1013 Introduction to American Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
A broad survey of the basic elements of American and Texas politics. Attention
is given to the normative and Constitutional foundations of the political culture,
the development of major governmental institutions, political organizations
and processes, and major policy outputs. (Formerly POL 1053. Credit cannot be
earned for both POL 1013 and POL 1053.) [TCCN: GOVT 2301.]
1133 Texas Politics and Society
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Topics may include discussions of the Texas and U.S. Constitutions; the role
of state in the federal system; the diverse demographic, economic, and cultural
bases of state politics; elections, interest groups, and elites; and legislative,
executive, judicial, urban, and county politics. [TCCN: GOVT 2306.]
1213 Topics in Texas and American Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An examination of a selection of specific topics or set of issues in Texas and
American politics. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, not to exceed
9 semester credit hours. (Credit cannot be earned for POL 1023, POL 1063, POL
1083, POL 1173, or POL 2023, and sections of POL 1213 on the same topic.) [TCCN:
GOVT 2302.] Some topics may include:
The Politics of the American Economy
Theory and practice of classical and modern political economy. Historical interaction between American capitalism and political structures, processes, and public policy. Topics may include current fiscal, monetary, and other regulatory policies in economic context.
Ethics in America
This topic examines some of the central ethical theories throughout history, including virtue-based ethics, rights-based ethics, utilitarianism and feminist ethics. Particular attention will be paid to the application of ethical theories to contemporary topics such as environmentalism, animal rights, abortion, affirmative action and biotechnology. Writers examined may include Plato, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Carol Gilligan and Peter Singer.
The United States in the World
The development of conceptions of the United States' role in the world. The foreign policy decision-making process and its legal and constitutional basis. The relationship of domestic politics to the conduct of foreign policy.
States, Communities, and Public Policy
This course presents basic state and local political structures and processes, placing Texas in a broader comparative framework. Its principal emphasis is on the social and economic policies involving both federal and state or local components.
Civil Rights
This course explores the politics of civil rights in the U.S. and Texas, giving special attention to the federal and state constitutions. The course includes theoretical, empirical, legal, and historical analyses and examines civil rights in general with special emphasis on Latinos, African Americans, and women.
2503 Introduction to Political Theory
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The fundamental concepts and problems of politics as viewed by the classical
political philosophers and contemporary theorists: justice, power, authority,
obligation, freedom, and equality.
2513 Public Administration and Public Policy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The role of bureaucratic agencies in the formulation and implementation of public
policy. Organization theory and administration in the public sector. While the
approach of the course is comparative, special emphasis is placed on bureaucracy
in the United States.
2533 Introduction to Political Science
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to the discipline of political science, with particular emphasis
devoted to its development from 1880 to the present. Topics may include types
of political institutions, uses of political science, participation by political
scientists in public affairs or public policy, and career options available
to political science majors. [TCCN: GOVT 2304.]
2603 International Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The major issues of North-South and East-West conflicts will be explored: international
aid and trade transnational enterprises, economic development and debt, military
conflicts and nuclear weapons, and the new frontiers of oceanic resources, tropical
forests, and outer space.
2623 Law and Society
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of the nature of law, its role in sociopolitical systems, and
the institutional components of legal systems. Various theories and systems
of law are examined. Possible topics can be drawn from general areas of legal
study such as legal philosophy, critical legal studies, and comparative law,
as well as from specific subject areas such as natural, constitutional, common,
civil, customary, socialist, and theocratic law.
2633 Comparative Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A comparative examination of the diverse forms, goals, styles, and practices
of government in democratic and authoritarian states. Several major polities
will be studied in detail.
2703 Scope and Methods in Political Science
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An introduction to methods of conducting and interpreting research in political
science. Topics include principles of the philosophy of science; research designs,
statistical concepts and techniques (conceptualization, operationalization,
and measurement), and data-gathering procedures; data analysis; and qualitative
methods. May also include standard computer packages and secondary data analysis.
