International Studies

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The International Studies Program is composed of a basic core of courses from a variety of disciplines that provide a common framework for an understanding of historical, economic, cultural and political relations. Each student will also choose one of four areas for specialization: Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Philippines for more extensive study of the history, language, and arts of that area.

International Studies encourages people to think critically and analytically about major international issues, institutions and relations and how those catalysts affect our world.

We offer an Associate of Art Degree for students looking to transfer into an International Studies or related majors at a four year institution and is particularly valuable for students planning a career in education, business, law and other areas where an understanding of diverse cultures is important.

Career Outlook

In order to succeed in international relations, students will need to develop research and writing skills along with strong critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills.

A degree in International Studies provides a broad base of knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of careers including teaching, government service, business administration, law, communications, journalism, finance, and more. The demand for jobs and the pay for these careers varies widely across the nation and the State of California.

The State of California Employment Development Department provides an online Occupational Guide that provides helpful job descriptions, job outlooks and wages, and qualification requirements for a wide variety of careers. Use this guide to find more information about a career that may interest you.

Check out the classes offered in current and upcoming semesters.

Class Schedule

Program	Type	Total Units
International Studies	AA	60 Units
History for Transfer	AA-T	60 Units

Program	Type	Total Units
Political Science for Transfer	AA-T	60 Units

Office Information

Location: Building 1
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu

Spring 2025 Courses | Fall 2024 Courses

Status	Title	Days	Time	Instructor
OPEN	PLSC 130 - 47349 - Intro International Relations PLSC 130 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. Survey of basic elements of international relations, including nationalism, colonialism, and religion in international affairs. Examines such issues as development, population, and environment. Also explores international conflicts, such as between Israel and Palestine. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3).		TBA	Nelson, K
OPEN	PLSC 130 - 47349 - Intro International Relations PLSC 130 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. Survey of basic elements of international relations, including nationalism, colonialism, and religion in international affairs. Examines such issues as development, population, and environment. Also explores international conflicts, such as between Israel and Palestine. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3).		TBA	Nelson, K
OPEN	PLSC 200 - 44385 - National, State & Local Govt PLSC 200 NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ENGL 105, or equivalent. A study of the structure and function of the basic national, state and local government institutions. The course will examine the dynamics of the constitutional power relationship between the respective branches of government and the operational relationship between the national, state and local governments. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D2b).		TBA	Nelson, K
OPEN	PLSC 200 - 44385 - National, State & Local Govt PLSC 200 NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ENGL 105, or equivalent. A study of the structure and function of the basic national, state and local government institutions. The course will examine the dynamics of the constitutional power relationship between the respective branches of government and the operational relationship between the national, state and local governments. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D2b).		TBA	Nelson, K
OPEN	PLSC 200 - 37636 - National, State & Local Govt PLSC 200 NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ENGL 105, or equivalent. A study of the structure and function of the basic national, state and local government institutions. The course will examine the dynamics of the constitutional power relationship between the respective branches of government and the operational relationship between the national, state and local governments. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D2b).	T Th	11:10am-12:25pm	Raskin, J
OPEN	PLSC 200 - 37636 - National, State & Local Govt PLSC 200 NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ENGL 105, or equivalent. A study of the structure and function of the basic national, state and local government institutions. The course will examine the dynamics of the constitutional power relationship between the respective branches of government and the operational relationship between the national, state and local governments. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D2b).	T Th	11:10am-12:25pm	Raskin, J
OPEN	PLSC 210 - 47804 - American Politics PLSC 210 AMERICAN POLITICS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Partially satisfies the American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. The study of the historical and constitutional development of the foundations of the United States political institutions and the dynamics of governmental decision-making processes from the colonial era to the present. Examination of the various sources of political attitudes, roles, and behaviors of political participants and ways political decisions are made by the different units of government. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).		TBA	Nelson, K
OPEN	PLSC 210 - 47804 - American Politics PLSC 210 AMERICAN POLITICS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Partially satisfies the American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. The study of the historical and constitutional development of the foundations of the United States political institutions and the dynamics of governmental decision-making processes from the colonial era to the present. Examination of the various sources of political attitudes, roles, and behaviors of political participants and ways political decisions are made by the different units of government. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).		TBA	Nelson, K
