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
Reading & Composition
ENGL 1A
This course is the transferable course in composition currently offered to qualified freshmen at practically all American colleges and universities. It presupposes that the students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. The course concentrates on developing effective writing and reading. A library research paper is required for successful completion of the course.
This composition class is also taught by Distance Learning. In these sections of ENGL 1A, students will be required to attend class lecture/discussion in a virtual on-line classroom instead of physically attending in a classroom. This will require participation through a text-only Internet connection utilizing a WebCT classroom. Minimum requirement: ability to access World Wide Web addresses. Students may access WebCT through any Internet ramp, including Personal Computer or Web T.V. connection or any Internet connection accessible through the local library, work, school, etc.
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SOC 3
GE
M
3
Statistics for the 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
Introduction 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 intensive course is designed to assist students in obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary to reach their educational objectives. Students will have an opportunity to examine controversial issues of value and conflict, employ effective methods of stress management, and most importantly, apply strategies for achieving academic success. Topics covered include: motivation and discipline, memory development, time management, communication skills, career and transfer planning and a wide variety of student skills and techniques for college success.
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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
GE
3
Critical Reasoning, Reading and Writing
ENGL 1C
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 C.E.
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: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
SOC 2
GE
3
Social Problems
SOC 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
The course involves the student in the formal sociological analysis of some of the major problems of life - crime, delinquency, drug addiction, race relations, etc. Each semester the course emphasizes an investigation of the expression of a problem of consequence to both the nation and local community. This course is also offered as a distance education course in video/CD ROM format, video format and Internet format. In the Internet format, students will attend lectures and discussions in a virtual online classroom instead of meeting with the instructor on campus. Students will participate through an Internet connection. Minimum requirements: ability to access World Wide Web addresses.
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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
Introduction 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. The lecture portion of this course may be offered as distance education.
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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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
Sociology of Minorities
SOC 25
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
A survey course designed to introduce the student to identification and sociological analysis of present-day racial minority groups in the United States. This course is also offered as a distance education course in video/CD ROM format, video format and Internet format. In the Internet format, students will attend lectures and discussions in a virtual online classroom instead of meeting with the instructor on campus. Students will participate through an Internet connection. Minimum requirements: ability to access World Wide Web addresses.
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HIST 1A
GE
M
3
History of 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
Global Politics
POLS 25
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher; and a grade of C or higher in POLS 2.
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with an understanding of the political, social, and economic methods and processes by which nations of the world conduct relations with each other and within a global system. Ideology, nationalism, diplomacy, warfare, and the role of international organizations will be examined. Major events of the last two centuries and present day issues will be examined in the context of a global system of international relations.
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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
Ethnic Art of the World
ART 4
A survey course of the visual arts of Ethnic and Indian Cultures. Explored are the Eskimo, North West Coast, Pueblo, Apache, Navaho, Iroquois, Plains, Southeastern, California, Mexico, Peru, Africa, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, India, Japan, China, and Barbarians. Stress is given to the styles, motifs, symbols and meaning of the cultures by examining crafts, drawings, sculpture, woodcuts and paintings. This course designed for Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for Art History Concentration.
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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. Each of the major natural resources such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils will be covered and students will learn about the environmental policy and laws that govern 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 learning 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. Each of the major natural resources such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils will be covered and students will learn about the environmental policy and laws that govern 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 learning format.
ADJU 10
GE
3
Intro to Administration of Justice
ADJU 10
The history and philosophy of administration of justice in America. Recapitulation of the system, identifying the various sub-systems, role expectations, and their inter-relationships; theories of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation ethics, education and the training for professionalism in the system. This course may be offered in a distance learning format. Required for Administration of Justice majors.
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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
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