(Formerly SSC 3013. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 2703 and SSC 3013.)
3013 The American Legal Process
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An introduction to how the United States legal system is organized and functions.
A broad overview of the system and its actors is combined with a focus on particular
areas of the law such as domestic relations, personal injury liability litigation,
criminal procedure, and alternative dispute resolution.
3023 Civil Liberties in American Law and Practice
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An analytical, normative, and empirical examination of civil liberties and rights
in the United States. Topics may include freedom of speech, religion, and assembly,
equal protection of the laws, due process, and privacy. (Formerly POL 2023.
Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3023 and POL 2023.)
3083 Ethnic Politics in the United States
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The role of ethnic and racial minorities in the politics of the United States;
the responsiveness of existing political structures to ethnic problems; ethnic
political organizations and influence.
3093 Mexican American Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An opportunity to study Mexican American participation in the electoral process,
political and economic institutions, labor organizations, and alternative modes
of political action.
3103 Political Ideology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course is an examination of the political ideologies that shape contemporary
political debate. Ideologies may include liberalism, libertarianism, socialism,
communitarianism, neo-conservatism, feminism, environmentalism, and critical
race perspectives. Authors may include Marx, Mill, Rawls, Nozick, Sandel, MacKinnon,
and others.
3113 American Political Theory
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The political theory of the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, Adams, Jefferson,
Paine, Calhoun, Thoreau, Social Darwinism, Pragmatism, and twentieth-century
political thought.
3123 Political Psychology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Political psychology seeks to explain the behavior of political leaders and
mass publics by focusing on the psychological underpinnings of such behavior-their
personalities, identities, values, attitudes, and feelings. Attention will be
given to the interaction of these factors within different political environments.
Topics may include political socialization; personality and political leadership;
the psychology of small group decision-making; the psychology of mass participation;
and affect and cognition in political judgement.
3133 Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The major works of Western political philosophy from ancient times to the Renaissance.
Writers examined may include Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, Augustine, and Machiavelli.
3143 Political Philosophy: Modern
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The major works of political philosophy from the Renaissance to the nineteenth
century. Writers examined may include Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx,
and Mill.
3153 Political Philosophy: Contemporary
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Political thought from the late nineteenth century to the present. Topics examined
may include contemporary Marxism and critical theory, analytic political theory,
positivism and social science, phenomenological approaches, existentialism,
and contemporary ethics.
3163 Introduction to Feminist Theory
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A reading-intensive upper-level lecture course for political science majors
and women's studies minors, introducing students to feminist approaches to theory.
Covers feminist critiques of some of the dominant traditions in Western political
and social theory as well as ways in which women have begun to construct theories
from their own distinctive perspectives within the intersecting hierarchies
of race, class, and gender.
3173 Women in Western Political Theory
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A reading-intensive upper-level lecture course for political science majors
and women's studies minors. Introduces students to classical discussions within
the Western political theory tradition through an inquiry into their conceptions
of women. The course will consider conceptions of women, the family, and the
domestic sphere as they have come to us through a male-centered philosophical
tradition.
3183 Women in Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of the roles and forms of participation of women in contemporary
American politics. Topics may include the fight for civil rights and equality;
media portrayals of women in politics; women as candidates and as voters; women
as elected officials, activists, and political professionals; and women in the
military, including theories of gender and war.
3193 Theories of Citizenship
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A political philosophy approach to the concept of citizenship. The philosophical
underpinnings of citizenship will be analyzed in this class from a race, class,
gender, and gay perspective. The notion of nation-states and their exclusive
and arbitrary standards of what rights belong to people and to which people
will be examined and at times challenged in the context of contemporary politics,
American as well as global. In this examination the discussion will go beyond
rights and into process. In other words, citizenship will be examined from a
participatory, as well as rights, perspective.
