Political Science (POLS)
Courses
POLS 2311. GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 3 Hours. (TCCN = GOVT 2305)
(GOVT 2305). The Constitution and government of the United States. The organization, procedures, and duties of the branches of the government, together with their accomplishments and defects.
POLS 2312. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. 3 Hours. (TCCN = GOVT 2306)
(GOVT 2306). The principles and organization of American state, county, and municipal government, together with current problems and the Constitution and government of Texas.
POLS 3301. INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL ISSUES. 3 Hours.
Comparative perspectives on a broad range of cultural, linguistic, economic, political, and social issues confronting a globalized world today. Designed to draw attention to the multifaceted connections among nation-states, nongovernmental organizations, diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, and populations around the world. Course taught as POLS 3301 and GLOBAL 2301. Credit will be granted in only one department.
POLS 3302. INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the interplay between states, international organizations, multinational corporations, and popular or militant movements within the international system and to their continued search for wealth, power, and security.
POLS 3303. BUREAUCRATIC POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Overview of social science research on bureaucratic organizations, including hierarchical power structures, collective action problems, organizational decline, pluralism, and the United States rulemaking process. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3304. INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Cross-national and cross-cultural comparisons of political systems. Institutional structure, political process, dynamics of change, and ideology. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3305. GOVERNMENT IN URBAN AMERICA. 3 Hours.
Problems associated with the growth, diversity, and complexity of urban areas and governmental solutions. Urban regimes, neighborhood governments, electoral politics, and intergovernmental relations. Useful for students interested in urban management.
POLS 3306. LEGISLATIVE ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE. 3 Hours.
Internal and external influences on the U.S. Congress: rules, norms, committees, seniority, political parties, presidents, media, constituents and interest groups. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3307. COMPARATIVE STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Comparison of state and local political institutions and policy choices in the United States. Useful for students interested in state and local government policy innovations.
POLS 3309. HEALTH POLITICS, POLICY, AND ADVOCACY. 3 Hours.
Explores health politics, policy, and advocacy in modern American politics in areas such as health care costs, the opioid epidemic, natural disasters, smoking and vaping, vaccines, and scooters. Considers how stakeholders such as patients, advocacy groups, hospitals, medical professionals, and insurance companies influence policy-making, and how health care policies shape patient care.
POLS 3310. RESEARCH METHODS AND POLITICAL ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.
The systematic investigation of political phenomena through theory building, appropriate research design, statistical inference, and hypothesis testing. Students will learn to analyze political data and use statistical packages to present and discern significant relationships between variables, fulfilling the computer competency requirement. Prerequisite: POLS 2311, POLS 2312, MATH 1301 or MATH 1302, and MATH 1308 or MATH 1309. Exceptions as approved by the Department.
POLS 3311. PUBLIC OPINION. 3 Hours.
Measurement of attitudes, public opinion and ideology, the learning and influencing of public opinion, and expression of public opinion in elections and mass political movements. The logic and practice of survey research. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3312. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.
The American policymaking process from issue creation to program administration and evaluation. Policy models and methods of policy analysis. Oriented toward providing students with skills as a professional policy analyst. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3313. MODERN CRITICS OF SOCIETY AND POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Designed for both political science and other majors. Focus on writers like Banfield, Galbraith, Marcuse, Reich, Revel, Skinner, and Toffler. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3315. VIOLENCE & REPRESSION IN THE AMERICAS. 3 Hours.
Examination of extra-legal behavior in the Americas (particularly Latin America). Topics include human rights violations, repression, insurrection, terrorism, and revolution. Analysis of different causes and outcomes of such political participation. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3317. MEXICAN POLITICS AND U.S.-MEXICO RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
Current economic and political systems of Mexico and relevant issues in U.S.-Mexico relations. Trade, immigration, economic dependency, energy, contraband, and other topics. Offered as MAS 3317 and POLS 3317; credit will be given in only one department. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3319. CAUSES OF WAR. 3 Hours.
Introduces students to the causes of war including rationalist explanations, genetic and evolutionary impulses, psychological motivations, and group and structural incentives.
POLS 3328. INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE EAST POLITICS. 3 Hours.
The historical developments that have led to the current political, social, economic, and security order of the Middle East, as well as the contemporary challenges facing the region and its inhabitants. Prerequisites: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3330. THE JUDICIAL PROCESS. 3 Hours.
