POLITICAL SCIENCE 1
A. Demonstrate an understanding of certain generalizations about politics
concerning:
1. the impact of political decisions on the general public
2. the process by which political decisions are made
3. the opportunities available to the individual by which he can influence
governmental policy
B. Acquire particular information necessary for the- understanding of the above
generalizations, including the ability to:
1. describe the basic structure of American government
2. explain about the major policy issues facing the U.S. today, thus
demonstrating a familiarity with major political problems.
3. discuss current events
4. demonstrate an understanding of the U.S. Constitution an its historical
development, including the application of civil rights and civil liberties
5. describe the relationship between the three branches of government
6. discuss the organization and development of American political institutions
7. demonstrate an understanding of political parties, interest groups, and voting
behavior
8. compare and contrast the workings of the U.S. government and the workings
of the California state government.
C. Show progress in the development of certain skills, including:
1. the ability to locate, interpret, and apply information about political
procedures and issues.
2. the ability to analyze and form judgment about political matters on the basis
of knowledge of the operation of the political system
3. the ability to analyze political issues so as to see their significance (identify
premises, value judgments, and distinguish these from empirical information).
4. the ability to read the newspaper with comprehension and political awareness
5. the ability to identify the relationship of other disciplines and subject areas
and the political process.
D. Develop the ability to appraise for himself the nature, probable effectiveness and
desirability of his own future political participation.
E. Identify major political office holders.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 2
A. Critically analyze and evaluate a variety of texts and ideas in the field of
Comparative Politics and Political Science.
B. Synthesize the various concepts into integrated interpretation of the comparative
approach to an understanding of various and diverse political thought and action
throughout the world.
C. Compare and contrast a variety of political and economic systems from around
the world.
D. Explain the structure, function and theoretical underpinnings of democracy.
E. Compare and contrast theories and practices that explain the dynamics of
economic and political development
F. Illustrate the dynamics of globalization and its impacts upon the developed and
developing world.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 3
A. Analyze primary source materials
B. Compare and contrast ideological frameworks such as liberalism and socialism.
C. Describe and evaluate the ideas of major political theorists, both in the past and in
the present, from the major regions of the world.
D. Apply theoretical concepts to their own experience, as individuals and political
actors.
E. Examine the assumptions and values that underlie political ideas in a cross-cultural
context.
F. Explain the historical evolution of theoretical concepts and/or ideologies.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 4
A. Analyze the political impact of globalization.
B. Differentiate between competing political theories about globalization.
C. Analyze the relevant history that preceded globalization.
D. Explain the role that international organizations, like the IMF, WTO and World
Bank, has played in globalization.
E. Analyze the changes in attitudes about gender roles, environmental protection and
the role of the individual in society.
F. Analyze the relationship among the government, business, labor, social
movements, and other interest groups in an increasingly globalized world.
G. Analyze the political impact of globalization on the United States of America and
the developed world.
H. Analyze the political impact of globalization on the developing regions of the
world studied that semester.
I. Explain how globalization impacted the collapse of the Soviet empire.
J. Explain how the politics of globalization has impacted the financial crisis of 2008.
K. Summarize, analyze and explain how globalization is changing established social
and political norms.
L. Analyze the changes in attitudes about gender roles, environmental protection and
the role of the individual in society.
M/ Analyze the relationship among the government, business, labor, social
movements, and other interest groups in an increasingly globalized world.
Analyze the political impact of globalization on the United States of America and
the developed world.
Analyze the political impact of globalization on the developing regions of the
world studied that semester.
Explain how globalization impacted the collapse of the Soviet empire.
Explain how the politics of globalization has impacted the financial crisis of 2008.
Summarize, analyze and explain how globalization is changing established social
and political norms.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 5
A. Identify the major theoretical perspectives and approaches of International
Relations and global politics
B. Explain the organization and operations of the International political system
C. Critically compare and contrast the theories of realism, idealism, constructivism.
D. Understand the dynamic interaction of the global state system
E. Discuss the role of non-state actors, multinational corporations, non-government
organizations, and sub-state actors.