3213 Business and Politics in the Third World
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Business-government relations in Third World nations at a time of deep policy
changes initiated in the 1980's. Major theories of business-government relations
and their explanatory validity for Third World nations. Particular emphasis
may be given to Latin America and Asia and their dynamic emerging markets.
3223 Judicial Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Political behavior of the major participants in the judicial process: judges,
attorneys, juries, defendants, and litigants; the political and administrative
context of the judicial process; judicial-executive and judicial-legislative
relations; the impact of court decisions.
3234 Political Campaigns and Elections
(3-2) 4 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A study of the ways in which public officials are recruited and elected in the
United States and other democracies. Campaign strategy and tactics; nominations
and primaries; the legal framework of elections; the problem of constituency;
voting studies; campaign finance. Three lecture and two laboratory hours per
week. (Formerly POL 3233. Credit can be earned for both POL 3234 and POL 3233
with special permission.)
3244 Mass Media and Public Opinion
(3-2) 4 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Explores the acquisition of political attitudes, the role of the mass media
in society and politics, and the relationship between political attitudes and
values, the mass media, and public policy. (Formerly POL 3243 and POL 3253.
Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3244 and either POL 3243 or POL 3253.)
3253 Participation and American National Elections
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to fundamentals of American electoral politics. Topics will
include psychological/sociological and economic models of participation, the
presidential primary process, the effectiveness of presidential and congressional
campaigns on the vote, psychological/sociological and economic models of the
presidential and congressional vote, the incumbency advantage in congressional
elections, spending in congressional elections, candidate entry, and comparison
of House and Senate elections.
3283 The American Presidency
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The U.S. president's role in the American political system. Topics may include
the constitutional framework and historical development of presidential powers,
presidential personality, and legislative, foreign policy, and war-making powers.
3293 Political Movements
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Examines the history, political dynamics, and social basis of mass political
movements as vehicles for social reform. Selected examples may include the civil
rights, labor, women's, abolitionist, temperance, antiabortion, old age pension,
and antiwar movements.
3303 Race, Ethnicity and Public Policy
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An examination of the historical and societal causes of economic deprivation
among American Indians, Blacks, and Hispanics with special attention on social,
political, and economic strategies for the elimination of minority poverty in
the United States. (Formerly SSC 3253. Credit cannot be earned for both POL
3303 and SSC 3253.)
3313 The American Federal System
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The political theory of federalism; the constitutional provisions; interstate
coordination of policies; local-state-federal relations; the political role
of private and public interest within the federal framework.
3323 Constitutional Law
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of major constitutional issues, past and present, through the
intensive study of leading cases. Recommended for pre-law students.
3333 Political Power
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A theoretical and empirical analysis of power in the political setting. Group,
elite, organizational, and structural approaches will be considered. Case studies
of the translation of economic and social resources into political power.
3353 Leadership and Elites
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of national political executives in parliamentary and presidential
democracies and in authoritarian states. Topics examined may include the selection
process, decision-making, leadership and bureaucracy, executive-legislative
relations, and neo-corporatism.
3363 Political Parties and Interest Groups
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The purposed of political parties in the political process. Interest groups
and their roles in government and public policy.
3373 The Legislative Process
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The functions, structures, and politics of legislatures and their relationships
to their constituencies and other branches of government.
3393 Latin American Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of political institutions and their relationship to social and
economic change in Latin America. Profiles of major Latin American countries,
such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Cuba.
3403 European Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The interplay of politics with the changing social and economic environment
in the advanced industrial societies of Western Europe. Elites, participation,
governmental structures, party systems, interest groups, and public policy will
be examined in several selected polities and the Common Market.
3413 The Politics of Urban Development
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An opportunity to pursue a political-economic analysis of the metropolis, focusing
on the problems and conflicts stemming from urban growth and stagnation. Topics
examined may include uneven development, planning, industrial development policy,
taxation, and intergovernmental rivalry. Case studies may be drawn from societies
other than the United States.
