Political Science
11 courses · Solano Community College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Spring 2026
POLS 002 Introduction to Comparative Government
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 130
The political institutions of selected industrialized and developing nations are examined comparatively. Emphasis is on the formation of political institutions; government; political culture; ethnic groups; citizen and interest participation; political parties; and modern bureaucratic public policy roles. This course includes a 10-12 page writing assignment. (Formerly PLSC 002)
POLS 003 Introduction to International Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 140
An introductory study of the international system from the U.S. perspective focusing on such concepts as the nation state and nationalism, power, war and military strategy, international law and approaches to international peace and stability. (Formerly PLSC 003)
POLS 004 Introduction to Political Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 150
An introduction to political science designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, political systems, and subfields within political science. (Formerly PLSC 004)
POLS 005 Constitutional Rights in a Multicultural Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to Constitutional rights, this course will highlight the impact of European, Native American, African American, Asian American, and Latino American cultures on United States and California law and government. The effect of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches will be explored. Cross-cultural issues will also be an integral part of this inquiry, including the freedom of expression, religious culture, and the politics of ethnic groups. (Formerly PLSC 005)
POLS 006 Introduction to Political Philosophy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 120
An inquiry into fundamental political concepts in political thought (e.g. justice, freedom, equality, power, authority, obligation and citizenship) as expressed by major political thinkers. Includes the study of basic skills, criticisms, and methods in political inquiry relevant to the life and education of citizens. Critical reading and writing are required. (Formerly PLSC 006)
POLS 007 International Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 140
An introduction to international relations theory with an examination of national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions and processes as they relate to global issues. Gives students a foundation for the study of international relations, it provides a backdrop to understanding global interdependence, its causes and consequences. Included are political, economic, historical, philosophical, cultural, geographical, and environmental dimensions of interdependence. (Formerly PLSC 007)
POLS 016 The American Legal System
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the American Legal System and influence of other legal systems, emphasizing the evolution of legal concepts in response to the changing environment. The American judicial system will be analyzed to include civil and criminal procedure, torts and contracts. As well as current legal issues including the death penalty, insanity defense, drugs, environmental law, right to die, forensic evidence and role of juries. (Formerly PLSC 016)
POLS 019 Human Rights and Sexual Orientation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to LGBTQIA+ studies with an analysis of a variety of concepts and theories in relation to political science, LGBTQIA+ rights and the law, the politics of AIDS, health issues, the political/religious right, marriage and family, and current LGBTQIA+ agenda issues. (Formerly PLSC 019)
POLS 049 Political Science Honors
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 9 hours lab weekly, 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Must have completed 24 units of college credit with a minimum GPA of 3.3, a minimum of 6 units in the discipline with a grade of "B" or better; ability to work independently and permission of the Dean based on instructor availability.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An independent student project which results in a critical examination of government, politics, or law. Students may enroll in this course up to the maximum number of units over multiple semesters. (Formerly PLSC 049)
POLS 050 Student Leadership
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
A class devoted to the practical application of the governmental process through participation in the student government program. Open to all students.
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 110
This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.