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Political Science - Associate in Arts (653)

Associate in Arts (653)

Political Science is the study of the theory and practice of government and politics. Students of politics describe and analyze political systems and behavior. Baccalaureate programs offer courses in areas such as public administration, public law, international relations, comparative politics, political behavior, political philosophy, and U.S. government. Community college students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in Political Science are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate degree prior to transfer.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

After completing American Politics and Government (PSC 163), Political Science majors may need to take additional social science courses to meet General Education requirements at the four year institution they plan to attend. students are encouraged to work with academic advisors at their community college and at their transfer institution to select a program of courses that will best satisfy academic requirements at their four year college or university.

Click here for career information: www.svcc.edu:academics/programs/individual/653

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program. Students pursuing social science education should meet with an academic advisor.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
Academic Advising, 815/835-6354
Dr. Paul Edleman, Professor of Speech/Political Science, 815/835-6265

Political Science - IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum

Follow this link for career information.

Total Hours Required - 64 Hours

Suggested Program

First Semester - 17 Hours

• Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
• *Foreign Language 4 Semester hour(s)
• Math 3 Semester hour(s)

• ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A basic course in essay writing with emphasis on exposition, ENG 101 stresses knowledge and application of the rhetorical modes. ENG 101 presupposes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 22 or above; required scores on the current English placement test, or grade of C or higher in ELA 099. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to facilitate the self-development of the student, and introduce students to the expectations of the college community. This course reviews the academic skills that promote success during their college career. Topics will include, but not limited to, identifying campus/community resources, test-taking strategies, career exploration/decision making, problem solving, literacy, and critical thinking. Students will also learn strategies for taking personal responsibility for their academic and career choices. (Students in good standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher), who have accumulated 16 semester hours or more prior to enrolling as a degree seeking student at Sauk are not required to take this class). Semester hour(s): 1 Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

• PSC163 - Am Government & Politics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values, explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process, and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work, and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 900 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 16 Hours

• Foreign Language 4 Semester hour(s)
• Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)

• COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• PSC233 - Politics of the Develop World ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Comparative examination of the political systems of selected non-western countries, including institutions, electoral systems, principles of governance, causes of political instability and revolution, and techniques of political analysis. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 906N Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 14-15 Hours

• Foreign Language 4 Semester hour(s)
• **Life Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• Elective 1 Semester hour

• ECO211 - Principles of Macroeconomics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  A survey of macro-economic theory with emphasis on resource allocation in a mixed-enterprise economy. Concentration is on the operation of the market mechanism. The role of government and labor, national income determination and accounting, monetary and fiscal policy and the neoclassical synthesis. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S3 901 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3/lec week

• PSC232 - Intro to Comparative Gov ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine political systems in several regions of the world. They will gain an understanding of both the diversities and commonalities of political culture, tradition, and practice in selected nations of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 905 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

• Humanities/Foreign Language 4 Semester hour(s)
• **Physical Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 3 Semester hour(s)
• Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)

• PSC261 - International Relations ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is an introduction to international relations and world politics. It includes studies of international conflict, a history of war, a survey of East-West relations, North-South relations and the problems posed by a more integrated global economy. Case studies of current areas of crises will be emphasized. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 904 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Footnotes

• *Competency in a single foreign language through the third or fourth college semester is often required.
• **One lab science required.