3423 Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Multidisciplinary introduction and regional study of the Russian Federation
and the Eurasian realm, including the Caucasus, Central Asian nations, Afghanistan,
and Mongolia. Both the geography and the politics of this area will be analyzed.
Historical and contemporary geopolitical topics include nation-building, regional
civilizations, revolution, terrorism, the nineteenth century "Great Game," the
rise of the USSR, and the current transition of the Russian Federation to an
uncertain future. (Same as GRG 3423. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3423
and GRG 3423.)
3433 Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A comparative examination of the political systems of selected Southeast Asian
countries and their efforts to deal with political, economic, and social change.
Countries studied may include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, and Vietnam.
3443 Governments and Politics of East Asia
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A comparative examination of the political systems of selected East Asian countries
and their efforts to deal with problems of political, economic, and social change.
Countries studied may include the People's Republic of China, the Republic of
China, and South Korea. (Formerly titled "Asian Politics"; credit cannot be
earned for both.)
3453 The Politics of Mexico
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Background to the contemporary political system of Mexico, including Independence,
foreign intervention, the Diaz regime, and the 1910-17 revolution. Other topics
may include the constitution, the structure of government, political parties,
the presidency, economic development and policy, contemporary leadership, and
elites.
3463 Politics of the Third World
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The political system of various Third World nations. An inquiry into the political
and economic problems of these countries, such as development, instability,
and political change.
3473 Theories and Problems in Latin American Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: One of the following: POL 3393, POL 3453,
HIS 2533; or consent of instructor.
Advanced survey of major theories and problems in Latin American political and
economic development. Theories of dependency, corporatism, bureaucratic authoritarianism,
and transitions of democracy. Selected problems such as political stability,
land reform, economic integration, multinational corporations, inflation, foreign
debt, revolution and reform, and the military in politics.
3483 Politics of the International Economy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Demonstrates the linkage between politics and economics. Students will be introduced
to the international economic system as well as controversies, money and trade,
foreign aid, and governance.
3493 Politics of the Middle East
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of past, present, and future of Middle East politics, with an
emphasis on culture, politics, religion, and conflicts in the area; the international
relations of Middle Eastern countries as well as superpowers' involvement.
3503 American Foreign Policy since World War II
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Major private interests and public institutions involved in American foreign
policy-making; public opinion and foreign involvement; specific policies toward
international organizations and major world regions.
3513 International Organizations
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Major issues involving international organizations: nationalism and globalism;
financing problems; international staffing; voting patterns; peace-keeping;
and international conferences. Organizations examined include the United Nations
system, regional development banks, alliance systems, cartels, and common markets.
3523 Force in International Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of modern research into the use of coercion in international
relations, specifically economic sanctions, war, and terrorism. Special emphasis
will be placed on the causes, trends, and consequences of interstate wars. Peace
movements and the technologies of peace-making will also be covered.
3553 Social Policy in Modern Welfare States
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
History and development of social policies in modern societies. Policy areas
covered may include Social Security, health care, poverty and income maintenance,
housing, education, employment, and child care.
3563 Current Issues in World Politics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of the issues that divide the people of the world. The structure
of contemporary world problems will be studied and possible strategies for the
reduction of international conflict will be assessed. Topics may include nuclear
proliferation, world hunger, revolution and intervention, transnational enterprises,
competing ideologies of international relations, and global ecology (Formerly
POL 2083. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 2083 and POL 3563).
3573 Politics of the Contemporary City
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to urban America from a multidisciplinary perspective. Attention
is given to the economic, social, political, and environmental factors that
have produced the physical form and institutional arrangements of the contemporary
city. Problems and opportunities currently facing American cities. (Formerly
SSC 3113. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3573 and SSC 3113.)
3603 Public Policy Formulation and Implementation
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An analysis of public policy formulation and implementation in social and political
contexts. The implications of the policy process for democracy. Problem areas
may include energy, health, the environment, and the fiscal crisis.
