its subfields.
2. Identify and assess the key concepts in political science.
3. Evaluate and assess the various qualitative and quantitative approaches in political science
4. Identify and analyze basic political systems and their differences and similarities.
5. Analyze political behavior in global politics.
6. Analyze the role of globalization, terrorism, and international and regional governments.
7. Evaluate and assess the reasons for conflict and cooperation among the various actors and peoples on the world stage.
8. Explain and assess the role of Constitutional governments around the world and the impact they have on various peoples and sub-national groups.
9. Explain and assess how economic policy and political economy impacts the state and the people living in those states.
10. Evaluate the goals, techniques, and global impacts of foreign policy and international politics since the end of WWI.


POLS 12 Introduction to Political Thought 3.0 units
Description: This course provides students with an introduction to and grounding in classical and modern political thought. Students will be introduced to theorists such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Marx. Students will also examine such timeless questions as: "What is justice?" "What is the good life?" and "What is power?" among others. This course is also listed as PHIL 12. Previously POLS 2. (C-ID: POLS 120)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify significant political theories held by major philosophers (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Marx, Rawls, Locke, Kant, etc.)
2. Analyze arguments in political philosophy concerning human nature, justice, rights, government, liberty, law, power, liberalism, etc.
3. Apply philosophical theories to current political and social issues.
4. Evaluate the tension between the common good and individual rights.


POLS 22 Field Work and Service 0.5 units
Description: Supervised field work within the college and with local agencies. Students serve in useful group activities in leadership roles prescribed for them by faculty or community agencies. A maximum of six units may be completed. This is a pass/no pass course. REQUIRED: Learning contracts must be filled out and signed by the student and the supervising instructor.



POLS 23 Independent Study 1.0 units
Description: Designed to afford selected students specialized opportunities for exploring areas at the independent study level. The courses may involve extensive library work, research in the community, or special projects. May be repeated until six units of credit are accrued. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. REQUIRED: The study outline prepared by the student and the instructor must be filed with the department and the dean.



POLS 27 Contemporary Leadership 3.0 units
Description: This course provides a cross-disciplinary approach to the theory and practice of leadership. It covers the five practices and ten commitments of exemplary leadership, effective communication styles, and topics related to gender, culture, ethics, power, parliamentary procedure, and running effective meetings. The skills students will learn in this course are directly applicable to work, personal, and college environments. This course is also listed as GUID 27 and PSYC 27. ADVISORY: Eligible for English 250 and English 260.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and practice major leadership methodologies of social science
2. Develop models for understanding and evaluating political leadership in contemporary and historical democratic social movements.
3. Describe and practice Robert’s Rules of Order, Community College Participatory Governance practices, and California Brown Act regulations.
4. Demonstrate understanding of gender and cultural differences in leadership roles and group interactions.
5. Identify the five practices and ten commitments of exemplary leadership and examine leadership as a function of power.
6. Conduct research on specific social, political, economic, or policy issues showing an ability to interpret broader historical, social, or institutional contexts.
7. Develop intellectual ownership of an issue in social change by working on an intensive project.
8. Describe and analyze how gender, sexuality, disability, race, ethnicity, and class impact individuals' access to leadership opportunities and leadership knowledge and skills.
9. Implement and apply methods of problem solving in community practicum environments.
10. Describe mentoring principles and explain the importance of mentoring in relation to goals for improving current leadership trends.


POLS 32 Introduction to Research Methods 3.0 units
Description: An overview of the methodologies used in experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental research in psychology. Students will learn how to design and conduct research, including formulating hypotheses, reviewing the literature, evaluating ethical issues, selecting methodologies, organizing data, applying statistics, and writing reports. This course is also listed as PSYC 32 and ANTH 32. PREREQUISITE: PSYC 10 with a grade or "C" or better and MATH 5 with a grade of "C" or better.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the basic principles of the scientific method.
2. Understand the relationship between social theory and research.
3. Critically evaluate research findings in terms of quality, credibility, and applicability.
4. Conceptualize and operationalize social variables in formulating testable hypotheses.
5. Examine various research designs and the role of quantitative and qualitative techniques in social science analyses.
6. Describe how social research can be used to make informed decisions.