Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Political Science AA-T Degree
Provides students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in the CSU System.
Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.4001
A political science major is a social science degree path that requires students to study government in theory and practice. It provides strong academic preparation for many different career paths, because it connects to a range of policies and issues that affect society.
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree (AA-T in Political Science) initiates a systemic and scholarly study of the politics of influence, human behavior that shape world events. Through this curriculum students are exposed to research methodology that connects them to a formal operational level of reasoning. Political science studies diversity in cultures, how power is exercised or resisted, and how nations are governed.
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree provides the student with the problem solving skills to become active participants in the world around them.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of this course. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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SOC 3
GE
M
3
Stats for Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 1
GE
M
3
Intro to Political Science
POLS 1
Advisory: ENGL 1A with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 7.
The central emphasis of this course is upon the terms and concepts used in the field of political science. Discussion centers upon the nature of political science, the origin and nature of the State, patterns and functions of government, the nature of political ideologies, the nature of the U.S. Constitution and the basic principles of a constitution. It is recommended that students majoring in political science or other social sciences take this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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The central emphasis of this course is upon the terms and concepts used in the field of political science. Discussion centers upon the nature of political science, the origin and nature of the State, patterns and functions of government, the nature of political ideologies, the nature of the U.S. Constitution and the basic principles of a constitution. It is recommended that students majoring in political science or other social sciences take this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
STU 1
GE
3
College Success
STU 1
This course is designed to help students increase their academic potential and begin learning and applying strategies for success in college and life-long learning. Topics include discovering personal and academic goals, self-discovery, study strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, and college resources and policies. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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STU 90
1
Career Choice
STU 90
A course designed for students who are undecided about their educational and/or career goals. Through a series of group exercises, and career development testing, students learn to identify personal values, interests, skills, aversions, and personality patterns and understand how they relate to choices in the world of work. Students learn to access occupational information, develop decision-making skills and set career goals. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalENGL 1C
Pre.
GE
3
Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing
ENGL 1C
This course focuses on critical thinking skills, close textual analysis, and expository and argumentative writing. Students apply critical thinking skills in reading non-fiction and fiction, and in writing essays of definition, cause/effect analysis, argumentation, refutation, and advocacy. Students will learn to use research strategies in analyzing others' ideas and supporting their own. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
GE
3
World Civilization to 1500 CE
HIST 2
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
SOC 2
GE
3
Social Problems
SOC 2
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course explores significant social problems in contemporary society, including the role of power in defining social problems. It examines the process of how social problems arise in society, and their consequences. As an introduction to this topic, the course will focus on understanding how and why social problems develop and the controversies that accompany them. The course will be organized into three main units. The first will consider different theoretical perspectives as well as social science research methods used to identify and understand social problems. The second unit of the course will examine specific social problems associated with the relationship between social inequality and social structure. The third unit of the course will discuss institutional and organizational policies that develop as a result of social problems and the outcomes of those social policy approaches. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course explores significant social problems in contemporary society, including the role of power in defining social problems. It examines the process of how social problems arise in society, and their consequences. As an introduction to this topic, the course will focus on understanding how and why social problems develop and the controversies that accompany them. The course will be organized into three main units. The first will consider different theoretical perspectives as well as social science research methods used to identify and understand social problems. The second unit of the course will examine specific social problems associated with the relationship between social inequality and social structure. The third unit of the course will discuss institutional and organizational policies that develop as a result of social problems and the outcomes of those social policy approaches. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HIST 17A
GE
M
3
United States History
HIST 17A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Fall Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalPOLS 2
GE
M
3
Intro to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
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. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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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. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUM 2
GE
3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ESCI 12
GE
4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Note: Required field trips.
This course is a survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
SOC 25
GE
M
3
Race, Ethnicity, and Society
SOC 25
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States. It utilizes theory to assess the comparative histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian Americans. It introduces major concepts used to understand the lived experiences of historically racialized groups such as social construction of race, racial formation, critical race theory, internal colonialism, and intersectionality. The course emphasizes the role of resistance and agency in advancing the goals of self-determination, decolonization, and equity. SOC 25 and ETHS 3 are cross-listed courses. Students may enroll in one course for credit, but not both. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States. It utilizes theory to assess the comparative histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian Americans. It introduces major concepts used to understand the lived experiences of historically racialized groups such as social construction of race, racial formation, critical race theory, internal colonialism, and intersectionality. The course emphasizes the role of resistance and agency in advancing the goals of self-determination, decolonization, and equity. SOC 25 and ETHS 3 are cross-listed courses. Students may enroll in one course for credit, but not both. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HIST 1A
GE
M
3
History-Western Civilization
HIST 1A
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
A survey of the origins and development of civilization in the western world from pre-history to 1600, with special emphasis on institutions, thought, and culture. The course is designed to show the continuity of western civilization and to overview the heritage of the present generation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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A survey of the origins and development of civilization in the western world from pre-history to 1600, with special emphasis on institutions, thought, and culture. The course is designed to show the continuity of western civilization and to overview the heritage of the present generation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalPOLS 25
GE
M
3
Intro to Internatl Relations
POLS 25
Advisory: POLS 2 with a grade of C or higher; and ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course examines the political, social, and economic methods and processes by which nations of the world conduct relations with each other and within a global system. The course also identifies the role of national, international, transitional, and subnational institutions. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course examines the political, social, and economic methods and processes by which nations of the world conduct relations with each other and within a global system. The course also identifies the role of national, international, transitional, and subnational institutions. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ART 4
GE
3
World Art
ART 4
This is a survey of the visual arts of diverse ethnic and indigenous cultures with an emphasis on both historic and contemporary art. Explored are the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Lectures are focused on the styles, motifs, symbols, rituals and traditions of the cultures by examining their crafts, drawings, sculpture, printmaking and paintings. This course is designed as a Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for the Art History Concentration. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 60
GE
3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Advisory: Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61.
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ADJU 10
GE
3
Intro to Admin of Justice
ADJU 10
This course presents a critical exploration of historical and contemporary issues in Administration of Justice. This includes the studyand analysis of the core principles and components of the American criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections), theevolution of Administration of Justice, criminal behavior theory, crime categories, policing models, challenges in policing, and careeropportunities. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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