Examines the structure, function, and politics of the federal judiciary with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court. Examines selection of judges, theories of judicial decision-making, external political influences on the courts, and impact of decisions. Especially recommended for pre-law majors. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3331. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CIVIL LIBERTIES. 3 Hours.
Conflicts over civil liberties in American law focusing on classic and contemporary debates over race, gender, sexual identity, religion, and freedom of thought. Especially recommended for pre-law students. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3333. JURISPRUDENCE AND CONSTITUTIONAL CONFLICT. 3 Hours.
Competing theories of law, especially in American constitutional politics. Examines disagreements over the meaning and application of the U.S. Constitution focusing on debates over living constitutionalism versus originalism and the Supreme Court's recent controversial rulings on abortion, guns, race, and religion. Especially recommended for pre-law students. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3336. STATE COURTS. 3 Hours.
An examination of state judicial institutions emphasizing the role of processes in determining judicial behavior and the composition of state courts. Examines the role of law and courts, judicial system structures, and judicial policy-making in state government. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 3337. LAW AND LAWYERS IN POPULAR CULTURE AND REALITY. 3 Hours.
Examines the role of law and lawyers in American society by contrasting popular culture views to ethical constraints imposed upon lawyers by the justice system and realities of how lawyers operate within that system. Prerequisite: POLS 2311, POLS 2312.
POLS 3378. LATINO POLITICS. 3 Hours.
An overview of Latino/Hispanic political behavior, identity, and power that analyzes the social, economic, and political issues impacting the Latino/Hispanic community in the United States. To be offered as POLS 3378 and MAS 3378. Credit will be granted only once.
POLS 3379. LATINO POLITICAL THOUGHT. 3 Hours.
An overview of the development of Latino/Hispanic political thought from Iberian and Latin American political culture and philosophy to contemporary North American Latino/Hispanic political ideology and political thought. To be offered as POLS 3379 and MAS 3379. Credit will be granted only once.
POLS 3390. HONORS COLLOQUIUM. 3 Hours.
An interdisciplinary course designed to meet the needs of advanced undergraduates in the honors program. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4102. POLITICAL SCIENCE SERVICE LEARNING. 1 Hour.
Students will engage in service learning placements to supplement political science course work with the goal of civic education and community involvement. Placements will be coordinated with the Center for Community Service Learning and students will be required to fulfill not only placement hours, but also additional reflection in writing in consultation with the faculty advisor. This course does not satisfy area distribution requirements. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4300. POLITICS IN POPULAR CULTURE. 3 Hours.
Use of film and video film, video television, novels, music, or other social media in the presentation of political ideas, opinions, and facts. Techniques, subject matter, and alternative forms of presentation. This course does not satisfy area distribution requirements.
POLS 4301. ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA LAW. 3 Hours.
Addresses fundamental issues in entertainment and media law such as copyright, first amendment protections, defamation, privacy rights, film and publishing contracts, idea protection, music rights, and rights of publicity. Focuses on developments of political and legal concern to those interested in an entertainment career.
POLS 4303. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND THE POLITICAL PROCESS. 3 Hours.
The relationships of public administration at all levels with democratic institutions, including its interactions in the formulation and execution of public policies with the chief executive, the legislative and judicial branches, political parties, clientele groups, and the public at large. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4310. ANALYZING AND VISUALIZING POLITICAL DATA. 3 Hours.
Provides hands-on instruction on dissecting complex political trends and transforming raw data into compelling visual narratives with real-world datasets. Focuses on skills required to communicate findings effectively in a data-centric society. No prior data experience required. Prior or concurrent enrollment in POLS 3310 required. Prerequisite: previous or concurrent enrollment in POLS 3310.
POLS 4311. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY. 3 Hours.
Examines psychological approaches to international politics. Topics may include personality and leadership traits, cognitive and emotional approaches, genetic characteristics and evolution, group decision-making, elite attitudes, public opinion, and social identity.
POLS 4312. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to the institutions, decision-making, and activities of the world's leading multilateral organizations. Examples include the United Nations, NATO, the African Union, and the European Union. Students will focus on how organizations respond to contemporary global challenges such as civil wars, terrorism, human rights abuses, and economic crises. The course also teaches students how to apply theories of international relations to real-world policy problems.
