Associate Degree in Political Science College of Alameda

When you study “Politics” in our program at the College of Alameda; we seek to be supportive of your learning goals in being better prepared as a more effective “Global Citizen” in “a Knowledge Economy,” guided by democratic values, and an “ethic of public service” in the 21st Century modern world system. In all of our work together, our area of emphasis is Social Justice and futures consciousness. We accomplish much of our work through the Center for Community Change and Urban Leadership. With information made available to you in an understandable, useful, and illuminating way; YOU will achieve a degree of mastery in a self-reflective approach to applying social-political theories in your own lives, wherein “each moment of your lives is a vote for the future in which you will live” (Francis Moore-Lappe).

So, why study the future? Well, after all, the future is where you will spend the rest of your lives!

What you will learn

Our courses in politics address your needs as a whole person, worker, and citizen in the 21st-century modern world system. By taking these courses, you will learn in Three Program Learning Realms (“outcomes”) in which we seek to prepare you here; you will:

• Achieve a Mastery of a body of knowledge about your world – to see the world more clearly from a larger set of perspectives.
• Achieve Proficiency in critical political thinking and “Futures Consciousness” – to use your knowledge more effectively in the world.
• Greater capacity for personal social and political efficacy – to be better able to apply these perspectives as life skills in living a more satisfying life as:
  • a person,
  • a worker, and
  • a citizen.

Peralta Colleges/Faiza Ali

Required Courses

• POSCI 1 Government and Politics in the United States 3

or

• POSCI 26* U .S . and California Constitution (3)
• POSCI 2 Comparative Government 3
• POSCI 4 Political Theory 3
• POSCI 6 The U .S . Constitution and
• Criminal Due Process (3) 3

or

• POSCI 26* U .S . and California Constitution (3)

Required (two of the following)

• ANTHR 3 Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (3)
• GEOG 2 Cultural Geography (3)
• HIST 7A History of the United States to 1877 (3)
• HIST 7B History of the United States Since 1865 (3)
• HIST 32 The United States Since 1945 (3)
• HUMAN 3 Future Studies (3)
• PHIL 2 Social and Political Philosophy (3)
• POSCI 3 International Relations (3)
• POSCI 8 Law and Democracy (3)
• SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology (3)
• SOC 2 Social Problems (3)
• SOC 3 Sociology of Women (3)
• SOC 5 Minority Groups (3)

Total Required Major Units: 18

*Credit is only allowed for either POSCI 6 or POSCI 26, but not both.

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a degree of knowledge mastery representing the state of the discipline of political science {theoretical and practical knowledge of the historical background and the foundational principles of government and governance (utilizing: description, definition, summarization & explanation )}; and a working knowledge of these in use; with respect to inter-relatedness of humans in the environment, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, and in understanding and acknowledging the significance of daily individual and social actions relative to global issues and the emergence of our shared future.
• Demonstrate a degree of critical political thinking proficiency; as a set of the life skills applied knowledge of the political grounded in futures consciousness; thus enabling one to better access, evaluate, and interpret ideas found in political philosophy and theory and information enabling people so disciplined to communicate effectively, reach conclusions, and solve problems as citizens – part of the governance structure of a political world – such that they may apply these in their professional pursuits should they choose a path of public service or community leadership, or simply community participants.
• Demonstrate a degree of capacity to assume personal & political efficacy and responsibility consistent with democratic-republican values – in the application of socio-political concepts explored in this learning experience (class, classes, program) in a meaningful manner to a person’s own self defined reality in the public, private and social sectors; as part of their everyday life as engaged citizens in the modern world-system; and in the context of global environmental (and other) challenges.

What can I do with a degree in Political Science (POSCI)

The Politics Program at the College of Alameda is an “Applied Politics Department.” Majoring in politics at the College of Alameda can prepare you to move in one of four directions: 1) the traditional major, 2) Violence Prevention and Social Justice Studies; 3) Public Law and Public Service; and 4) Public Administration and Emergency Management / Homeland Security

Political Science majors learn to be strong writers, public speakers, and researchers. Students receive assistance in finding and receiving credit for internships. We promise to work with you in being better prepared with “life-long learning to learn” life success skills — empowering you as you seek employment and in your efforts to transfer to four-year institutions.

Careers for Political Scientists include government employment, public service, public administration, public policy analysis, legislative advocacy, business, international relations, and teaching.