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Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

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Political Science Courses

POLI 7 - Introduction to American Government

4 units

Introduction to the principles, problems and basic issues of government with particular emphasis on the national government in the United States, including discussion of the American Constitution, and California state and local government. 72 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV, VII. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D8; CSU AI: US2, US3; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 110.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

POLI 12 - Introduction to California State and Local Government

3 units

Organization and operation of government and politics at the state, county and municipal level; emphasis on current issues and the influences of historical, geographical, political, economic and social factors on public policy. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D8; IGETC: 4H.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

POLI 20 - Comparative Government

3 units

Contemporary forms of government, institutions and political problems of selected national governments. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D8; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 130.

Recommended Course Preparation: POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C- Eligibility for ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

POLI 25 - Introduction to Political Theory

3 units

Various theoretical approaches to politics including selected aspects of political thought from ancient times to the present with application of current political thought. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D8; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 120.

Recommended Course Preparation: Eligibility for ENG 1A. POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

POLI 26 - Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Politics

3 units

Gender, Sexuality, and Politics illustrates that politics involves more than the institutions of government and representation. Politics also revolves around social, cultural, economic, and legal structures as well. The course examines the impact of politics on the lives of cis women and LGBTQ people and their reciprocal impact on politics, primarily in United States but contextualized using intersectional and comparative methods. Students will think critically about the theories and relationship of gender, sexuality, and power. Assessment of the role and impact of individuals, groups, and cultural attitudes and traditions involved in the women’s and LGBTQ rights movements, exploring the debates over theory and strategy that have worked to their advantage and disadvantage to achieve social policy aimed at bringing equality. The course uses historical and topical approaches, analyzing the struggles for gaining a political voice and participation, with discussion of public policies, and a critique of contemporary issues and self-perceptions that affect cis women and LGBTQ people's political rights. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D; IGETC: 4.

Recommended Course Preparation: POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

POLI 29 - Independent Study, Political Science

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Study". 27-108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass

POLI 30 - International Relations

3 units

Introduction to international relations, politics, theories and institutions with an emphasis on contemporary practices. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: IV. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: D8; IGETC: 4H; C-ID# POLS 140.

Recommended Course Preparation: POLI 7 with a minimum grade of C. Eligibility for ENG 1A.

  • Credit - Degree Applicable
  • Grading Option: Letter or Pass/No Pass