Political Science Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

PROGRAM CODE: 2A31523

The Associate in Arts Degree in Political Science for Transfer, also referred to as the Political Science AA-T Degree, prepares students to transfer to CSU campuses and/or other colleges/universities that offer bachelor's degrees in Political Science. Ed Code Section 66746-66749 states students earning the Political Science AA-T degree will be granted priority admission as a political science major to a local CSU, as determined by the CSU campus to which the student applies. Political Science is the scientific study of government. As such, it encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, including economics, history, law, and philosophy. One major concern of political science is educating each generation to how democracy works, what are its benefits relative to other governmental systems. Lacking such knowledge can threaten our very existence since democracy is dependent upon a well-informed and civic-minded citizenry. This degree is an excellent general preparation for careers in conflict resolution, criminal justice, diplomacy, education, elections, journalism, the practice of law, public administration and public policy, public service, and research. The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees, and there are no additional graduation 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: (a) 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. (3) 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 an acceptable grade for a course in the major only if the P is defined to be equivalent to a C or better. The Political Science AA-T Degree requires a total of 19-20 units.

Outcome 1: Recognize and distinguish between the major theoretical and philosophical principles that inspired the founders to establish the American political system (e.g., confederation, citizenship, federalism, limited government, separation of powers, states’ rights, etc.), apply them to the modern day, and appraise their continued importance in the United States.

Outcome 2: Assess, criticize, and/or defend theoretical and philosophical principles used to establish political systems throughout the world (e.g., liberalism, conservatism, fascism, communism) and elaborate how each principle can change the real-world experience of citizens living under each system.

Outcome 3: Judge different forms of government and sociopolitical organization (e.g., anarchy, aristocracy, democracy, monarchy, oligarchy, tyranny, etc.) and assess which form of government is most ideal.

Outcome 4: Design comprehensive arguments to justify one’s own political positions (taking into account diverse perspectives on various issues) and effectively communicate those positions through verbal, visual, and/or written communication using qualitative and quantitative data accessible through scholarly resources.

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