Political Science

Division: Social Sciences

Politics (as conflict or struggle over decisions of leadership and policy) happens between nations, within nations, and within the minds of people within nations. It affects almost every aspect of our lives, from the warming of our environment, to the cost of education and health care, to our attitudes toward each other. In the discipline of Political Science, we investigate the nature, causes and consequences of politics. Students will acquire skills to think critically, communicate political ideas, and become more active, informed citizens.

Contact Information

Political Science Faculty Contact

Amy Vega-Pritchett | amyp@cos.edu

Juan Arzola | juana@cos.edu

Randy Villegas | randyv@cos.edu

Social Sciences Division Chair

Marla Prochnow | (559) 730-3723 | marlap@cos.edu
Kern: 730D | Visalia Campus

Dean of Business, Social Science, and Consumer Family Studies

Jesse Wilcoxson, Ed.D. | (559) 737-6281 | jessew@cos.edu
Kern: 716 | Visalia Campus

Associate Degree

For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES

POLS 005 Federal, State and Local Government 3 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

POLS 005 is an introduction to the principles and problems of national, state, and local government with particular emphasis on the Constitution of the United States and the state and local government of California. (C-ID POLS110)

Prerequisites: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.

POLS 006 Comparative Politics 3 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

A comparative analysis of different kinds of political systems, including their history, political institutions, processes and policies, the environments in which they occur, and their consequences. Also included in this course is an analysis of the dynamics of political change and its relationship to economic and social development. (C-ID POLS130)

Prerequisites: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.

POLS 008 International Relations 3 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

This course is a study of relations among nations including the function of power, diplomacy, international law and organizations and economic factors. Special emphasis will be placed on such concepts as war, nationalism, imperialism, ideological conflict and collective security and how these concepts affect American foreign policy.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C. (C-ID POLS140)

POLS 010 California Government and Politics 1 unit(s)

Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion

Introduction to the structure and function of California state government. Satisfies California state and local government requirement for students who have taken Federal, State, and Local Government without a California component or who receive Advanced Placement credit for American Government.

Prerequisites: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.

POLS 011 Political Theory and Thought 3 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

Equivalent Course: POLS 107

This course provides for an examination of various theoretical approaches to politics and of basic political problems and proposed solutions. Additionally, the course includes an analysis of selected political theories and of the relevance of theory to contemporary problems.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 261 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.

POLS 012 Introduction to Political Science 3 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

Equivalent Course: POLS 112

An introduction to political science designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, political systems, and subfields within the political science major.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.