POLS 4316. WOMEN IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to the unique experiences of women in the political process, the impact of these experiences on the political system, and theories of gender and politics. Offered as POLS 4316 and GWSS 4316; credit will be granted only once.
POLS 4317. ETHNIC GROUP POLITICS IN THE UNITED STATES. 3 Hours.
The influence of selected major ethnic groups with special attention given to organizational development, participation in political parties, leadership, ideology, immigration policy, current issues, and relations with the dominant culture and other ethnic groups. Offered as AAST 4317 and POLS 4317; credit will be granted in only one department. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4318. POLITICS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS. 3 Hours.
The influence of African-American politics on United States government and policies with special attention given to organizational development, participation in political parties, leadership, ideology, the Civil Rights movement, current issues, and relations with other ethnic groups. Offered as AAST 4318 and POLS 4318; credit will be granted in only one department. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4319. POLITICS OF MEXICAN AMERICANS. 3 Hours.
The influence of Mexican-American politics on United States government and policies with special attention given to organizational development, participation in political parties, leadership, ideology, the Chicano Movement, current issues, and relations with other ethnic groups. Offered as MAS 4319 and POLS 4319; credit will be given in only one department. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4320. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND COMMUNITY. 3 Hours.
The study of civic engagement, leadership, and political participation. The relationship of community to public policy, political elites and disenfranchised groups. May employ service learning.
POLS 4321. POLICY ENTREPRENEURSHIP. 3 Hours.
Examines why some ideas become policy while others get stuck in the process. Explores major theories of the policy process and how thinking like an entrepreneur helps drive policy change. Focuses on how knowledge, skills, and confidence is necessary to tackle complex policy questions through an entrepreneurial mindset.
POLS 4322. ISSUES IN POLITICAL THEORY. 3 Hours.
Each time this course is offered it will focus on one particular issue central to the study of political theory for example, authority, justice, citizenship, methodology of the social sciences. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4323. FEMINIST POLITICAL THOUGHT. 3 Hours.
Issues raised by the feminist critique of political theory; the exclusion of women from the political sphere until the 20th century; Marxist, liberal, and radical feminist political thought; alternative feminist conceptions of the political. Offered as POLS 4323 and GWSS 4323; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4326. ELECTION STRATEGY AND CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT. 3 Hours.
Strategies relating to elections and various aspects of managing campaigns, including the techniques of demographic survey, voting behavior analysis, opinion survey, issue research, and candidate research. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4327. POLITICAL IDEAS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD. 3 Hours.
Principal theorists and schools of political thought prior to 1500, with emphasis upon those making significant contributions to the political heritage of Western Europe. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4328. MODERN POLITICAL IDEAS. 3 Hours.
The development of political thought from Machiavelli to Marx. Emphasis on the Renaissance, Classical Liberalism, French Radicalism and Marxism. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4329. CONTEMPORARY CONTROVERSIES IN POLITICAL THEORY. 3 Hours.
Examination of twentieth-century approaches to political thought and central controversies in the field. Topics may include: liberal, conservative, and socialist theories; critical theory; communitarianism; postmodernism; feminism; and identity politics. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4330. THE U.S. PRESIDENCY. 3 Hours.
The U.S. Presidency, including sources of power, changes in the office over time, and the relationship between the individual and the institution. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4331. U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: GOVERNMENT POWER. 3 Hours.
U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding the structure of government in the United States. Focus on Congress, the President, Federalism, and the relation of the judicial process to these topics. Recommended for pre-law majors. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4332. U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS. 3 Hours.
U.S. Supreme Court decision making involving the Bill of Rights and other fundamental rights. Especially recommended for pre-law majors. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4333. PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP IN DOMESTIC POLICY MAKING. 3 Hours.
Explores the policy process from the perspective of the U.S. president, examining the president's influence through the policy stages. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4336. CONTEMPORARY UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY. 3 Hours.
Theories and analytical structure for understanding United States foreign policy. Policy examined from theoretical, structural, regional, and topical perspectives. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4340. FEDERAL SOCIAL POLICY. 3 Hours.
This course examines public policies, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and various public assistance programs that emerged from the federal government's attempts to create a "safety net" for American citizens beginning in the 1930s, and from attempts to confront poverty during the 1960s. This course also considers the importance of federal "tax expenditures" in prompting private actors to provide services, such as employer-sponsored health insurance. The course also examines attempts to alter, roll back, or expand the federal role in social policy over recent decades.
