Harper College will be closed Tuesday, November 5 in observance of Election Day.
Transfer majors 
Get an Associate in Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution as a political science major. You’ll take core classes along with courses in American politics and government, topics in political science, comparative politics, global politic, state and local government in the United States, non-western comparative politics, and more.
Harper College is an ideal place to study political science. Classes offer a comprehensive overview of the American political system and how politics are conducted internationally.
This program offers you a convenient and affordable way to begin your college education by earning the first two years of your bachelor’s degree. Academic advisors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.
This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative political science baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
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Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| FYS 101 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
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Description: Focuses on developing critical thinking and information literacy skills to make better-informed decisions regarding college and career planning. Special emphasis is given to the questions, methods, and career and college options relating to an area of academic or thematic interest. Additional information about material to be covered will be available with pre-registration materials each time that the course is offered. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| Mathematics1 | 3 | |
| PSC 101 | American Politics and Government | 3 |
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Description: Focuses on political involvement, elections, campaigns, interest groups, Congress, courts, the presidency, and the constitution. Discusses how our government runs, as well as current political controversies. Utilizes political figures as guest speakers and offers opportunities for political participation, especially in election years. IAI S5 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
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Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
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Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| Physical and Life Science2 | 3 | |
| Humanities and Fine Arts3 | 3 | |
| PSC 220 | State and Local Government in the United States | 3 |
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Description: Examines state and local governments including their powers, organization, functions, development, politics and contemporary issues/problems. IAI S5 902 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| Social and Behavioral Science4 | 3 | |
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Fine Arts3 | 3 | |
| Physical and Life Science2 | 4 | |
| PSC 250 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
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Description: Explores the politics of selected countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and/or the Middle East. Examines economic, social and political patterns and problems in different nations. IAI S5 905 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| PSC 270 | Global Politics | 3 |
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Description: Uses role playing to study how foreign policy is made. Explores human problems such as populations, food and energy on a global dimension. Examines international bodies, including the United Nations, and explores how nations interact. IAI S5 904 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| Social and Behavioral Science4 | 3 | |
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Fine Arts3 | 3 | |
| Major Discipline and Transfer Electives5 | 5 | |
| PSC 280 | Non -Western Comparative Politics | 3 |
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Description: Examines the political systems of selected non-Western countries, including common governmental problems, causes of political instability and revolution and techniques of political analysis. IAI S5 906N Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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1 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. MTH 165 is recommended. Consult with transfer school before selecting course.
2 - Select at least one Physical and one Life Science. One course must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.
3 - Select one course from Humanities and one course from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
4 - One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
5 - Recommend courses from PHI, SPE, ECO, GEG, HST, LEJ, PSY or SOC.
For more information about studying political science at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.