Political Science Courses
Courses
Introduction to Politics: [TCCN GOVT 2305] An overview of the concepts, principles, and practices of politics as background for the study of American and Texas political institutions. The course may employ an international, comparative, or theoretical focus. Students will engage in critical analysis as they explore themes including electoral systems; party systems; social movements; globalization; political economies; colonization, and imperialism; migration and citizenship; gender/class/labor and racial/ethnic relations; international organizations, conflict; political theory, and contemporary issues. Prerequisite Freshman standing
Department: Political Science
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Prerequisite(s): (A01 score between 19 and 36 AND A05 score between 23 and 36 ) OR (S01 score between 500 and 800 AND S05 score between 1070 and 1600 ) OR (TAKL score between 2200 and 3153 AND TAKW score between 3 and 6 ) OR (TSIR score between 351 and 390 ) OR (TAKE score of 1 AND TAKL score between 2200 and 3153 ) OR (SXAC score of 1 ) OR (SXSA score of 1 ) OR (SXTA score of 1 ) OR (SXDG score of 1 ) OR (SXMA score of 1 ) OR (SXMN score of 1 ) OR (SXOI score of 1 ) OR (SXTR score of 1 ) OR (RWS 1301 w/C or better ) OR (ENGL 0312 w/C* or better ) OR (ENGL 1611 w/C or better ) OR (RWS 1601 w/C or better ) OR (COMM 1611 w/C or better ) OR (ESOL 1311 w/C or better ) OR (ENGL 0310 w/C* or better ) OR (ENGL 0311 w/C* or better ) OR (BCPE score of 1 ) OR (S11 score between 480 and 800 ) OR (2TSE score between 5 and 8 AND 2TWR score between 945 and 990 ) OR (2TDW score between 5 and 6 AND 2TSE score between 5 and 8 AND 2TWR score between 910 and 944 ) OR (AEXE score of 40 ) OR (HIST 1301 w/C or better ) OR (HIST 1302 w/C or better ) OR (PSYC 1301 w/C or better ) OR (SOCI 1301 w/C or better ) OR (POLS 2311 w/C or better ) OR (BCE2 score of 1)
American Government and Politics: [TCCN GOVT 2306] A survey of contemporary American, national, state, and local political processes and institutions, with emphasis upon the Constitutions of the United States and Texas. Students will engage in critical analysis as they explore themes including the constitutional foundations of American democracy; colonization; separation of powers and policymaking; federalism and state rights; emancipatory movements; electoral politics and voting; citizenship; gender/class/labor/race relations; Texas constitution; and contemporary issues. This course meets teacher certification requirements for out-of-state graduate students. Prerequisite: Freshman standing
Department: Political Science
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Prerequisite(s): (A01 score between 19 and 36 AND A05 score between 23 and 36 ) OR (S01 score between 500 and 800 AND S05 score between 1070 and 1600 ) OR (TAKL score between 2200 and 3153 AND TAKW score between 3 and 6 ) OR (TSIR score between 351 and 390 ) OR (TAKE score of 1 AND TAKL score between 2200 and 3153 ) OR (SXAC score of 1 ) OR (SXSA score of 1 ) OR (SXTA score of 1 ) OR (SXDG score of 1 ) OR (SXMA score of 1 ) OR (SXMN score of 1 ) OR (SXOI score of 1 ) OR (SXTR score of 1 ) OR (ENGL 0312 w/C* or better ) OR (RWS 1301 w/C or better ) OR (ENGL 1611 w/C or better ) OR (RWS 1601 w/C or better ) OR (COMM 1611 w/C or better ) OR (ESOL 1311 w/C or better ) OR (ENGL 0310 w/C* or better ) OR (ENGL 0311 w/C* or better ) OR (BCPE score of 1 ) OR (S11 score between 480 and 800 ) OR (2TSE score between 5 and 8 AND 2TWR score between 945 and 990 ) OR (2TDW score between 5 and 6 AND 2TSE score between 5 and 8 AND 2TWR score between 910 and 944 ) OR (AEXE score of 40 ) OR (HIST 1301 w/C or better ) OR (HIST 1302 w/C or better ) OR (PSYC 1301 w/C or better ) OR (SOCI 1301 w/C or better ) OR (POLS 2310 w/C or better ) OR (BCE2 score of 1)
An analysis of the influence of American culture, politics and the media, and technology on political socialization and public opinion. The measurement of public opinion and its influence on our elected officials and public policymaking will also be considered. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Judicial Process An introduction to the American judicial process. The course will examine the judicial function generally. Areas which may be covered include: the decision processes, process participants, state and federal court structures, recruitment and selection of judges, bases of judicial behavior, policy making, and impact of judicial decisions.