POLS 4350. HEALTH POLITICS AND POLICY. 3 Hours.
Debates over the role of government in providing access to health care have been a prominent feature of American politics for the past century. This course examines the politics of health care debates in America as well as major features of federal health policy. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4359. CITIZENSHIP IN THE AMERICAS. 3 Hours.
Evaluates contemporary citizenship through political and social action movements in the Americas with particular attention to Latin America.
POLS 4360. THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
Evaluates major theories, methodologies, and approaches to international relations in order to understand contemporary world affairs.
POLS 4361. WAR, PEACE, AND POLITICS IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION. 3 Hours.
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, the 15 newly independent states have taken divergent paths, while Russia has attempted to restore its dominance over its former empire. This course examines the different paths taken by the former Soviet states and the historical and cultural forces that have driven the transitions, with a specific focus on Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and the South Caucasus. Offered as POLS 4361 and RUSS 4361; credit will be given in only one department. Taught in English. For Russian language credit, some research will be done in Russian. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4362. RUSSIA AND THE POST-SOVIET STATES TODAY. 3 Hours.
An interdisciplinary overview of Russia and Russian area studies. This course provides students with a broad understanding of Russia today through the lenses of its geography and demographics, forms of government, and the themes and tendencies that run throughout Russian history and culture, including their impact on neighboring post-Soviet states. Offered as POLS 4362 and RUSS 4362; credit will be given in only one department. Taught in English. RUSS 4362 students complete some assignments in Russian, while POLS 4362 students do all assignments in English. Prerequisite: For POLS: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4365. RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY. 3 Hours.
The foreign policy of Russia with an emphasis on its historical, cultural, and political roots, and policymaking structures. Through lectures, seminars, meetings, and assignments, students will gain an understanding of the historical, cultural, and political sources of Russian foreign policy behavior, the actors that implement it, and the tactics deployed. Offered as POLS 4365 and RUSS 4365; credit will be given in only one department. Taught in English. For Russian language credit, some research will be done in Russian. Prerequisite: For POLS: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4369. THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT. 3 Hours.
Explores the origins, development, and continuation of the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts through personal stories, national narratives, public images, and popular discourses.
POLS 4370. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST. 3 Hours.
This course will focus on the international interactions among actors in the Middle East. Topics to be covered include: theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding regional politics; main conflicts in the region; contemporary challenges and issues; and a survey examination of the foreign policies of select countries. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4371. THE POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY OF ISRAEL. 3 Hours.
This course will examine the domestic politics and foreign policies of Israel. The course will be divided into two sections. The first section will focus on the domestic institutions and politics of Israel, while the second section will focus on Israel's foreign policies and the impact of domestic politics on them. Topics to be covered include: the rise of Zionism; the pre-state period in Palestine; efforts at state-building and institutional development; domestic politics (including institutions, parties, electoral system); divisions in Israeli society; and determinants and examples of foreign policy. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4372. VIOLENCE AND SCARCITY IN WORLD POLITICS. 3 Hours.
This course explores patterns of violence and scarcity in world politics, particularly as they pertain to the emerging paradigm of human security. This approach calls into question conventional notions of national and international security by focusing on the security of people rather than states. It explores challenges to basic human needs and desires which undermine the ability to be safe, free, and secure -- such as infectious disease, genocide, environmental degradation, migration, and transnational crime. It also examines international responses to such problems.
POLS 4373. POLITICS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW. 3 Hours.
Examines the role of law in the international system including international treaties and agreements, states' compliance with international law, non-governmental actors, international courts. Topics include force, human rights, crimes against humanity, protection of the environment, and terrorism.
POLS 4375. SCIENCE FICTION AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
Examines science fiction novels and films to explore themes in international relations such as political authority, nationalism, xenophobia, political violence, and gendered security.
POLS 4389. THE POLITICS OF NATIONAL MEMORY. 3 Hours.
An examination of power in Washington, focusing on what lies outside the Executive and Legislative branches. Students visit and study significant institutions and monuments in the city as windows into complex political and social issues. Enrollment is restricted to designated Archer Fellows.
POLS 4390. POLICYMAKING IN WASHINGTON. 3 Hours.
An analysis of the central role of Congress in shaping public policy. Emphasis on real-world policymaking. Students play the role of legislative assistants to members of Congress and produce analyses of the public policy issues. Enrollment is restricted to designated Archer Fellows. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4392. SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. 3 Hours.
