PSCI 2301 Intro to Political Leadership

An introduction to the political, moral, and cultural factors that have shaped political leadership throughout the ages. Case studies drawn from political and social history to illustrate what makes human leadership unique and investigate why leadership and political organization vary across human societies, both historically and cross-culturally. (Cross-listed with LEDR 2301)

PSCI 2304 Intro to Political Science

Introductory survey of the discipline of political science focusing on the scope, and methods of the field, and the substantive topics in the discipline including the theoretical foundations of politics, political interaction, political institutions and how political systems function.

PSCI 2305 American National Government

A survey of national government in the United States with emphasis upon the Constitution, government structure, and processes. European background; federal, state, and interstate relations; rights and obligations of citizens; political parties; group organization; the legislative process; and the executive, judicial, and administrative functions in federal government.

Prerequisites: Completion of Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Reading requirements, ENGL 1301, or appropriate level developmental course sequence.

TCCN: GOVT 2305

PSCI 2306 American State Government

Analysis of state and local government in the United States, with particular emphasis upon the State of Texas. History of state governments; state constitutions; the role of the individual pertaining to the rights and liberties in participation in government; political parties, pressure groups, and the franchised. The state legislature, the governor and state administration, state court system, county municipal organization, and current problems of local government.

Prerequisites: Completion of Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Reading requirements, ENGL 1301, or appropriate level developmental course sequence.

TCCN: GOVT 2306

PSCI 3301 Research Methods in Social Sci

An introduction to the scientific method as applied to social science research. Topics include research methods, research designs, the analysis of data, and basic computer techniques. This course is interchangeable with CRIJ 3301 and SOCI 3301.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing and consent of COAS Advisor.

PSCI 3305 Govt & Politics of Europe

The structures, function, and processes of selected European political systems.

PSCI 3308 Latin American Pol Systems

A comparative analysis of the major political systems of Latin America that emphasizes the role of political cultures, elites, and inter-systematic factors.

PSCI 3310 Comp Pol Ideologies & Systems

This course provides a comparative analysis of the modern social, political, and economic ideologies that continue to shape present day political experience. Topics include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, the politics of identity, green politics, among others. In each case, special attention is given to the historical backdrop out of which the ideology emerged, its major theorists and proponents, and the way in which it helps its adherents interpret the world and justify political action.

PSCI 3313 Class&Med Political Phil

A survey and analysis of political thought, theory, and political philosophy from Greek antiquity to the present.

PSCI 3314 Modern Political Philosophy

Fundamentals of political thought, theory, and philosophy since Machiavelli; major contemporary political theories and movements.

PSCI 3320 Congress and the Presidency

This course examines the functions and operations of these two branches of the federal government. How representative is the U. S. Congress? How does the Presidency govern? Moreover, the course explores the nature of the congressional-executive relations.

PSCI 3340 International Law & Org

A survey of the historical development and present role played by international law in the world community, and the formation and operation of international organizations. Organizations to be examined include the United Nations, regional development banks, alliance systems, cartels, common markets, and other international political organizations.

PSCI 3345 Intro to Public Administration

Perceptions of bureaucracy; organizational theory and behavior; administrative leadership and decision making; personnel problems and public unions; agency clientele and public interest; questions of administrative ethics, morality, and accountability; and individual in-depth studies of selected public policies.

PSCI 3350 Intro: Analysis of Publ Policy

Systematic analysis of factors affecting policy-making and implementation at various stages. Theories of decision-making, organizational behavior of bureaucracies, and regulatory alternatives.

PSCI 3353 Political Geography

The study of the spatial or geographic expression of political phenomena. The primary themes include political regions, boundaries, territorial control, geopolitics, the functioning of the state at multiple scales (from local to national), and international trade and security pacts. Case studies emphasize the political geographies of North America and Latin America. (Cross listed with GEOG 3353).

PSCI 4306 Intl Political Economy

This course introduces students to the study of International Political Economy (IPE). It explores the dynamic ways in which markets, states, and societies interact with one another, within a context of increasing international economic interdependence. It also examines the origins of this sub-discipline, and its relationship to Economics, International Relations, and Political Science. The course will also cover topics such as trade and production, money and finance, globalization, development, poverty, and North-South relations.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

PSCI 4307 The Interamerican System

This course analyzes the development of the modern Interamerican System, with emphasis on international and domestic factors that shape hemispheric pacts like the Organization of the American States (OAS) and sub-regional projects like NAFTA. The course also explores contemporary challenges to political and economic integration in the Americas.

PSCI 4309 Mexican Politics & Government

This course explores the roles of Mexican government institutions, state and local governments, political parties, the military, economic elites and social movements. The course analyzes the evolution of their relationships over time, as well as their influence on domestic and foreign choices.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing.

