Associate in Arts - Political Science - Transfer Degree

Political Science focuses on politics and government. Where politics focuses on making public decisions, government is the set of institutions through which such decisions are made. In addition to studying the constitution and the History of American Institutions, students can examine the role of the U.S. in the world through the study of International Relations. The Los Medan's College (LMC) Social Science Department invites the students of the esteemed institution to take the academic journey through the discipline of political science; an experience that will explore “who gets what, when, and how,” prepare political science majors for the rigors of study at four-year institutions, and impart the skill-set necessary to achieve success in professional careers and endeavors. Upon completion of the Los Medan's College Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Political Science, LMC students will be eligible for priority admission to CSU academic programs and will have satisfied most prerequisites for upper division baccalaureate study in political science. A Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science typically leads to careers in the legal professional, public administration, diplomatic corps, elected office, legislative branch, journalist, lobbyist, and educator. Employment opportunities that utilize political science coursework that do not necessarily require a four-year degree may be found in law enforcement, civil service, civic engagement, and private nonprofit agencies. The Los Medan's College AA-T in Political Science is a multidisciplinary experience that blends an exciting range of social science courses. These courses compliment the broad nature of the political science discipline and may be use to fulfill other disciplinary or institutional requirements. Statement of Program Goals and Objectives (PSLOs): • Read critically and think creatively, resulting in the effective interpretation, in both written and oral forms, of the major political events in American history, media reports, established political theories and concepts, laws and public policy, and personal views about politics. • Demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to the study of American and California governments by recognizing, characterizing, and analyzing the relevance of such major themes as significant American and California historical developments, economic systems, quantitative analysis of political behavior, and the application of science and technology to public policy. • Identify, define, and analyze national and state governmental policies and actions that address a worldview, particularly in the case of multiculturalism and globalization, as well as identify, define, and analyze values and beliefs inherent in American political ideologies, moral issues associated with governmental institutions such as the American legal system, and the varied ethical perspectives of political leaders and citizenry.