Political Science

Political science, a social science, is the study of the processes, principles, and structure of government and political institutions, and the analysis of issues governments face in developing policies in the current domestic and global context. Political science contributes to an understanding of democracy that equips students to fulfill the obligations of citizenship.

Political science courses satisfy general education requirements for an associate degree, an associate degree for transfer in political science, an associate degree in social sciences with an emphasis in international relations, and lower division transfer requirements. The Honors Program includes POLI 103H American Government and Politics - Honors.

Faculty

NameOffice Room NumberPhoneEmail
Gao, Rihao CI 314626-914-8836rgao@citruscollege.edu
Peters, Gerhard CI 310626-914-8866gpeters@citruscollege.edu

Contact Information

Division
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dean
Dr. Salima Allahbachayo (Interim)
Administrative Secretary
Gayle Allen
Division Office
CI 120
Division Phone Number
626-914-8860

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Utilize college-level articulation to judge different behavioral science research designs to develop communication skills needed for transfer level course work.
  • Demonstrate analytical and critical analysis skills using college level vocabulary and writing skills for the purposes of successfully navigating a transferable level course.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing numerical data in order to critique historical data and to gain perspective of the role of data in historical research and research methodology.
  • Analyze basic concepts which have been embodied in the structure of governments and governmental systems to develop an understanding of the functions of governments.
  • Analyze the forms of government in terms of civil and human rights as well as international relationships to develop an understanding of the impact of the political process on society.
  • Identify and analyze the environmental, cultural, historical and social factors effecting the development of political systems today to develop an understanding of political systems.
  • Identify and analyze the types of problems associated with political and economic development in society to develop an understanding of the study of political science.
  • Analyze the political theorists and philosophies that have given rise to governmental systems to develop an understanding of the study of political science.

POLI 103
American Government and Politics
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; IGETC 4H; CSUGE D8)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: POLI 103H

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course deals with the origins and functions of the government of the United States with special emphasis on the background and causes of present problems. It meets the United States Constitution graduation requirement and includes local and state government.

POLI 103H
American Government and Politics - Honors
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; IGETC 4H; CSUGE D8)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: POLI 103

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H or eligible for ENGL 101 without support; Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.

This course deals with the origins and functions of the government of the United States with special emphasis on the background and causes of present problems. It meets the United States Constitution graduation requirement and includes local and state government. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes demonstrating strong critical thinking skills through analysis of social scientific literature and original research in a seminar style class format.

POLI 105
Comparative Politics
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; IGETC 4H; CSUGE D8)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An introductory course to acquaint students with the types of governmental systems which people establish in their various localities around the world and the competing values that tend to result in conflicts between opposing groups of people. An in-depth analysis of contending political ideologies, electoral procedures, and governing institutions is the course's main focus. This course is structured to provide a regional and comparative approach to the study of politics at the global level.

POLI 108
Political Theory
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; IGETC 4H; CSUGE D8)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101E or ENGL 101H.

This course traces the development of key concepts in political theory such as justice, democracy, liberty, equality, order, citizenship, sovereignty, power and revolution over the course of Western history to include the ancient, modern, and contemporary periods. The course traces the evolution of key political concepts through an examination of thinkers from these periods, including Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Madison, Mill, Marx, and Arendt.

POLI 116
International Relations
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; IGETC 4H; CSUGE D8)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An examination of basic theories of international relations and their relevance to contemporary world politics.

POLI 120
Principles of United Nations
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; IGETC 4; CSUGE D)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

This course is an introductory study of the United Nations and related international organizations, focusing on the role of the United Nations in world politics. This course focuses on the history, structure and functions of the United Nations and examines the UN principal organs such as the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and the International Court of Justice. This course also introduces students to the theory and practice of international diplomacy. Students will evaluate the success and failure of the theories of collective security, peacekeeping attempts and technological cooperation. Students will participate in Model UN simulations and develop research and writing skills based on global topics. Assignments will consist of researching and writing position papers, and writing effective resolutions.