PSCI 4310 Drug Trafficking

This course examines the economic and social history of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana along with the evolution of the U.S. led “war on drugs” and international narcotics control efforts. With a focus on Latin America, the class will explore the political economy of the cocaine trade in Mexico, Brazil, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Andean region - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Emphasis will be given to the contemporary phases during the late 1960s to the post-9/11 transformation in the U.S. anti-drug policies and the sponsored “Global War on Terrorism.” Questions such as: Is it possible to end drug trafficking? Has the war on drugs been successful? What have been the unintended consequences of the U.S. punitive anti-drug approach domestically and internationally? Is legalization the path to take? are addressed. Alternative policies to the drug issue will be assessed, exploring the cases of Uruguay, Portugal, and the Netherlands among others.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

PSCI 4311 The Constitution and Civil Lib

The parameters of the federal Constitution and civil liberties; rights of citizens against state and federal governments; the nature of due process and the equal protection of the law; freedoms of expression, association and religion. (Cross-listed with CRIJ 4311)

PSCI 4312 Constitution and Crim Pro Law

The Constitution’s limits on government authority to gather evidence and investigate crime by examination of the Fourth Amendment’s limits on search, seizure and arrest; the Fifth Amendment’s privilege against self-incrimination; and the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel. (Cross-listed with CRIJ 4312)

PSCI 4313 Constitution and Govt Powers

The powers of government, state and federal, under the federal Constitution; relations between branches of the federal government; limitations on governmental authority by virtue of the distribution of power.

PSCI 4320 The Political System of U.S

The institutional dynamics and historical evolution of Congress, the presidency, and the federal courts; ongoing structural changes in American national politics.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

PSCI 4321 Special Stud in Political Sci

An intensive examination of special topics of study in political science. May be repeated once when topic changes.

PSCI 4322 Special Stud in American Pol

An intensive examination of special topics of study in American politics. May be repeated once when topic changes.

PSCI 4323 Special Stud in Const Law

An intensive examination of special topics of study in constitutional law. May be repeated once when topic changes.

PSCI 4324 Special Stud in Political Phil

An intensive examination of special topics of study in political philosophy. May be repeated once when topic changes.

PSCI 4325 Special Stud in Comp Politics

An intensive examination of special topics of study in comparative politics. May be repeated once when topic changes.

PSCI 4326 The Judicial Process

A study of the American judicial system with emphasis upon its structure, function, and process.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing.

PSCI 4327 Special Stud in Int Politics

An intensive examination of special topics of study in international politics. May be repeated once when topic changes.

PSCI 4335 International Politics

This course will explore and analyze various topics in international politics. Emphasis will be given to major theories and their application to related areas, issues, and regions. May be repeated once when topic changes.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

PSCI 4340 American Foreign Policy

A study of the sources of American foreign policy in domestic institutions and public opinion, and in the actions of foreign governments, as a means of elucidating the policy making process.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing.

PSCI 4351 Senior Seminar in PSCI

This course is the capstone for undergraduate studies in political science. It bridges major sub-fields of political science to identify linkages as well as divergences within the discipline. The course emphasizes contemporary developments in the study of politics by exploring current theoretical approaches, research methods, and emerging issues.

Prerequisites: Political Science majors only and Senior standing.

PSCI 4380 Civic Engagement & Leadership

Civic Engagement and Leadership is an experiential learning course that seeks to make a difference in the civic life of communities and develops in students the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Students have multiple options, they may 1) perform hands-on work in the community in service based learning course 2) students can volunteer to work in designated civic engagement and leadership approved programs on campus, 3) students can complete an intensive internship experience, which requires pre-approval from the political science program director. Regardless of what option students choose they must enroll into PSCI 4380.

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

PSCI 4390 Undergraduate Research in PSCI

This course enables students to engage in independent research on an issue/topic in political science. The issue/topic is selected by the student, with the advice and approval of the instructor prior to registration. The course may be repeated under a different issue/topic for credit.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and either the Director of Political Science or the department chair.

PSCI 5301 Adv Methods of Social Research

This course introduces the student to the essentials of conducting social science research. Students will be introduced to the different dimensions of social research: ethics, theory, hypothesis testing, research design, sampling, measurement, and quantitative data analysis. Students will also become familiar with using SPSS, a common statistical software package. By the end of the course students will possess the foundation to begin applying this knowledge to real world applications- in academia, government, non-profit, or private industry. (Cross-listed with CRIJ 5320)

Prerequisites: PSCI 3301, SOCI 3305, or similar undergraduate coursework in social scientific research methods, or permission of instructor.

PSCI 5303 American Political Institution

An analysis of the operations and functions of the major political institutions in American government (i.e., legislature, elected executives, the bureaucracy, and the judiciary). The course focuses on how members are selected, how they use power, how they interact with other actors, and how they affect public policy.

