Lower-level Courses in Political Science (POSI)
2310 (GOVT 2301) Principles of American Government. (3-0) A survey of the principles of political science, of the American system of government, and of the origins and development of the constitutions of the United States and Texas. Satisfies the legislative requirements for teacher certification.
2320 (GOVT 2302) Functions of American Government. (3-0) A study of functions performed in the American system of government, both national and state, with special reference to Texas. Prerequisite: POSI 2310 or equivalent.
Prerequisite/Co-requisite Courses in Political Science
3300 Basic Political Ideas. (3-0) Introduction to the fundamental ideas of the Western political tradition including conservatism, liberalism, socialism, democracy, and totalitarianism. This course (or 3301) is required of all Political Science majors and minors, and it serves as a co-requisite for other advanced courses in Political Science.
3301 Basic Political Institutions. (3-0) The study of political institutions emphasizing the fundamentals of political science research and analysis, the tools used in bibliographical research, and methods of locating and presenting data for comparing political institutions. This course is required of all public administration majors and is a co-requisite for other advanced political science courses.
Group I-Political Theory and Methodology
3331 American Political Thought. (3-0) The development of American political ideas from the colonial period to the present. (WI)
3332 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (Greeks to 1600). (3-0) A study of the masters of classical and medieval political theory from Plato to Machiavelli. (MC) (WI)
3333 Modern Political Theory (1600-1900). (3-0) The development of modern political ideas; the meaning and relationships of the significant ideologies of our time; democracy, capitalism, the welfare state, socialism, fascism, and totalitarian communism. (MC) (WI)
3334 Contemporary Political Theory. (3-0) A study of selected theories, ideologies, and movements in 20th century political theory. (WI)
3377 Analytical Techniques. (3-0) Examines basic scientific methods, including problem definition, hypothesis testing, explanation and prediction, and theory construction. Statistical analysis is applied to problems in political science. Prerequisites: MATH 1315 or higher with a grade of C or better, POSI 330 and 3316 with a grade of C or better.
4328 The Holocaust. (3-0) An undergraduate seminar on The Holocaust. Among the topics covered are: efforts to understand The Holocaust; the evolution of anti-Semitism in Germany; ordinary Germans and ordinary Poles and The Holocaust; and representing The Holocaust in fiction, film, and poetry. (may by used to satisfy group IV requirement.)(WI)
4335 Politics and Personality. (3-0) An introduction to the relationship between political behavior and human motivation. Topics include psychological perspectives and political theory; personality and political orientation; the political personality, and the politically relevant insights into these areas offered by fiction. (WI)
Group II-American Government
3305 The American Founding. (3-0) An examination of the origins, nature, and foundations of the American Constitutional system with special emphasis on the Federalist/Anti-federalist debates and the writing of the constitution.
3306 Religion and American Public Life. (3-0) An examination of the ways in which religious beliefs and groups have influenced the course of American democratic experience; and the on going debates in constitutional law and democratic theory regarding the proper role of religion in American public life. (WI)
3307 Parties and Party Politics. (3-0) The American political system, including its history and organization, suffrage, nominations and elections, campaigns, and the related areas of public opinion and pressure group activities. (WI)
3308 Congress and the Legislative Process. (3-0) The dynamics of lawmaking and legislative politics in the United States. The structure, party organization, rules of procedure, and actual operation of the Congress and of selected state legislatures (including Texas) are analyzed, compared, and evaluated. (WI)
3309 The American Presidency. (3-0) A comprehensive examination of both the presidency and the men who have held it. (WI)
3314 State and Local Government. (3-0) A study of the organization, functions, and powers of state, county, and municipal government in the United States with particular reference to patterns of such governments in Texas. (May be substituted for POSI 2310) (WI)
3319 Metropolitan Politics. (3-0) An examination of the political institutions and processes of urban and suburban America, including such topics as urban sprawl, reform movements, ethnic politics, and city-county consolidation. (MC) (WI)
3395 Ethnicity and Nation Building. (3-0) This course serves as an introduction to the politics of ethnic and gender issues and organizations and introduces the student to basic concepts involved in dealing with the diversity that is the American nation. (MC) (WI)
4301 Politics in Film. (3-0) This course will expose the students to films which explicitly address political issues such as racism in the United States, the conflict between public duty and private conscience, and politics and media manipulation, and the role of perception in all the actions people take. (WI)
4320 Issues and Interest Groups: Power and Pressure in America. (3-0) An examination of selected issues at the state and national level and the interest groups which attempt to influence governmental decisions about them. The goal of the course is to promote a better understanding of the process of government and an informed opinion on the question, “Is there a Public Interest?” Prerequisite: POSI 2310. (WI)
4330 Women in Politics. (3-0) A study of the role of women in political life. The course will examine women’s influence on politics as well as how various public policies affect women. Topics may include feminism, electoral politics, political representation, and the internal politics of women’s groups. (WI)
4331 Minority Politics. (3-0) This course examines and analyzes the political participation of American minorities (Blacks, Hispanics, women, and other minorities) in the American political system and the impact of various public policies on minority groups. The course will emphasize the following topics: electoral participation; public policy participation, representation and implementation; protest politics; and political behavior. Some reference will be to Texas and the Southwest. May be repeated once with different emphasis. (MC) (WI)
4336 Campaigns and Elections. (3-0) An examination of the dynamics of American political campaigns and elections, including an analysis of federal and state elections as well as voting behavior and party and interest group influence. (WI)
4337 Topics in American and State Politics. (3-0) This course will address specific issues, ideas, political cultures, and/or institutions that are prevalent in American and state politics.