A study through the use of court cases of the allocation of governmental powers with emphasis on the national government, and an introduction to the judicial function and the American legal system.
This course provides an introduction to the study of legal systems, courts, judicial process and behavior, and the rule of law across the world. This course examines legal and judicial systems across courts beyond the United States and evaluates the function and impact of international and regional courts. Students will critically analyze domestic and international legal systems, examine judicial behavior across political and institutional contexts, and evaluate the role of courts in processes of democratization, separation of powers, human rights, state sovereignty, and the rule of law.
This course offers an introduction to indigenous affairs and law. Students are challenged to critically analyze the roles and structures of colonization, law, political institutions, and political processes in terms of how they impact indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Through their examination of legal policy and case law, students will evaluate how law and courts have impacted indigenous sovereignty as well as how contemporary law can enable or restrict indigeneity, repatriation, legal pluralism, and rights advocacy.
Department: Political Science
3 Credit Hours
4 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
4 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Peru: Politics of Surprise Examines unexpected twists and turns in one of Latin America's most volatile countries. Topics may include geography, natural resources, democratic and authoritarian regimes, migration, patterns of conflict, political culture, public opinion, political institutions, parties, elections, interest groups, and economic development.
Politics of East Asia Examination of the politics in East Asian countries through a comparative approach. The course may cover China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and others. The comparisons will be on themes , including political culture, political development, political instructions, political processes, political economy, and political change.
A survey of the political institutions and processes of major countries in Latin America. Emphasis is placed on sources of political cleavage and the problems of stability and instability within countries of the region. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Examines the nature and requisites of democracy, the phenomenon of transitions from non-democratic rule, and the challenges of consolidating and deepening new democracies. Case studies of democratic transition from various world regions will be discussed for comparative purposes. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
A study of management processes involved in the accomplishing of government; analysis of the structure and procedures of the administrative or executive branch of the government, with particular reference to national, state and local governments in the United States. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
An investigation into matters related to the security of countries around the world, that pays particular attention to issues such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international war, terrorism, civil war, genocide, disease and ecological disaster. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Helps students participate in political simulations, such as the OAS, UN, Congress, and others. Preparation includes learning the structure and procedures of the organization or institution, understanding the objectives of relevant actors, creating proposals to address policy issues, honing verbal argumentation skills, and mastering parliamentary procedure. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, POLS 2311, and either POLS 3500 (may be taken concurrently) or Junior standing Fee required. Restricted to SO, JR, and SR class standing.
Research in Political Science Help students learn how to carry out research and write papers in political science, and to provide professional training and similar experimential learning opportunities. Topics include the scientific method, research design, data sources, statistics, and qualitative research. The course introduces appropriate formats for paper in the discipline and reinforces writing skills. Topics will also include Academic Service Learning, Career preparation, or Engagement with the professional community. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, POLS 2311.
Environmental Justice and Minority Communities in the U.S. (3-0); Crosslisted with AFST 4304; SOCI 4304; ANTH 4304; and CHIC 4304. An examination of environmental justice issues in the U.S., with an emphasis on communities, agencies and efforts that address sustainable development in the U.S.-Mexico border region. The underpinnings of the environmental justice movement in the U.S. and the regional policy formulation and practice implications for these communities will be central to the course. The course may require field trips. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
An examination of the organization, behavior and work of Congress and/or state legislatures in the practice of lawmaking. It will include discussion of the interaction of those legislatures with executives (the president and governor), bureaucracies, and the judiciary in the policymaking process. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
An examination of how the structures of state and local governments on the United States-Mexico border affects politics in the region. Special emphasis will be given to the study of the electorate, cross-boundary issues and the relationship between the border regions to the federal governments of both countries. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
A detailed survey of how the American constitutional system originated and changed over time, stressing the impact of structure on outcomes. The course emphasizes knowledge about the American political system that is relevant to secondary education. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, POLS 2311, and POLS 3500 or Junior standing. Restricted to class of JR and SR.
Judicial Politics An introduction to the scientific study of law, courts, and judicial processes. This course will examine the major controversies in the Political Science subfield of Law and Courts. Areas which may be covered include: judicial decision making, judicial selection, agenda-setting, and judicial implementation.
