Political Science
ApplyProgram 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
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.
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
PLSC 115 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (3 units)
Comparative analysis of different political systems in the international context, including their history, political institutions, processes and policies, the environments in which they occur, and their consequences.
PLSC 130 Introduction to International Relations (3 units)
An introduction to international relations theory with an examination of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions and processes as they relate to global issues.
PLSC 200 National, State and Local Government (3 units)
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy.
PLSC 210 American Politics (3 units)
The study of politics in U.S. with an emphasis on race, gender, and economic inequality. Examination of how political parties, individual actors, and social movements can impact national policy.
PLSC 280 Introduction to Political Philosophy (3 units)
A critical examination of political philosophies such as Liberalism, Conservatism, Communitarianism, Libertarianism, Socialism, Feminism, Marxism, etc. through readings by influential thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Marx, Rawls, and contemporary writers. Topics include theories of human nature, conceptions of justice, the rights of individuals, distribution of wealth and power, the significance of ideology, and the role of markets. Also listed as PHIL 280.
PLSC 310 California State and Local Government (3 units)
Examination of California government and politics at the state and local level. 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. (Note: This course was formerly offered as PLSC 301)
| 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.
Email: mendozaa@smccd.edu
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