3613 Public Budgeting and Taxation
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An examination of the process and politics of public budgeting and taxation,
and of the bureaucratic behavior accompanying them.
3623 Public Policy Evaluation
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
The process and politics of public policy evaluation. The methodology of program
evaluation will be examined as well as the political problems associated with
policy evaluation. Case studies of specific government programs will be examined.
3633 Political Economy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013
The political, legal, and ethical context of modern commercial society is explored
through the evolution of conceptions of the economy, the individual, and the
state. Topics may include the institutional foundations of market societies,
ethical and legal impact of business practices, comparisons of national economic
policies, the interaction of modern government and economic activity, and the
impact of markets on concepts of public and private life. (Formerly SSC 3303.
Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3633 and SSC 3303.)
3703 Personnel Administration in the Public Sector
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A survey of personnel management in the public sector. Topics examined may include
recruitment, civil service and patronage appointments, career development, personnel
utilization, conflict of interest questions, employee organization and relations,
and affirmative action.
3713 Comparative Systems of Public Administration
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Administrative goals, structures, processes, and behavior in comparative perspective.
Bureaucracies in Western democratic, Communist, and developing political systems
will be examined.
3733 Urban Human Resources Policy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Explores the basic relationships between government, citizens, and the political
forces that affect government. The personnel programs and policies of municipal
government and the ability of public agencies to manage human resources and
other social services programs will be examined in detail.
4103 Latin America and the World
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: One of the following: POL 3393, POL 3453,
POL 3473, HIS 2533; or consent of instructor.
Advanced study of the past, present, and future roles of Latin America in the
world arena. An examination of relations between Latin America and other Third
World nations, countries of the Pacific Basin, the United States, and Canada.
4123 Legal and Philosophical Reasoning
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An intensive analysis of selected philosophical texts focusing on law and justice.
Students are challenged to develop critical reading and thinking skills by studying
the texts of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Dworkin, Hart and/or others
who outline difficult arguments and unfamiliar ideas. Emphasis is placed on
drawing reasoned conclusions, advocating positions, and expressing oneself in
oral and written forms. (Same as LGS 4123. Credit cannot be earned for both
POL 4123 and LGS 4123.)
4153 Seminar in Jurisprudence
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An analytic inquiry into the normative, empirical, and ideological underpinnings
of law. The functions, nature, and utilities of law in various social and conceptual
schemes. Alternatives to formal law and jural dispute settling.
4323 Administrative Law
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
A survey of those aspects of public law of particular relevance to public administration,
analyzing such problem areas as the delegation of authority, formal accountability,
open records and confidentiality, and responsiveness to democratic value in
decision-making.
4703 Advanced Scope and Methods
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 2703. (Completion of POL 2703 with a
"C" or better is recommended.)
An examination of modes of inquiry in political science. After an introduction
to basic issues in the philosophy of science (e.g., discovery, explanation,
theory, differences between the natural and social sciences, etc.), special
emphasis will be given to the examination of a variety of investigatory approaches
in political science (e.g., the institutional approach, the behavioral approach,
rational choice theory, etc.), and a variety of methodological issues germane
to investigation in political science (e.g., qualitative analysis, quantitative
analysis, comparative analysis).
4911-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) of
the instructor, the student's advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of
the college in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction
of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester
credit ours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a
bachelor's degree.
4933,6 Internship in Political Science
3 or 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator.
Supervised experience relevant to political science within selected community
organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the
internship.
4953 Special Studies in Political Science
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally
or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies
may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit
hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor's degree.
4973 Seminar in Political Science
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: POL 1013 and 18 semester credit hours in
POL or consent of instructor.
The opportunity for an intensive study of a selected topic. Primary emphasis
on supervised research on various aspects of the topic. May be repeated for
credit when topics vary. Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors majoring
in political science.
4993 Honors Thesis
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in
Political Science during the last two semesters; completion of honors examination
and consent of the Honors College.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once
with advisor's approval.