Department: Political Science
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
An examination of the method of reasoning about legal problems which arose out of the common law tradition. A core area of the common law (torts, criminal law, contracts, or property) will be explored in depth through the reading and analysis of case law. The techniques of reasoning in cases will be applied to hypothetical and new case materials. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
This unique course combines instruction in both the theory and practice of law. Through case readings, students will learn about substantive legal issues, how they are analytically treated in leagal theory and how they are applied in litigation. Students will also learn about the practical aspects of law by attending actual trials, sentencings, and hearings held both on and off campus, and by talking with lawyers, judges, juries, and law enforcement officers. The course will also include tours through prison and detention facilities, courts, and other institutional settings. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
This course introduces students to the main concepts and considerations and public policy implications of the law of torts, contracts, and property. Issues discussed may range from governmental liability for injuring and killing citizens to the patenting and ownership of new genetic configurations or genetically engineered animals and plants. Particular attention will be given to governmental abuse of power and the private law remedies for such abuse. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Politics of China This course helps students understand and unravel some puzzles about China. How has the communist regine in China survived while similar regimes in Eastern Europe fell? What accounts for China's recent economic success? Is the "China Model" a promising one? How likely is democratization? What was the US-China relation like and how will it develop?
Elections Around the World Examines the principal types of electoral systems worldwide. Specific topics may include the integrity and administration of elections, electoral engineering, campaign finance, and the media. Case studies of recent elections may be examined.
A study of the political processes and institutions within Mexico. Attention will be given to the political culture of Mexico, the role of interest groups and political parties, the nature of federalism and separation of powers, public policy and administration, and human rights. Prerequisite: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Explores the relations between the United States and the countries of Latin America. Issues examined may include economic integration, narcotrafficking, environmental policy and immigration. Issue and country focus may vary depending on the instructor. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Politics of Brazil Examines the political institutions and processes in Brazil. Topics may include democrazitation, authoritarian politics, elections and electoral systems, executive and legislative politics, party systems, political accountability, and public and foreign policies.
A special listing for courses in the field of political theory offered by the departmental faculty that are outside the purview of the above courses.
Department: Political Science
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
An analysis of the sociopolitical problems and challenges facing Russia at the onset of the 21st Century, against the background of the policy choices available in the post-communist and post-9/11 conditions. An assessment of those choices will be made in terms of Russia's historical and political experiences. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Examines leadership, budgets, and collaborative partnerships. Develops skills in proposal-writing and management for the non-profit, public sector. Focuses on the U.S. and/or U.S.-Mexico border, but may include international and comparative perspectives. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
Urban Planning This course provides a framework for critically analyzing the process of urbanization and the role planning that plays in this phenomenon. It introduces students to trends in urban development, comprehensive planning concepts, the political and legal bases of planning, and approaches to public planning. It also covers the ability of planning to address critical problems through public policies and to shape the human environment.
Examines the relations between the three countries of North America, Canada, Mexico, and the United States using applicable theories of regional cooperation and conflict with special emphasis on integration. The course will also develop an understanding of the evolution of the current state of relations among the three. Focus will be on, but not limited to, trade relations, the institutions of NAFTA, security issues, migration, the potential of building a regional community (along economic, political, and social lines), citizen perceptions, and overall economic development. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311 with grades of C or higher.
Examines the development of international organization, such as NATO and the United Nations and considers the legal and constitutional aspects of their creation. It also presents the tools to evaluate the success of international organizations in the management of conflict and the advancement of social, economic and political cooperation. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; and either POLS 2312 or junior standing.
A special listing for courses in the field of International Relations offered by the departmental faculty that are outside the purview of the above courses.
Department: Political Science
3 Credit Hours
3 Total Contact Hours
0 Lab Hours
3 Lecture Hours
0 Other Hours
Ethnic Conflict and Civil Wars This course examines theories about the sources of ethnic conflicts and civil wars, along with key strategies that are employed to contain such conflicts. Coverage includes the concepts of ethnic and national identity, different regime types, policies that structure intergroup relations, causes of ethnic conflict and civil violence, and the ineffectiveness of certain domestic/ international arrangements in suppressing intergroup tensions or the evaluation of the evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with different conflict management strategies for facilitating the peaceful resolution of such conflicts.
Examines processes of conflict and cooperation among and within countries. Topics may include interstate war, civil war, conflict resolution techniques, military alliances, economic factors, the role of international organizations, ethnic conflicts, terrorism, and other forms of low-intensity conflict. Students will conduct a theoretical and empirical research project. Prerequisites: POLS 2310 and POLS 2311; either POLS 3500 or junior standing; POLS 3360 highly recommended. Restricted to JR, SR class standing.
A course that is designed to assess the ability of the student to utilize what he or she has learned through the research and writing of a senior paper. Prior approval of the instructor and departmental chair is required before enrollment. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, POLS 2311, and POLS 2312 each with a grade of "C" or better and departmental approval.