OPEN	PLSC 210 - 48782 - American Politics PLSC 210 AMERICAN POLITICS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Partially satisfies the American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. The study of the historical and constitutional development of the foundations of the United States political institutions and the dynamics of governmental decision-making processes from the colonial era to the present. Examination of the various sources of political attitudes, roles, and behaviors of political participants and ways political decisions are made by the different units of government. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).		TBA	Raskin, J
OPEN	PLSC 210 - 48782 - American Politics PLSC 210 AMERICAN POLITICS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Partially satisfies the American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. The study of the historical and constitutional development of the foundations of the United States political institutions and the dynamics of governmental decision-making processes from the colonial era to the present. Examination of the various sources of political attitudes, roles, and behaviors of political participants and ways political decisions are made by the different units of government. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).		TBA	Raskin, J
OPEN	PLSC 210 - 40953 - American Politics PLSC 210 AMERICAN POLITICS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Partially satisfies the American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. The study of the historical and constitutional development of the foundations of the United States political institutions and the dynamics of governmental decision-making processes from the colonial era to the present. Examination of the various sources of political attitudes, roles, and behaviors of political participants and ways political decisions are made by the different units of government. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).	M W	12:10pm-1:25pm	Diamond, J
OPEN	PLSC 210 - 40953 - American Politics PLSC 210 AMERICAN POLITICS (3) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Partially satisfies the American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. The study of the historical and constitutional development of the foundations of the United States political institutions and the dynamics of governmental decision-making processes from the colonial era to the present. Examination of the various sources of political attitudes, roles, and behaviors of political participants and ways political decisions are made by the different units of government. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).	M W	12:10pm-1:25pm	Diamond, J
OPEN	PLSC 280 - 47745 - Intro to Political Philosophy PLSC 280 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3) (Pass/No Pass or letter grade.) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or equivalent. An introduction to political philosophy. Readings and critical discussion of political philosophies (such as liberalism, conservatism, communitarianism, libertarianism, socialism, feminism, etc.) through readings by influential thinkers (such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Mill, Marx, Rawls, and contemporary writers). Topics include theories of human nature, conceptions of justice, the relationship between the individual and the state, the distribution of wealth and power, the significance of ideology, and the role of markets. Also listed as PHIL 280. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (C2, D3).		TBA	Raskin, J
OPEN	PLSC 280 - 47745 - Intro to Political Philosophy PLSC 280 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3) (Pass/No Pass or letter grade.) Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or equivalent. An introduction to political philosophy. Readings and critical discussion of political philosophies (such as liberalism, conservatism, communitarianism, libertarianism, socialism, feminism, etc.) through readings by influential thinkers (such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Mill, Marx, Rawls, and contemporary writers). Topics include theories of human nature, conceptions of justice, the relationship between the individual and the state, the distribution of wealth and power, the significance of ideology, and the role of markets. Also listed as PHIL 280. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (C2, D3).		TBA	Raskin, J
OPEN for Waitlist	PLSC 310 - 48675 - Calif State & Local Govt PLSC 310 California State and Local Government Examination of local and state governments and their relationship to each other. Among topics to be studied: population growth; initiative process; elections and campaigns; the legislature; the plural executive; California Judiciary; local governments -- counties, cities, school districts, and regional governments; growth and environmental policies; social programs and cultural diversity. Units: 3 Degree Credit Letter Grade Only Lecture hours/semester: 48-54 Homework hours/semester: 96-108 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 6b1; Area DUS3 Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D US-3), UC	Th	TBA	Raskin, J
OPEN for Waitlist	PLSC 310 - 48675 - Calif State & Local Govt PLSC 310 California State and Local Government Examination of local and state governments and their relationship to each other. Among topics to be studied: population growth; initiative process; elections and campaigns; the legislature; the plural executive; California Judiciary; local governments -- counties, cities, school districts, and regional governments; growth and environmental policies; social programs and cultural diversity. Units: 3 Degree Credit Letter Grade Only Lecture hours/semester: 48-54 Homework hours/semester: 96-108 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent. AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 6b1; Area DUS3 Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D US-3), UC	Th	TBA	Raskin, J

The college catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.

View the Catalog Courses for this Degree

Primary Contact

Social Science Creative Arts (Account for Social Sci/Creative Arts)

Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office

socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu

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Acting Dean & Division Assistant

Bianca Rowden-Quince (Acting Dean of Social Sciences/Creative Arts)

Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office

rowdenquinceb@smccd.edu

(650) 738-4155

BLDG 01-1110

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Lynette Caballero (Division Assistant)

Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office

caballerol@smccd.edu

(650) 738-4122

BLDG 01-1108

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