PSCI 5306 Seminar in Intl Political Eco

This course introduces students to the study of International Political Economy (IPE). It explores the dynamic ways in which markets, states, and societies interact with one another, within a context of increasing international economic interdependence. The course combines a focus on the main theoretical and methodological approaches used in the study of IPE with the analysis of historical and contemporary issues. It also examines the origins of this sub-discipline, and its relationship to Economics, International Relations, and Political Science. The course will also cover topics such as trade and production, money and finance, globalization, development, poverty, and North-South relations.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

PSCI 5308 American Political Behavior

An examination of the behavioral aspects of American politics, including both mass and elite behavior. Topics to be covered may include public opinion, political participation (e.g., voting behavior), political parties, and interest groups.

PSCI 5309 Mexican Politics & Government

This course explores the roles of Mexican government institutions, state and local governments, political parties, the military, economic elites and social movements. The course analyzes the evolution of their relationships over time, as well as their influence on domestic and foreign choices. (Cross-listed with PSCI 5309)

PSCI 5310 Directed Research in PSCI

Opportunity for graduate students to undertake independent study or research in political science. Prior consent of faculty member(s) with whom students wish to work. Subject may vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a total of 6 SCH. Graded CR/NC

PSCI 5311 Constitutional Law

A case study of American constitutional law based on the leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. This course deals with the functional and federal distributions of governing authority, civil liberties, rights of the criminally accused, and civil rights. This course is held in conjunction with PSCI 4311 but requires additional graduate-level work assigned to students taking the course for graduate credit. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4311)

Prerequisites: Admission to a graduate degree program, including the BA/MA.

PSCI 5326 The Judicial Process

A survey of normative and empirical debates relating to law and courts both in the United States and around the world.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

PSCI 5330 Sem in Political Philosophy

Intensive investigation in selected topics of concern to students of political science. Subject will vary from semester to semester. Course may be repeated when subject matter changes.

PSCI 5340 Comparative Politics

An in-depth comparative analysis of the political systems of the countries of Western Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

PSCI 5345 Topics in Area Studies

An intensive investigation of the social, economic, and political conditions of specific world regions. Possible areas include the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific, North America, Mexico, Canada, or other regions or countries. Course may be repeated when world region changes.

PSCI 5350 Ethnic Politics

A study of ethic interest groups and the varieties of American ethnic politics. Emphasis on ethnic groups in Texas.

Prerequisites: Admission to a graduate degree program, including the BA/MA.

PSCI 5360 American Foreign Policy

An analysis of the forces and institutions involved in the establishment of American foreign policies. Emphasis is placed on the effect of the growth of American power and responsibility on the development of foreign policies.

PSCI 5368 Sem in International Politics

Selected problems and concepts related to the theory and practice of international politics. Subject may vary from semester to semester. Course may be repeated when subject matter changes.

PSCI 5370 Political & Historical Thought

This is an interdisciplinary seminar for students whose interests lie in the field of the study of the history of ideas, with a particular emphasis on the history of political thought. The seminar covers topics in Western, Non-Westerns, ancient, medieval, early modern, modern and contemporary thought, political theory, and methodology in the history of political thought.

PSCI 5372 Topics in Int. Politics

A current issue or topic in the discipline of international relations/affairs such as Ethics and International Affairs, International Law, International Organization, Democratization, Transnational Crime and Terrorism, International Development, Leadership in International Affairs, War and Peace, International Political Economy, or other topics will be the focus of the course. The course may be repeated when the topic changes.

PSCI 5373 Adv Sem in Latin-Amer Politics

Focused study of one major regional issue or unifying theme in Latin American Politics. May be repeated once when topic changes

PSCI 5385 Political Science Internship

This course is an option for students enrolled in thesis and topical focus plans. Students will be placed in one of many types of organizations, pollsters, and government agencies. Intern students will attend class meetings, maintain activity logs, and write a research paper.

PSCI 5390 Special Problems in PSCI

A current issue or topic in the discipline of political science. The course may be repeated when the topic changes.

PSCI 5398 Thesis I

This course is designed to be the first step towards the successful completion of a thesis.Students schedule the coursework in consultation with their major professor. Evaluation of performance is CR/NC. Students will receive credit for the class when they have a proposal approved by their thesis committee and the required evidence of progress on a draft. If the grade of IP is received, the student must enroll again for credit.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of major instructor/advisor.

PSCI 5399 Thesis II

This course is designed to be the final step towards the successful completion of the thesis. Students schedule the coursework in consultation with their thesis advisors. Evaluation of performance is CR/NC. Students will receive credit for the class when they have successfully written and defended their thesis to their thesis committee. If the grade of IP is received, the student must enroll again for credit.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, successful completion of PSCI 5398: Thesis I, and permission of the major instructor/advisor.