Liberal Arts - Political Science A. A. Degree
Political Science is the study of political philosophy and government. Since politics interacts with all aspects of society, political science has a kinship with the social sciences of psychology, sociology, and economics, and with humanities such as philosophy, history, and literature.
Political Science at Middlesex addresses practical questions: “Who has power?” “How are governments organized?” “How are decisions made?” “Who gets what?” It also considers ideas and values such as democracy, liberty, order, equality and justice. Successful completion of the degree is a prelude to a career in Public Service (Government), the Non-Profit Sector, or the Practice of Law.
Upon completion of this program students will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Gather, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from various sources and contexts and apply it in an informed and responsible way to address issues within the field of political science
- Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing using APA formatting.
- Analyze the major frameworks in political science
- Discuss both global and national institutional, governmental, political and public policy systems and structures.
SEMESTER I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Introductory Government and Politics
Course Code : POS-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Survey of politics as a concept and political science as a professional discipline. Specific emphasis is placed on development of democratic institutions and values, and the comparative role of public opinion and citizen participation in modern representative democratic systems. Historical and recent United States federal elections are used as case studies.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Statistics I
Course Code : MAT-123
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test
Co requisites :
MAT-090
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
- Credit : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Sociology
Course Code : SOC-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics: culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : United States National Government
Course Code : POS-220
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
The organization, powers and procedures of the United States national government are presented along with such topics as the role of political parties, electorate behavior and interest groups as a continuing process of United States politics.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Math Elective
Course Code : MAT-EL1
Department Description : Mathematics
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Code : PHI-122
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An examination of the logical experience through speech and images. Students will explore the elements of sound reasoning, the nature of arguments, and analyze rhetorical strategies and fallacies. The course enhances students’ critical thinking and promotes academic inquiry across all disciplines.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Ethics
Course Code : PHI-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
A study of the basic theories, methods, and problems of ethics and morality. Students will apply ethical principles and problem solving models to examples taken from everyday life.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Social and Political Philosophy
Course Code : PHI-232
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
Course Description :
An examination of the principles that establish and justify a society and determine the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Students will consider the application of these principles to such issues as justice, human rights, political and social institutions, and the world community. The general theme of this course will center on the relationship between the development of civilization and the improvement of human beings (morally, socially, and politically).
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3 - 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : 200-Level POS Elective
Course Code : POS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
Suggested Diversity Electives:
SOC-205 - Diversity and Multiculturalism in US Society
HIS-260 - Dimensions of Prejudice, Genocide and the Holocaust
Short Title : GE Laboratory Science Elective
Course Code : Laboratory Science
Department Description : Laboratory Science
- Credit : 4
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
SEMESTER 4
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : 200-Level POS Elective
Course Code : POS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Principles of Economics I
Course Code : ECO-201
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Introduces the foundations of economic analysis and explores the problems of macroeconomics, including national income, equilibrium analysis and fiscal and monetary policy. The public sector of the national economy is also stressed.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the algebra portion of the College placement test or MAT-013
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Principles of Economics II
Course Code : ECO-202
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Microeconomics: includes such topics as the price system, allocation of resources, distribution of income and the prospects for economic change. International trade is also studied.
Prerequisites :
ECO-201 or written permission of the department chairperson
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : World Geography
Course Code : GLS-131
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
For many years, the United States has been the global world economic power; both politically and culturally its influence has been felt around the world. More recently other countries are thriving economically, and emerging markets in Brazil, India, Russia, Singapore and Turkey are influencing global economics. Cultural and political events around the world are more than ever interconnected. This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the various regions of the world by focusing on both the spatial distribution of physical factors and the cultural (historical, political and economic) factors that affect countries. This course will also provide students with the knowledge of diverse world patterns-for example, the impacts of increased energy usage around the world and its effect on global warming and climate change, terrorism and globalization.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Introduction to Psychology
Course Code : PSY-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Contemporary Social Problems
Course Code : SOC-131
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An introduction to the study of social problems in American society. Emphasis is given to social problems related to stratification and inequity of social groups and institutions. Students will analyze social problems from general, theoretical, and research-based point of view, as well as investigate why particular issues become defined as "problems".
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Divisional Elective
Course Code : DIV-EL1
Department Description : Division/Dept Hour
- Credit : 3
Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, AGD, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, CPT, DAN, DMA, EDU, ENG, FRE, FSC, GER, GLS, HCS, HED, HIN, HIS, IDC, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PCP, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.
HED-150 or HED 200 are recommended.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Gather, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from various sources and contexts and apply it in an informed and responsible way to address issues within the field of political science.
- Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing using APA formatting.
- Analyze the major frameworks in political science.
- Discuss both global and national institutional, governmental, political, and public policy systems and structures.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Related Links:
- APSA (American Political Science Association) – http://www.apsanet.org/
- Open Secrets (Campaign Finance and other Election Info) – http://www.opensecrets.org/
- BallotPedia (National and State Election Info) – https://ballotpedia.org/Main_
Page - Governing (State and Local Political Coverage) – http://www.governing.com/
- Star Ledger Politics Section – http://www.nj.com/politics/
- New York Times – https://www.nytimes.com/
- Wall Street Journal – https://www.wsj.com/
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.