May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4393. PREPARING FOR CAREERS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. 3 Hours.
Supervised employment in a government or government-related organization with the student performing duties related to the academic curricula of political science. Students are required to submit a term paper, case study, or an approved academic project related to the work performed. Work is generally graded pass/fail. A maximum of six semester hours of credit in Political Science Internship may be used to satisfy a political science elective requirement for graduation. Students must be classified as juniors or seniors, be political science majors or minors, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their major and overall. Majors must have completed 21 hours of political science; minors must have completed 12 hours of political science. Contact the Department for a complete description of requirements. Departmental consent required before enrollment. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4394. HONORS THESIS/SENIOR PROJECT. 3 Hours.
Required of all students in the University Honors College. During the senior year, the student must complete a thesis or a project under the direction of a faculty member in the major department. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 4395. CONFERENCE COURSE READINGS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. 3 Hours.
Designed for the advanced undergraduate student who is capable of independent study. An in-depth examination of one area of political science not necessarily covered in regular course work. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter varies, but only with permission of the department . Only two such courses will be counted on a student's degree plan. Prerequisites: permission of the undergraduate advisor; appropriate previous coursework; written consent of the instructor. Students must be Political Science majors or minors, have a minimum of 60 credit hours/junior status, have a 3.0 grade point average, and have completed at least 9 hours of Political Science.
POLS 4691. ARCHER PROGRAM INTERNSHIP. 6 Hours.
One-semester work experience in Washington, DC carried out during the student's tenure of an Archer Fellowship. The internship is custom-designed with the assistance of the director of the Archer Program based on the student's academic and professional goals. Enrollment is restricted to designated Archer Fellows. Prerequisite: POLS 2311 and POLS 2312.
POLS 5197. MASTER'S COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION. 1 Hour.
Required of all non-thesis Master of Arts students in the semester of their graduation. Graded P/F/R.
POLS 5300. AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS. 3 Hours.
A survey of the major theories and subfields in the study of American politics. Readings comprise a representation of scholarship illustrating a variety of substantive and methodological approaches.
POLS 5301. JUDICIAL POLITICS AND THE U.S. SUPREME COURT. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on judicial decision-making and behavior. While the entire American court system will be considered, primary attention will be given to the U.S. Supreme Court and constitutional issues.
POLS 5302. BUREAUCRATIC LEADERSHIP. 3 Hours.
Recent literature in organizational theory, government restructuring, and policy management problems.
POLS 5303. COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.
Theories, concepts, and methods that dominate modern comparative political analysis. The state of the discipline and controversies in the comparative method are evaluated.
POLS 5305. TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY. 3 Hours.
This course will cover both historical and contemporary topics central to the discipline of political theory. It will consider the major figures in the field as well as themes such as citizenship, democracy, freedom, and authority. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes.
POLS 5310. ANALYZING POLITICS: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to the practice of analyzing politics. It begins with a foundation in research design, covering topics such as how to develop testable hypotheses, measure concepts, and identify causal relationships. The course then takes a hands-on review of a range of tools used by political scientists-from basic data analysis and statistics, to experiments, elite interviews, content analysis, surveys, and the study of networks.
POLS 5311. CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS. 3 Hours.
Describes important trends in modern campaigns and elections practices, focusing on contemporary American elections, including campaign finance, voter turnout, campaign advertising, and voter choices. Class presentations, a short research paper, and journal article readings.
POLS 5312. MAKING PUBLIC POLICY. 3 Hours.
This course examines how ideas, self-interest, and institutions weave together into the complex process of policymaking. Students will analyze influential policy theories, dissect real-world case studies, and engage in thought-provoking debates as they learn the theory, art, and science of the public policy process. This course will prepare students how to be discerning policy practitioners and scholars, and adept at deciphering the complexities of the policy landscape.
POLS 5315. PUBLIC OPINION. 3 Hours.
Describes the development of survey research and commonly-encountered problems in surveys. Focuses most heavily on the contemporary practice of public opinion research, particularly in the American setting. Class presentations, a short research paper, and journal article readings.
POLS 5316. PUBLIC LEADERSHIP: RACE, ETHNICITY, & GENDER. 3 Hours.
Study of leadership theories, skills and traits, with focus on the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender on public leadership in the public arena.
