Political Science, Area of Concentration in Arts & Sciences (AA)
Award: Associate of Arts Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Professor Stephanie Hallock 443-412-2262, shallock@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
This area of concentration is designed primarily to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs with majors in Political Science or pre-law.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the AA in Political Science, students will be able to:
- Evaluate rival theories and interpretations of fact through critical thinking.
- Analyze current issues/events through historical and contextual lenses.
- Construct personal political opinions supported with relevant evidence.
- Evaluate the connection between themselves and the communities in which they live (local, national and global).
- Identify ways to participate effectively in the democratic process.
Transfer Information
Liberal arts colleges and universities typically offer Political Science as a major. The political science courses at Harford are accepted for transfer to Maryland colleges and universities and to public and private institutions nationwide.
Employment Information
The Political Science program prepares students for careers in government, law, urban planning, teaching, foreign service and research.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| PS 101 | American National Government (GB) | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (GB) (D) | 3 |
| Biological/Physical Science (GS) | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENG 109 | English Composition: Research Writing | 3 |
| PS 102 | State and Local Government (GB) | 3 |
| SOC 212 | Race, Class & Gender in the United States (GB) (D) | 3 |
| MATH 216 | Introduction to Statistics (GM) | 4 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| HIST 103 | History of the United States I (GB) (GAH) (D) | 3 |
| PS 201 | Introduction to International Relations (GB) | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Urban Government and Politics (GB) (D) | ||
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | ||
| Introduction to Law (Same course as PL 101) (GB) | ||
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| HIST 104 | History of the United States II (GB) (GAH) (D) | 3 |
| CMST 101 | Speech Fundamentals (GI) | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| General Elective 1 | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
It is recommended that students choose general elective credits that best meet the degree requirements of the receiving institution.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)