Political Science

Our political science faculty reflects a unique collection of dedicated and talented scholars, researchers, and teachers. Classroom instruction prepares students to ask difficult questions, learn crucial information, and develop abilities to succeed in any goals, whether that involves a local career or transfer to a major university.

Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy? Theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on them? If so, political science is the major for you. Political science delves into the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It is a social science which uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.  For this information and more provided by the American Political Science Association, visit here:  Student Resources - American Political Science Association (APSA) (apsanet.org)

Here at Fresno City College, beyond offering POLSCI-2, American Government which is also a graduation requirement for the California State University System, our faculty offer courses listed below and are working towards reestablishing the Model United Nations course, POLSCI-25, plus involvement with the Pathway to Law Program.

Pathway to Law School. More  information can be found on the Pathway to Law School link below. If you are interested in the Pathway to Law program, POLSCI-13  might be a course you would like to take. 

Pathway to Law School | Fresno City College

FCC Political Science courses in addition to POLSCI-2, American Government

POLS-1:  Modern Politics

This course serves as an introduction to political science. It is designed to familiarize students with basic political concepts, ideologies, political institutions and systems, and discipline subfields. We will explore what political science is, what are the key questions it grapples with as well as theoretical approaches to answering them. We will explore what makes political science a science and get a taste of the various subfields of the discipline like political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. 

POLSCI-3:  Political  Theory

This course invites students to delve into the fundamental questions that have shaped political thought for centuries. What is justice, and who gets to define it? What are the origins and limits of political power? How do different theories of the state influence our understanding of freedom and equality? Students will engage with the works of key political theorists, exploring ideas that continue to resonate in today's political landscape. Through critical analysis and discussion, students will grapple with the enduring questions of how societies should be organized, the role of the individual in political life, and the possibilities for achieving a just and equitable world. 

POLSCI-5: Comparative Politics

This class will study political systems and processes in order to understand how they are similar, how they differ, and why. For example, why do some countries have democratic forms of government while others are ruled by authoritarian leaders? Why have some countries developed economically while others still struggle? Why do revolutions occur? These are but a few of the interesting and important questions that we will analyze and discuss in this class. 

POLSCI-13: Legal  and Judicial Reasoning

Course information coming. 

POLSCI-17: Grassroots Democracy

This course bridges the gap between human-centered design and grassroots organizing, empowering students to create innovative, community-driven solutions to social justice challenges. Through hands-on projects, students will learn to empathize with communities, identify key issues, and develop actionable strategies for change. Key activities include designing a social justice campaign, conducting field research to understand community needs, prototyping creative solutions, and presenting their projects to peers and community stakeholders. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to harness the power of design thinking to drive meaningful, bottom-up change.  

POLSCI 24 – International Relations

This course delves into the complex world of International Relations, exploring the forces that shape global interactions among nations, organizations, and individuals. Students will grapple with some of the most pressing questions of our time: What drives conflicts and how can they be resolved? How do global institutions influence state behavior? What role do non-state actors play in shaping the international order? How do economic, cultural, and environmental factors intersect with politics on the global stage?

Degrees

• Political Science Associate in Arts for Transfer (F.7450.AA-T)
• Liberal Arts with Emphasis in History/Political Science (F.5141.AA)
• Liberal Arts with Emphasis in History/Political Science (F.5141.AA-T)

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Courses and Information

To see recommended courses, see the Catalog. To see upcoming scheduled classes, see the Schedule of Classes.