Political Science
Overview
Folsom Lake College's political science program studies governmental structures and political systems, as well as examines how individuals and institutions interact within those systems. Courses in the department are designed to introduce students to principle concepts, to stimulate an interest in the connection between theoretical ideas and real world events, and to motivate involvement and participation in the political process. Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively about issues facing them, their communities, their state, and their world.
Faculty in the political science department are widely-traveled and have practical experience in a variety of governmental and political professions. They are focused on providing stimulating instruction in an atmosphere that encourages and emphasizes student participation.
The introductory courses also prepare students for further study of political science and government theories and practice at the university level. Most of the courses offered are transferable to accredited universities and fulfill general education requirements for a variety of major and degree programs and certificates.
Note: All courses require significant writing and research. Completion of ENGWR 101 or eligibility for ENGWR 300 is required for most courses.
- Administration
- Business
- Civil Service
- Foreign Service
- Journalism
- Law
- Legislative Analysis & Advocacy
- Local, State, & Federal Government
- Military Leadership
- Politics
- Public Relations
- Teaching
- Urban Planning
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Division Dean Brian Robinson
- Department Chair David Reese
- Meta-Major Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Phone (916) 361-6330
- Email robinsb@flc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Political Science
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University (CSU). Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Political Science at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU, and the degree does not guarantee admission to a specific CSU campus.
This program has the following 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:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
(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.
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 also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| Required Core (9 units) | ||
| POLS 301 | Introduction to Government: United States (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| List A: Select 2 courses (6 units) from the following or any course not used from the Core | ||
| ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| or PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| or STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| List B: Select 1 course (3 units) from the following | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| COMM 351 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| ECON 302 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| ECON 304 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| ETHNS 300 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| GEOG 322 | Geography of California (3) | |
| PHIL 310 | Introduction to Ethics (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | |
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the fundamentals of political science and governance.
- compare and contrast contemporary comparative systems and governance.
- evaluate the relationship between the governing process and public policy.
- examine how citizen and interest group participation influence political systems.
- analyze the role of culture and its influence on politics.
- assess how the design of political institutions and processes affect policy and stability.
- analyze politics and diplomacy in the international system.
- apply basic research methods to political science.
- analyze political and public policy making processes, and relate these to current issues and problems, for evaluating political events and their role in the political system.
- compare and contrast various theories of justice and the just state.
- evaluate various theories of the purpose of government and apply to a critical analysis of current political events.
Career Information
Career opportunities in political science include, but are not limited to, advocate/organizer, campaign worker, diplomat, educator/teacher, events planner, foreign affairs specialist, lawyer, legislative aide (state and federal), lobbyist, political consultant and public relations specialist.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)
It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines. | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 319 | Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3) | |
| ANTH 323 | Introduction to Archaeology (3) | |
| ANTH 330 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3) | |
| ANTH 341 | Introduction to Linguistics (3) | |
| BUS 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| or ECON 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| BUS 330 | Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3) | |
| BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| COMM 341 | Organizational Communication (3) | |
| COMM 351 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| COMM 363 | Introduction to Communication Theory (3) | |
| ECON 302 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| ECON 304 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| ECE 312 | Child Development (3) | |
| or PSYC 372 | Child Development (3) | |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community (3) | |
| ECE 330 | Infant and Toddler Development (3) | |
| ECE 430 | Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3) | |
| ETHNS 300 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 320 | Introduction to African American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 330 | Introduction to Asian American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 360 | Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 350 | Introduction to Native American Studies (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| GEOG 322 | Geography of California (3) | |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) | |
| HIST 310 | History of the United States (To 1877) (3) | |
| HIST 311 | History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3) | |
| HIST 314 | Recent United States History (3) | |
| HIST 319 | American Environmental History (3) | |
| HIST 331 | Women in American History (3) | |
| HIST 344 | Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3) | |
| HIST 368 | History of France (3) | |
| JOUR 310 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| NUTRI 310 | Cultural Foods of the World (3) | |
| POLS 301 | Introduction to Government: United States (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | |
| PSYC 312 | Biological Psychology (4) | |
| PSYC 320 | Social Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 335 | Research Methods in Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| PSYC 356 | Human Sexuality (3) | |
| PSYC 368 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| or SWHS 331 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| SOC 301 | Social Problems (3) | |
| SOC 310 | Marriage and the Family (3) | |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| SOC 379 | Making Social Change (3) | |
| SWHS 302 | Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).
Political Science (POLS) Courses
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 110
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(a); AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; CSU Area U2; CSU Area U3; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to political science, American government and politics, and is structured to promote political and analytical understanding and thinking regarding American politics and government. Areas of concentration include principles, institutions, problems, processes, theory, philosophy, and ideology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify, describe and explain the theoretical foundations, structures, functions, processes and contemporary issues of the United States and California government institutions.
- develop skills in political analysis and literacy comprehension necessary to conduct basic research and compose writing assignments demonstrating college level composition.
- evaluate the relationship between individuals and the national, state and local governments with emphasis on civil rights, civil liberties, voting behavior and policy implementation.
- obtain the knowledge to become engaged with the American political process.
POLS 302 Comparative Politics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a comparative study and analysis of political systems, ideologies, institutions, policies, cultures, histories, and the development of selected foreign governments. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of both cultural and social dimensions of political behavior and attitudes on the structures and functions of government. Typical nation-states cases will be inclusive of all geographical regions. Instruction will also cover the phenomenon of globalization and its effect on the nation-states examined throughout the course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the history of the field of comparative politics and the methods of political, governmental, and societal comparison.
- present different worldviews and their effects upon the political culture, political systems, ideologies, institutions, and historical development of selected foreign nation-states.
- analyze, synthesize, and explain the differences and similarities of world governments as to their structure, function, and policies.
- understand the basic tasks of government and how different nation-states have approached and continue to approach those tasks.
- explain the concept of culture through its manifestation in politics, political culture, and popular civic participation.
- assess how the design of political institutions and processes affect policy and stability.
- discuss the link between changes in the international system in the time of globalization and its interaction with comparative political thinking.
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 is advised.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to international relations that surveys of the nation-state system, techniques of interaction, the issue of war, nationalism, power alignments, international actors, transnational movements, diplomacy, political economy, and perceptions in world politics. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the processes associated with globalization and the impact such processes have upon the conduct of international relations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the field of international relations and a conceptualization of the methods associated with the research into international phenomena.
- analyze the evolution of the current nation-state system and the problems associated with the conduct of relations among sovereign actors in the international arena.
- conceptualize the primary topics of focus of the field.
- demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to apply international relations theory to ongoing global issues.
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID POLS 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This survey course examines the ideas that have shaped political thought. Concepts and principles such as the individual, community, liberty, equality, justice, natural law and civil society as developed in the works of the major Western, Eastern, and Middle Eastern political philosophers will be analyzed.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- convey the ideas of western, Middle-Eastern, and eastern political philosophers from ancient through modern times and the impact it has had on the development of past and current political institutions.
- trace the evolution and meaning of justice, order, liberty, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
- illustrate how the principles of political theory have influenced the development of past and current political institutions and civil society.
- critically analyze and juxtapose the diverse ideas and viewpoints of western, middle-eastern, and eastern political philosophers from history.
- identify and articulate the challenges of modern political theory.
POLS 495 Independent Studies in Political Science
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
POLS 499 Experimental Offering in Political Science
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
This program is part of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences meta-major.
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