Political Science (POS)

POS 140 Community and Civic Engagement (3)(3,0)

This course introduces students to concepts such as public service, community leadership, volunteering, activism, philanthropy, and charitable giving to provide contextual depth to their understanding of civic engagement, especially in the nonprofit sector. Students will gain insight about the roles nonprofit organizations play in contributing to a civil society while also learning some of the technical realities facing nonprofit organizations. Students will examine enduring societal challenges like hunger, poverty, homelessness, etc. that nonprofit organizations work to alleviate.(1.1) Proficiency Credit: Pass/No Credit: Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.

Semester(s) Offered: Spring

POS 141 Topics in Government (1-3)(1,0)

(1-3, 0) Designed to introduce the student to the complexities and challenges involved in a disciplined study of government. Each topical section will concentrate on an intensive study and investigation of a particular topic in political science. This course is repeatable 3 times. (1.1) Proficiency Credit Available (3 C) Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: None

Semester(s) Offered: Varies

POS 150 Amer Government - National (3)(3,0)

This course introduces students to the American national government: how it works, why it works the way it does, and how it affects your daily life. This course will explore the constitutional foundations and historical development of American democracy, examine the structure and powers of the three branches of government, and analyze how political processes like elections, parties, and interest groups shape policy decisions. Through critical analysis of contemporary issues and events, students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to be informed, engaged citizens. (1.1) Fulfills the ECC/IAI General Education/Social Sciences requirement. IAI Course Number: S5 900 Proficiency Credit Available (3 C) Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.

Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer

POS 151 Amer Govt State Local (3)(3,0)

This course will explore the structures, powers, and processes of state, county, and municipal governments, with particular attention to Illinois politics and governance. Through analysis of current policy debates and civic challenges, students will learn how federalism distributes power across levels of government, how political actors navigate state and local institutions, and how citizens can effectively engage with the governments closest to them. This course emphasizes critical thinking about the opportunities and constraints facing state and local governments as they address contemporary issues.(1.1) Fulfills the ECC/IAI General Education/Social Sciences requirement. IAI Course Number: S5 902 Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.

Semester(s) Offered: Spring

POS 152 Principles of Political Science (3)(3,0)

This course offers an introduction to the principles, theories and methods of political science, focusing on the nature and development of political science as a discipline, political processes, political institutions and the interrelationships between elements in varied political systems. (1.1) Fulfills the ECC/IAI General Education/Social Sciences requirement. IAI Course Number: S5 903 Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.

Semester(s) Offered: Spring

POS 250 Comparative Political Systems (3)(3,0)

Comparative study of European political systems with other countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Attention will be given to problems, institutions and political processes of the governments studied. (1.1) Fulfills the ECC/IAI General Education/Social Sciences requirement. IAI Course Number: S5 905 Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.

Semester(s) Offered: Varies

POS 251 International Relations (3)(3,0)

Introduction to international relations, emphasizing contemporary international conflict and cooperation. Includes analysis of security politics, political economy, international institutions, and domination.(1.1) Fulfills the ECC/IAI General Education/Social Sciences requirement. IAI Course Number: S5 904 Proficiency Credit Available (3 C) Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria. Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.

Semester(s) Offered: Fall

POS 297 Independent Study in Government (1-3)(1,0)

(1-3, 0) The student is to have identified a special study project and request advice and direction from the political science faculty. The program will be carried out under the direction of one or more faculty members who will modify the proposal in accordance with departmental requirements for the credit involved.This course is repeatable 3 times. (1.1) Proficiency Credit Not Available Pass/No Credit Not Available.

In-District Tuition/Fees: $444 (effective 2026/27 academic year)

In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Semester(s) Offered: Varies