The College of Alameda's Associate in Arts in Political Science for transfer program is designed for students planning to transfer into a Political Science major. Political Science is the study of politics using the skills of social scientific inquiry. Political inquiry examines the human use of power in relationships creating the structures operating human society. Inquiry into politics explores power in its myriad forms and consequences for people as individuals, in groups, and in society. This realm of psycho-socio-political inquiry is an integrated field of study drawing upon all the disciplines of the Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as in the Arts and Humanities.

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to: • Demonstrate a degree of knowledge mastery representing the state of the discipline of political science {theoretical and practical knowledge of the historical background and the foundational principles of government and governance (utilizing: description, definition, summarization & explanation )}; and a working knowledge of these in use; with respect to inter-relatedness of humans in the environment, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, and in understanding and acknowledging the significance of daily individual and social actions relative to global issues and the emergence of our shared future.

• Demonstrate a degree of critical political thinking proficiency; as a set of at the life skills applied knowledge of the political grounded in futures consciousness; thus enabling one to better access, evaluate, and interpret ideas found in political philosophy and theory and information enabling people so disciplined to communicate effectively, reach conclusions, and solve problems as citizens – part of the governance structure of a political world – such that they may apply these in their professional pursuits should they choose a path of public service or community leadership, of simply community participants. • Demonstrate a degree of capacity to assume personal & political efficacy and responsibility consistent with democratic republican values – in the application of socio-political concepts explored in this learning experience (class, classes, program) in a meaningful manner to a person’s own self defined reality in the public, private and social sectors; as part of their everyday life as engaged citizens in the modern world system; and in the context of global environmental (and other) challenges.

Careers in Political Science: Careers often pursued by persons with training and degrees in political science include (but are not limited to): multiple levels of public service and leadership, attorney, diplomat, FBI/ CIA Agent, foreign-service officer, labor organizer/ union representative, legislative aide, politician, public intellectual, research specialist, and teacher.