4337A Texas Politics. (3-0) This course focuses on the history, culture, institutions, issues, and policies of the Texas political systems. (WI)
4337B The Politics of the American Working Class. (3-0) This course engages students in an intensely focused examination of the social, cultural, and political reasons why Americans vote at a lower rate than do citizens of most other Industrial Democracies. We will examine policy consequences of this phenomenon and consider whether or not policy change is warranted. (WI)
4337C Media and Public Opinion. (3-0) This class will cover how the media influences public opinion and voting behavior. Specific topics include media functions in campaigns and elections, media bias, new media, and media effects on political attitudes and behaviors. This course uses lectures, discussions, with active participation, and group projects. (WI)
4345 American Foreign Policy. (3-0) This course focuses on how foreign policy is made. The major institutions involved in the decision-making process as well as the ideological setting in which they function are examined. Topics studied include the foreign policy roles of Congress, Interest Groups, the State Department and the Secretary of State, the Military Establishment, the Intelligence Community, the Presidency, and Public Opinion. Specific foreign policy decisions will be examined to illustrate the various roles of these institutions in the decision-making process. (May be used to satisfy Group V requirement) (WI)
4362 Government and American Business. (3-0) An overview of the relationship of American business to public policy as a whole. Focus is on several factors affecting the relationship between the public and private sectors including political ideology and culture, pluralism, political party development, political business cycles, monetary policy, and the domestic economy and political accountability. May be repeated once with different emphasis.
Group III-Public Law and Public Administration
3310 Constitutional Law: Basic Structures and Principles. (3-0) A case study approach to an analysis of fundamental principles of governmental structure with an emphasis on the office and powers of the President and inter-governmental relationships in the main body (Articles I through VII) of the U.S. Constitution.
3311 Constitutional Law: Individual Liberties. (3-0) An examination of that area of Constitutional interpretation commonly known as Civil Liberties or the relations between the individual and the government. (May be used to satisfy Group II requirements)
3316 Introduction to Public Administration. (3-0) The organization and management of the machinery for executing public policies, with particular emphasis upon the Federal bureaucracy. (WI)
3318 Public Personnel Administration. (3-0) A study of public personnel systems in the United States with major concentrations on the national civil service system. Special emphasis is given to current research in the areas of leadership, informal organization, motivation, and small group theory. (WI)
3320 Comparative Public Administration. (3-0) A survey of the field of Public Administration that will emphasize those aspects of administration that are common to all administrative systems. (May be used to satisfy Group IV requirements.) (WI)
3328 Public Finance Administration. (3-0) Focuses on planning, organization, and implementation of budgeting including fund accounting, auditing, and debt management in the public sector. Prerequisites: MATH 1315 or higher with a grade of C or better, POSI 3301 and 3316 with a grade of C or better. (WI)
4302 Legal Theories and Research. (3-0) This course examines the American Legal System at both the state and federal levels involving civil and criminal procedure. Emphasis is on the process of these systems and the framework within which disputes are resolved. Students will become familiar with legal research methods to better understand the composition of legal options.
4303 Civil Law in American Society. (3-0) This course considers the structure and functions of government together with the law regulating private social relations, i.e., contract law, property law, tort law, and the causal relations between legal policies and societal goals and regulations.
4304 Issues in Law and Public Policy. (3-0) This course examines contemporary legal issues by focusing on their relationship to public policy. Selected topics will vary, i.e., AIDS, abortion, affirmative action/reverse discrimination, capital punishment, environmental protection, euthanasia, and surrogate motherhood. In connection with these controversial issues we will address: (1) alternative views; (2) social consequences; and (3) political responses to and legal issues resulting from alternative positions.