F. Identify the causes of war, patterns ethnic and racial conflict, international
cooperation, and competition.
G. Summarize major developments in the global system
H. Analyze and Discuss current threats to global peace, security, and stability.
I. Understand the role of globalization, environmental changes, and population
changes in the global system.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 12
A. Demonstrate the ability to understand the relationship between race, ethnicity and
politics.
B. Identify, analyze, compare and contrast the style, organization, and participatory
behavior of major ethnic groups in the political arena.
C. Recognize the socioeconomic and political similarities and differences among
various ethnic and racial groups.
D. Discuss theories of migration, group formation and political specialization.
E. Distinguish between different theoretical approaches to understanding ethnic
politics, including postmodern and pluralist/liberal models.
F. Identify patterns of ethnic conflict and competition in American society.
G. Summarize major developments in the global system that affect the attitudes
toward and treatment of American ethnic groups.
H. Discuss the salient policy issues that affect and direct ethnic political activity.
I. Describe the developing new area of bi- and multiracial politics.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 13/ LALS 13
A. Analyze the social, political and cultural impact of Latin American and
Latino/a social movements in the Americas
B. Explore the differences between old and new social movements.
C. Evaluate the tensions between Armed/Guerrilla Struggle and Social Movements.
D. Analyze the relationship between the State, the Market and Civil Society in Latin
America and the United States.
E. Analyze the impact of globalization on democracy and social movements in the
United States and Latin America.
F. Analyze the role identity plays in the constitution of new social movements.
G. Examine how social movements arise from and challenge authoritarian political
cultures.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 18
A. Describe the traditional and modem political institutions and their socio-economic
bases.
B. Discuss and explain the role of militarism. Identify key terms and concepts such
as caudillismo, coup d' etat, palace revolt, etc.
C. Identify the various socio-economic problems of Latin America: Illiteracy,
malnutrition, overpopulation, economic dependency, etc.
D. Understand and explain the role and significance of the United States, the Soviet
Union, China, Cuba, Chile, and Nicaragua, EI Salvador in contemporary Latin
American Politics.
E. Compare and contrast the impact of agrarian reforms, revolutions, and foreign
Intervention.
F. Asses the role of important political actors, e.g. church groups, labor unions,
peasant movements, intellectuals and students, the armed forces.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 25
A. Analyze the distribution of decision-making power in the U.S. on local, state and
national levels.
B. Evaluate various tactics and strategies used by groups and individuals to influence
the decision-making process.
C. Analyze the resources of decision-makers, interest groups and individual political
actors.
D. Assess the impact of race, class, gender and identity on political participation and
social change.
E. Apply theoretical approaches to their own experience as political actors.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 41
A. The student will be able to analyze, evaluate and discuss the topic or research
project assigned.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 43
A. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the law with its basic principles and
applications.
B. Identify the important and recurring legal problems facing individuals in every
day life.
C. Discuss the individual's legal rights and privileges and how to protect them.
D. Identify the various types of law (statutory, civil and a criminal case.
E. Discuss first amendments rights and limitations.
F. Compare and contrast the anatomy of a civil and criminal case.
G. Relate the rights of accused persons.
H. Discuss issues in Family Law, including marriage, divorce, adoptions, etc.
I. Demonstrate an understanding of Probate including wills and estate planning.
J. Perform as well-informed laymen who are aware of their rights and who have the
intelligence and understanding to seek adequate legal guidance when necessary
POLITICAL SCIENCE 45
A. Demonstrate knowledge of the nations and peoples that comprise the Middle East.
B. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and political significance of the Middle
East.
C. Identify major political, historical, social, and economic issues and forms of
government in the Middle East and North African countries.
D. Identify the major leaders in the Middle East.
E. Demonstrate knowledge of the major trends in the Middle East.
F. Demonstrate an understanding of current issues and events in the Middle East.