Political Science
The political science department at Wenatchee Valley College offers courses in American
government, constitutional issues, state and local government, and international relations that
contribute to the social sciences requirement (15 credits) of the associate of arts
and sciences degree, or electives contributing to that degree.
Theory, principles, organization, and functions of political Institutions, such as
legislatives, executives, and judiciaries will be examined. The comparative approach
to democratic and non-democratic systems and their institutions (Executive, Legislative
and Judicial) will be utilized extensively. Emphasis on political cultures and national
characters such as classical conservatism and liberalism, fascism, totalitarianism,
authoritarianism, and religions, etc.
Focus is given to the system, process, and organizational functions of the American
government. It also puts primary attention on the relationships between citizens and
their national government by exploring the key theoretical precepts that shaped the
Constitution and its federal structural arrangements. Close attention is paid to the
policy making process and its key actors, as well as various public policies.
The interactions among the various actors that participate in international politics,
including individuals, states, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations
and sub-national entities, will be closely examined. Key political theories used as
guides by decision makers in international relations such as Realism, Liberalism,
Constructivism, among others will be discussed and debated.
Close examination of people and institutions that shape policies as well as their
outcomes in state and local communities. Local and state politics will be discussed
and contextualized within the federal distribution of powers delineated by Constitution
of the United States.