4311 The Supreme Court and the Judicial Process. (3-0) An intensive examination of the judiciary, focusing upon the politics of judicial selection and the decision-making process of the judiciary as well as the position of the judiciary in the entire political process. (WI)
4322 Public Policy Formulation. (3-0) Intensive analysis of theories and processes of both policy formation and policy enforcement in the American administrative system, emphasizing the regulatory function. Prerequisite: POSI 2310 and 3301. (WI)
4361 Administrative Law. (3-0) Course stresses the legal principles and practical doctrines involved in the work of administrative tribunals vested with quasi-legislative or quasi-judicial powers or both. Primary focus on development, practice, and procedures of federal administrative agencies. (WI)
Group IV-Comparative Government
4313 Islamic Law and Politics. (3-0) This course is a study of the law, origins, development, divisions, and politics of Islam. Special emphasis will be given to law, political thought, history, and the culture of the Middle East. Topics covered include Muslim law and political institutions; the Arab and Persian roles in Islam; the Islamic Community as a political system; major points of the Islamic faith and their political significance and the political and historical significance of Muslim mysticism. (This course may be used to satisfy Group I requirements.) (MC) (WI)
4314 Revolution and Nationalism. (3-0) This course examines the phenomena of modern revolution and nationalism focusing on different countries in various geographical areas such as theMiddle East, Latin America, and others. This course is repeatable for credit twice with different emphasis. (MC) (WI)
4327 Theories of International Politics. (3-0) This course focuses on theories and concepts in the study of international relations. Major theoretical works and illustrative case studies will be critically examined. Prerequisite: POSI 3322. (WI)
4338 Government and Politics of Latin America. (3.0) A comparative analysis of political systems in Latin America, examining the impact of sociocultural and economic factors on political attitudes and behaviors. Special emphasis on Mexico, Cuba, and Brazil. (MC) (WI)
4339 Canadian Government and Politics. (3-0) An introduction to Canadian government and politics. The class will include the historical, ethical, constitutional, and political culture background to and the political issues dominant in contemporary Canadian government and politics.
4340 Government and Politics of Europe. (3-0) An in-depth analysis of the political systems of the states of Europe and the emerging European Union, with special emphasis on Great Britain, France, Italy, and Germany. (MC) (WI)
4341 Government and Politics of Russia. (3-0) A comprehensive study of the domestic and foreign policy of the former Soviet Union, examined both historically and analytically. (MC) (WI)
4349 Special Topics in Comparative Politics. (3-0) Topics in Comparative Politics will address political concepts in specific countries or areas of the world in a comparative context. The course will examine how political ideas and culture, governmental institutions, political parties, interest groups, and external influences affect the area studies. (MC)
4349A Spanish Democracy in Comparative Context (3-0) An examination of the Politics of Democratic Consolidation in Southern Europe using Spanish Political Institutions and Behavior as a case study. (WI)
4349C Liberty and Property: A Comparison of Australia and the United States (3-0) This course studies the history and politics of property rights in Australia and the United States. It will be taught simultaneously with a course offered at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Students in both universities will read the same material and engage in discussion with Australian faculty and students via the Internet. (WI)
4349D Organization of American States. (3-0) This course will introduce students to the major issues in the study of the OAS, with emphasis on the evolving relationships to member-states. We will focus on the functions and limitations of the OAS, understanding social, political, and economic variables on the relations of member-states, and developing familiarity with parliamentary procedure. (WI)
4349E Politics of Mexico. (3-0) This course will introduce students to modern Mexican politics. We will explore the historical, economic, and social factors that have influenced the politics of Mexico, beginning with the revolution and continuing to the present. We will assess the strength of Mexico’s political institutions, its party system, and its ability to maintain democracy. (WI)
4349F Politics of Democratization in Developing Countries. (3-0) A critical examination of the third wave of democratization in the developing world and the multiple challenges faced these neodemocracies. (WI)
4350 Government and Politics of Asia. (3-0) A critical analysis of political development in the nations of Far East and South Asia, concentrating on China, Japan, and India. (MC) (WI)
4351 African Politics. (3-0) A comprehensive examination of politics in Africa. (MC) (WI)
4354 The Politics of Extremism. (3-0) This course is an undergraduate seminar on international terrorism and extremist politics in America. (MC) (WI)
Group V-International Relations
3322 Introduction to International Studies. (3-0) This “core seminar” identifies critical interdisciplinary questions that will be examined in all courses in the International Studies Program. Required of all majors and minors in International Studies. (WI)
4315 The Arab-Israeli Conflict. (3-0) Origins and development of the Arab-Israeli conflict: Jewish and Palestinian nationalism; regional, international and religious dimensions; and the changing social and political character of Israel and the Palestinian community. (WI)
