Political Science

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Program Spotlight

Political Science investigates systems of government and concentrates on the analysis of political activity, political behavior, and international relations both in theory and in practice.

Students enrolled in Political Science classes at Skyline College will explore political systems as they relate to cultural and socio-economic environments. They will also study the relationships between nations and become familiar with the process of theorizing in political science.

 

Student Spotlight

student
Ever since Caroline Barros, former Political Science major at Skyline College, was eight years old, she wanted to be a lawyer: “I like to read, I like to write, there is nothing else for me, except law school.” With the help of Skyline College and the International Student Program, she accomplished much and studied law at UC Berkeley. Read her story.

Skyline College offers an AA-T degree in Political Science for Transfer. In addition, political science classes are a great way to fulfill General Education requirements for many degrees and to prepare for transfer to a four-year university. 

In order to succeed in political science, students will need to develop strong reading, writing, critical thinking and analytical skills and demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills.

Career Outlook

A degree in Political Science can be a gateway to a variety of career trajectories including law, politics, policy, government, journalism, public relations, marketing,  advertising, communications, and much more. Salary ranges for jobs within these trajectories vary greatly.

Check out the Political Science classes offered in upcoming semesters.

Check out the class schedule

Program Type Total Units
Political Science for Transfer AA-T 60 Units
  • Demonstrate an understanding of comparative political systems, especially as they relate to cultural components and socio-economic environments
  • Understand and analyze the key approaches to the study of the relationship between nations as it pertains to their military, economic and diplomatic relations
  • Critically evaluate and be familiar with the nature and process of theorizing in political science and to enable the students to distinguish and categorize different types of methodology and theory utilized in the study of political science
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and values that constitute the underpinnings of the American political institutions as they have evolved throughout history.
Office Information
Location: Building 1
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
Spring 2025 Courses  |  Fall 2024 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Day Class   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
Day Class   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
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Day Class   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
Day Class   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
Online Class 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
Online Class 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
Online Class OPEN 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
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 6b1; Area DUS3
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D US-3), UC
Th TBA Raskin, J
Online Class OPEN 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
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 Full Course Catalog

Primary Contact

Social Science Creative Arts
Social Science Creative Arts (Account for Social Sci/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
More details »

Faculty

Jesse Raskin
Jesse Raskin (Associate Professor)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Legal
raskinj@smccd.edu More details »
Jeff Diamond
Jeff Diamond (Instructor)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Political Science
diamondj@smccd.edu More details »
Kevin Nelson
Kevin Nelson (Instructor)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Economics
nelsonk@smccd.edu
More details »

Acting Dean & Division Assistant

Bianca Rowden-Quince
Bianca Rowden-Quince (Acting Dean of Social Sciences/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
rowdenquinceb@smccd.edu More details »
Lynette Caballero
Lynette Caballero (Division Assistant)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
caballerol@smccd.edu More details »