POLS 5317. RACE AND ETHNICITY IN AMERICAN POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Explores the political behavior of racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. as well as the contemporary influence of race and ethnicity on American political institutions and public policy debates.
POLS 5318. WOMEN IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS. 3 Hours.
This course examines women and gender in the political process, exploring various theoretical and methodological approaches helpful in studying gender and politics.
POLS 5319. CONGRESSIONAL BEHAVIOR. 3 Hours.
This course addresses several major questions regarding the nature of Congress as an institution, the behaviors of its members, and the role Congress plays in shaping public policy and the general nature of a representative democracy. Students are expected to have the ability to comprehend readings that are heavily quantitative. Course requirements will include weekly writings, a research paper and exams.
POLS 5320. THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY. 3 Hours.
An overview course on the U.S. Presidency, exploring the institution as well as its relationship to other branches and political actors.
POLS 5321. THE PRESIDENCY AND DOMESTIC POLICY. 3 Hours.
This course examines presidential and domestic policy making, exploring how the president makes policy, focusing on theories of presidential leadership, White House organization and presidential-congressional interactions.
POLS 5323. STATE COURT SYSTEMS. 3 Hours.
Examination of the major theories of judicial politics and public law applied to the state court level. Topics include attention to the institutional, strategic, and attitudinal perspectives of judicial behavior.
POLS 5324. PUBLIC POLICY: ISSUES AND ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.
This course examines the important role of analysis in the policy process. It provides an understanding of the major actors and institutions involved in policymaking, explores major theories of policy change, and equips students with the skills necessary to conduct effective public policy analysis.
POLS 5325. STATE POLITICS. 3 Hours.
This course surveys the substantial literature and research programs in the study of state politics and policy.
POLS 5327. URBAN POLICYMAKING AND ADMINISTRATION. 3 Hours.
Focus on the influence of economic, political, institutional, and organizational factors on urban policymaking and administration. A variety of regime and power structure models facilitate the analysis of urban policymaking.
POLS 5328. PUBLIC POLICY AND MEXICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES. 3 Hours.
Focus on the public policy process and the limited role Mexican Americans have had in national and state (TX) policymaking. Select topic areas are utilized to focus on state actors, issues, allocation of resources, and the power structure for analytical purposes.
POLS 5329. PUBLIC BUDGETING. 3 Hours.
The concepts, processes, and policy impacts of taxation and public budgeting. Introduction to current research techniques, budgetary issues, and the relevant political economy literature.
POLS 5332. PARADIGMS AND PROBLEMS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
This course surveys the major theoretical approaches in the field of International Relations. Students will learn to apply these paradigms to contemporary global issues such as conflict, trade, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and protection of human rights.
POLS 5333. IDENTITY AND POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. 3 Hours.
Deeper examination of processes of state building and political development; state-society relations; Arabism; authoritarianism and democratization; oil and economic issues; Islamist politics; the role of transnational ideas.
POLS 5334. VIOLENCE AND DEPRIVATION IN WORLD POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Focuses on theoretical frameworks, empirical analysis, and policy relevance of myriad threats to individuals and communal groups. Examples include: human rights, failed states, violence, health issues, slavery and migration, environmental security.
POLS 5335. LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS. 3 Hours.
Designed to give students knowledge of the political development of Latin America by first examining general topics and then analyzing events in specific countries. Utilizes themes and concepts that are universal to all Latin American nations, but also stresses the different paths to political development that have been taken in each of these countries.
POLS 5337. THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. 3 Hours.
This course emphasizes the analytical means by which researchers approach the Russian Federation in the post-Soviet period. Russia is considered from institutional, cultural, rationalist, and economic perspectives to develop a comprehensive orientation about the nature and scope of Russian politics.
POLS 5338. AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY. 3 Hours.
Evaluation of some of the primary theories and models used in explaining American Foreign Policy. The course attempts to bridge the gaps that exist between theory and reality through approaches such as realism, neo-realism, deterrence, and others.
POLS 5339. ISRAELI IDENTITY AND THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT. 3 Hours.
This course will explore the deeper threads of Israeli identity, and how these impact Israeli policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict. Topics to be covered include: diverse and clashing identities (e.g., Jewish, democratic, Middle Eastern, Israeli); how identity clashes have played out in politics; outlines of Israeli foreign policy; specific policies toward the Palestinians.