4326 Issues in World Politics. (3-0) This course is designed to acquaint the student with major issues in world politics and major concepts in international relations and comparative politics. (MC) (WI)
4327 Theories of International Politics. (3-0) This course focuses on theories and concepts in the study of international relations. Major theoretical works and illustrative case studies will be critically examined. (MC) (WI)
4356 International Law. (3-0) Examines the nature, sources, and development of international law as both a legal and political process. The law of treaties, acquisition of personality, territorial jurisdiction, the law of the sea, land and air, diplomatic immunities, nationality, state responsibility, human rights, and the law of war will be emphasized. Students will research contemporary international problems and participate in a Moot International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceeding. (May be used to satisfy Group III requirements.) (MC) (WI)
4357 International Organization. (3-0) This course will examine the historical roots of international organizations, the development of the League of Nations, and the evolution of the United Nations System. The nature, process, and function of contemporary international organization will be analyzed. The role of non-governmental organizations, transnational organizations, and multi-national corporations will be assessed. The course will include a mix of lecture, discussion, and model sessions. (MC) (WI)
4358 United States-Latin American Relations. (3-0) Examines policies, problems, and attitudes, together with detailed analysis of U.S. relations with selected countries. (MC) (WI)
4359 Politics of International Economic Relations. (3-0) This course examines the institutional structure of interstate economic relations, trade and monetary regimes, foreign investment, foreign aid, and development policies of governments. Prerequisite: POSI 3322. (MC) (WI)
4367 International Conflict and Security. (3-0) Examines historical and spatial patterns of conflict (including war, terrorism, and economic coercion) from Realist, Idealist, and Marxian schools of thought. The course will also examine strategies for conflict prevention and resolution such as deterrence, arms control, collective security, and “building democracy.” (MC)
General Upper-Level Courses
The following courses may be used to satisfy a requirement in any of the preceding groups, if specified on the degree outline.
4379 Independent Study. (3-0) Independent reading and/or research on various problem areas of political science. Instructor will approve specific problem area, bibliography, and study paper outline. May be repeated once with different subject matter and instructor. No more than six semester hours credit in meeting degree requirements. (WI)
4380 Internship in Government. (3-0) The student will participate in the ongoing work of a selected governmental unit. A research paper dealing with the internship experience written under the direction of a faculty member will be required. This course may be repeated one time for additional internship credit.
4381 Internship in Public Administration. (0-20) Students in the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) degree program will participate in the ongoing work of a public or non-profit agency. A research paper dealing with the internship experience written under the direction of a faculty member will be required. May be repeated once.
4397 Research in Public Administration. (3-0) This course is designed to assure familiarity with the basic concepts and approaches used in the study of public administration. Students will learn to identify, locate, and employ resources to assist in understanding public administration at all governmental levels. Course may be taken as a substitute for POSI 4381.
4398 Practicum in Political Science: Concepts, Resources, and Applications in the Study of Politics. (3-0) This course is designed to assure familiarity with the basic concepts and approaches used in the study of politics. Students will learn to identify, locate, and employ resources to assist in understanding politics at local, state, national, and international levels. Model Congress or U.N., visits to local government offices and councils, moot court, critiques of political propaganda films, and simulations in international relations are some of the applied methods of studying politics that students will learn. This course is required of all B.A. students seeking a teaching certificate in Political Science; it may be taken as a substitute for 4399 for Political Science non teacher certification majors. (WI)
4399 Senior Seminar in Political Science. (3-0) Seminar devoted to intensive reading, research, writing, and discussion focusing on different sub-fields in the discipline taught by appropriate faculty. Students in consultation with faculty in their area of interest should select a particular sub-field seminar in accordance with their needs and professional objectives. Required of all majors and must be taken in the student’s junior or senior year. Other interested students may take the course with the consent of the chair and instructor. May be repeated with different instructor and approval of chair. Prerequisites for the Senior Seminar are all of the core courses in Political Science or approval of the Department Chair. (WI)
4680 Internship in Government. (6-0) The student will participate full time (40 hours per week) in the ongoing work of selected governmental units. A research paper dealing with the internship experience written under direction of a faculty member will be required.