Program Overview:

Political science is the study of government, public policy, and political behavior. The Political Science program gives students the tools to analyze practices of power by evaluating the policy-making functions of government, social movements, war, and revolution, among other topics. Political science majors receive training in a broad range of quantitative and qualitative methods and learn to conduct research on topics of interest to contemporary political scientists. 

The Political Science Department at MPC is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the many functions of government, both in the United States and in other countries. The courses also allow students to learn about the ways in which social change, issues, political upheaval, and war, effect the ability of governments to perform effectively. Political science majors are encouraged to think about the broad spectrum of issues that the U.S. Government currently faces at home and abroad, in preparation for further academic study and careers in government.

Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Identify the primary theories and methods associated with the four major
    subfields of the political science.
  • Explain the relationship of political outcomes (i.e., constitutions, laws, treaties, wars, etc.) to the institutional structures that have produced them. 
  • Identify the primary variables in the political development of the institutions of U.S. Government.
  • Relate the primary theories of political motivation to the actions of political actors, both individual and institutional.

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Political Science  - Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)

Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer Major Requirements

 Units
Required Core
 3

POLS 1 Introduction to American Government and Politics (3)
 

LIST A: Select three courses from the following: 9-10

 9-10

POLS 2 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (3)

  

POLS 3 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought (3)

  

POLS 4 Introduction to International Relations (3)

  

POLS 7 Introduction to Political Science Research Methods (3)

  

   or  MATH 16  Elementary Statistics (4)

  
   

LIST B: Select two courses from the following:

  6-7
Any List A course not already selected   

POLS 5 Politics of Developing Countries (3)

  

POLS/GWOS 10    Gender in American Politics (3)

  

POLS/ETNC 16     African-Americans in American Government (3)

  

POLS/ETNC 18     Latinos in American Government (3)

  
   
Total Units   18-19

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