Government/Political Science, Area of Study - General Studies Electives

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Collin College provides general academic courses and electives for students who plan to transfer to a college or university. Because of the various transfer requirements at colleges and universities, and to ensure enrollment in appropriate courses, students should verify course transferability and degree applicability with a Collin College academic advisor and/or the college or university that they plan to attend.

To earn an associate degree, complete the 42 credit hour General Education Core, and 18 credit hours of general studies electives and the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree requirements.

Check with your transfer institution before registering for general studies electives to make sure your courses will be degree applicable to your bachelor’s degree at the transfer institution.

The mission of the Government Department at Collin College is to support students and the college’s broader mission through excellence in undergraduate teaching and research. Through this focus on introductory coursework, thed department integrate the core fields of Political Science and Governance studies - politics, comparative politics, international relations, and public law - to prepare students for successful careers in the discipline, including but not limited to law, journalism, public administration, non-profit leadership, campaign management, political consulting, and academia. To this end, the Goverment Department seeks to build highly knowledgeable students who can utilize the essential core skills of critical thinking, evidence-based argumentation, effective communication (both verbal and written), and productive collaboration with diverse groups. All of this is achieved by focusing on training students to be active, informed, and engaged citizens and residents.

Political Science and Government encompass the study of important topics about citizenship, governance, and politics. This includes analyzing the effects of citizens on government decision making, the responsibilities, powers and strength of government institutions, and the influence and behavior of elected officials and other civil servants. These topics are critical components of what political scientists know about American government and politics, state and local government, comparative government and politics, international relations, political behavior, political economy, political institutions, and political theory. Political scientists pay special attention to the design, implementation, and evaluation of laws and public policies that may affect people’s well-being. In addition to this, political scientists analyze other components of governance beyond the institutions, including political parties, electoral systems, civil rights, constitutionalism, and political theory.

While students are allowed to take any course within the set of course offerings each semester, students are encouraged to complete the Political Science Field of Study to streamline the transfer of credit to any other public college or university in the State of Texas.

The Political Science Field of Study introduces students to the structure of government institutions; the development and impact of constitutions; and contemporary issues affecting local, state, national, and international governments. The field also examines political systems, institutional development, as well as theoretical and direct applications of political behavior. As a field of study, it helps students to develop an understanding of how laws and public policy shape and interact with issues of political ideology, voting rights, gender, civil rights, and civil liberties. It further emphasizes the importance of civic engagement both inside and outside the classroom. By including MATH 1342, students will learn how data is collected and understand the direct skills needed to statistically analyze various topics like public opinion, voting behavior, interstate conflict, and predicting judicial decisions. The study of Political Science and Government will allow students to develop various marketable and transferable skills including critical thinking, leadership, and applied quantitative analysis that can be used in many career fields in the discipline. After successfully completing the Political Science Field of Study, the courses will be transferred and applied to the Bachelors degree in political science and government at any public college or university in Texas as a block.

Department Website
https://www.collin.edu/department/politicalscience/index.html