Political Science, Humanities and Social Sciences Area of Concentration

Location(s): Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex

Program Checklist (opens a new window) |

Important Information

Short Description

Political science is devoted to understanding systems of government, political activity and events. It examines the practice of politics and power locally, nationally, and on the international stage. Politics plays a critical role in the shaping of our government, our laws, and our society.

Type of Credential

Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Social Sciences
Area of Concentration – Political Science

Program Code

A 255

Contacts and Additional Information

Program Coordinator:

John Dedie
443-840-2408 or jdedie@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

Opportunities to earn Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - For Political Science, see Portfolio, CLEP, and Advanced Placement. Several General Education classes also have CPL opportunities.
Articulation and Transfer Agreements - While there are no program-specific agreements, see other types of agreements such as guaranteed admission, block transfer, and discounts.

Pathway & Track

Social Sciences Pathway: Behavioral & Social Sciences Track

Curriculum Maps

Curriculum Maps are a tool to provide students with a clear understanding of which courses to take and the order in which to complete them. Curriculum Maps help define a student’s individual path towards graduation, ensuring their time and efforts are not spent on credits that fall outside their program of study.

Each map identifies critical courses that must be completed in order to progress through the program and graduate. Curriculum Maps come complete with helpful hints for students - like recommended course electives and a reminder to apply to graduate.

Select the link(s) below to view the Curriculum Map(s) for this program:

Political Science AOC Curriculum Map

Courses Needed for This Area of Concentration*

General Education - 34-36 Credits

General Education Requirements:

CMNS 101 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 101 - College Composition I 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 102 - College Composition II 3 Credit(s).
MATH 125 - Finite Mathematics and Modeling 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credit(s).
POLS 101 - American Government and Politics 3 Credit(s).

General Education Electives:

Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses . One course must be a Diversity course.

Students must have at least 60 credits for an associate degree. Students who choose to take 3 credits of Mathematics and 7 credits of Biological and Physical Sciences, rather than 4 and 8, may need to take an additional class in order to reach at least 60 credits.

Biological and Physical Sciences with Lab (BIOL 107 or BIOL 108 recommended) 4 Credit(s).
Biological and Physical Sciences (ASTM 101 , CHEM 107 or ENVS 101 recommended) 3-4 Credit(s).
Information Technology (CSIT 120 recommended to fulfill Diversity) 3 Credit(s).
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 Credit(s).
Wellness and Health (HLTH 101 or PEFT 101 recommended) 3 Credit(s).

Concentration Requirements and Electives - 24-26 Credits

Concentration Requirements:

Two-Semester Sequence:

Choose a two-semester sequence from the following list:

HIST 101 - Western Civilization I: Ancient and Medieval History 3 Credit(s). **
HIST 102 - Western Civilization II: Modern History 3 Credit(s). **
HIST 111 - History of the United States I 3 Credit(s). **
HIST 112 - History of the United States II 3 Credit(s). **

Critical Thinking:

Choose one from this list:

PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credit(s). (General Education required course)
PHIL 103 - Critical Thinking 3 Credit(s). **
PHIL 240 - Ethics 3 Credit(s). **

Program Electives:

Select 18-23 credits from the following list of electives to attain 60 credits for the degree. Additional electives beyond the list below may be used to complete the degree requirements with the approval of the Program Coordinator/Academic Dean. A student’s selection of General Education electives will determine the total elective credits required to reach 60 credits. Electives should be chosen based on transfer institution requirements.

GEOG 102 - Introduction to Cultural Geography 3 Credit(s). **
POLS 105 - State and Local Government and Politics 3 Credit(s).
POLS 107 - Introduction to the US Congress 3 Credit(s).
POLS 111 - Introduction to Political Science 3 Credit(s). **
POLS 131 - Comparative Government 3 Credit(s). **
POLS 141 - International Relations 3 Credit(s).
POLS 160 - Political Philosophy and Ideology 3 Credit(s).
POLS 200 - Campaigns and Elections 3 Credit(s).
POLS 225 - Constitutional Law 3 Credit(s).
POLS 247 - Contemporary Middle East Politics 3 Credit(s).
POLS 273 - Internship: Political Science 3 Credit(s).

Total Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development 101 . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

** These courses may also be used as a General Education Elective.

Area of Concentration Description

This Area of Concentration is designed to help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a baccalaureate degree with a major in Political Science. Beyond the General Education requirements and other degree, program, and elective requirements, this concentration should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with a transfer coordinator or an advisor for information about specific requirements.

Area of Concentration Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this area of concentration, students will be able to:

write clearly on issues of domestic and international politics;
prepare for active citizenship and begin to develop an ongoing interest in national and global politics with participation as a civically engaged member of society;
analyze political and policy problems and formulate options and strategies;
apply internet and traditional library resources to research key local, state, national and international issues;
demonstrate critical thinking and research skills including the ability to form an argument, detect misconceptions about key issues of policy and politics; and
evaluate the concepts and theories of major political thinkers, authors and philosophers.