POLS 5340. INTERNATIONAL SECURITY. 3 Hours.
This course explores some of the major concepts in the theory and practice of international security, with a focus on military-related events, processes, and issue-areas.
POLS 5341. COGNITION, EMOTION, AND EVOLUTION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
This course focuses on psychological approaches to international relations and examines how these perspectives advance the study of world politics. Approaches to be studied include: behavioral traits, trust, risk, values, personality, leadership, group decision-making, emotions, and evolutionary dynamics. These will be applied to different policy areas, including U.S. foreign policy, the use of force, and international cooperation.
POLS 5342. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. 3 Hours.
This course describes the institutions, decision-making and activities of the world's leading international organizations to establish an understanding of the role of international organizations in managing contemporary global problems.
POLS 5344. PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF LAW AND COURTS. 3 Hours.
Examination of the theories and methodological practices used to determine how the public evaluates law and courts in the United States. Topics include perceptions of the Supreme Court and its policies, civil liberties, lower courts, and judges.
POLS 5347. POLITICS OF MEXICO. 3 Hours.
Course will survey the political history of Mexico, and look at essential questions of revolution, authoritarianism, democratization, and democratic governance.
POLS 5367. IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION IN GLOBAL POLITICS. 3 Hours.
An overview of historical foundations and theories of international immigration, implications for Western democracies, and a comparison of immigration and immigration policies from around the world.
POLS 5368. Health Politics and Policy. 3 Hours.
Course will survey the political history of the health care debate in the United States as well as major features of federal health policy.
POLS 5369. SOCIAL POLICY. 3 Hours.
This course examines the role of the federal government relating to social policy as a central theme of contemporary American politics. Issues surrounding the federal government's attempt to create a social safety net and issues such as poverty will be confronted, as well as the central role of tax expenditures and attempts to roll back social policies.
POLS 5380. TOPICS IN U.S. POLITICS. 3 Hours.
This course will focus on the specific aspects of U.S. governing institutions, processes, and behavior. A single aspect of U.S. politics will be examined in a given semester. (May be repeated for credit when topics vary.).
POLS 5381. TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS. 3 Hours.
This course will focus on the specific aspects of comparative politics. (May be repeated for credit when topics vary.).
POLS 5382. TOPICS IN PUBLIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE. 3 Hours.
The role of U.S. national and state courts in policy making, constitutional law, and the examination of the evolution and nature of law in the United States. (May be repeated for credit when topics vary.).
POLS 5383. TOPICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY MAKING. 3 Hours.
U.S. national policy making and program management, state and urban policy making and administration. (May be repeated for credit when topics vary.).
POLS 5384. TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 3 Hours.
This course will focus on a specific issue-area of international relations and world politics. (May be repeated for credit when topics vary.).
POLS 5391. CONFERENCE COURSE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. 3 Hours.
Research and reading in a specialized field under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Graded P/F/W.
POLS 5392. INSIDE WASHINGTON: POLICYMAKING FROM THE GROUND UP. 3 Hours.
This course provides students with an overview of the U.S. federal policymaking process and the various public/private stakeholders and institutions that participate in this process. Specifically, the course focuses on three key elements of federal policymaking: separation of powers and original constitutional intent, influencing federal policy, and creating effective advocacy strategies. Students will examine a sampling of the extensive literature on political theory/philosophy, political institutions, political behavior, public policy and public administration. Students will also meet regularly with practitioners, such as officials from Congress, the White House, executive branch agencies, think tanks, organized interest groups, media/communications, and lobbying firms.
POLS 5393. ARCHER CENTER WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.
This course consists of an internship in a governmental or non-governmental organization in Washington, D.C. The student is expected to work full-time (40 hours a week) at the internship, which may be paid or unpaid. Students are responsible for seeking and selecting their internships. The Archer Center does not guarantee any internship placements, but Archer Center faculty and staff will provide students with information about internship opportunities and advice about placements. The Archer Center faculty meet regularly with students to debrief and to integrate this practical training with other lessons in professional development.
POLS 5394. ARCHER CENTER INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH. 3 Hours.
This course is tailored to each student's graduate program of study. An Archer Center faculty member will work independently with each student to develop a research project that is designed to advance the student's academic and research goals. The project will align with the requirements of the student's graduate degree.
POLS 5398. THESIS. 3 Hours.
Original research designed to augment existing studies of problems or topics related to one of the major fields of study.