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Job Definition
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations.
Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Interests
Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Knowledge
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Skills
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Tasks
Provide professional consulting services to government and/or industry.
Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head.
Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours in order to advise and assist students.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues.
Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge, and publish findings in professional journals, books, and/or electronic media.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $84,960.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $44,770.00 and $135,550.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 1,180 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 1,250 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 7 openings due to growth and about 27 replacement openings for approximately 34 total annual openings. This occupation experienced moderate growth.

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Political Science and Government, General - A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies 0f specific political institutions and processes.
American Government and Politics (United States) - A program that focuses on the systematic study of United States political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in American political theory, political parties and interest groups, state and local governments, Constitutional law, federalism and national institutions, executive and legislative politics, judicial politics, popular attitudes and media influences, political research methods, and applications to the study of specific issues and institutions.
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Anthropologists - Research, evaluate, and establish public policy concerning the origins of humans; their physical, social, linguistic, and cultural development; and their behavior, as well as the cultures, organizations, and institutions they have created.
Historians - Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Clergy - Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education - Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to children from 4 to 6 years old. Promote physical, mental, and social development. May be required to hold State certification.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education - Teach pupils in public or private schools at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other formative skills.
Instructional Coordinators - Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology in specialized fields that provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses.
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