POLS 1107: Texas Constitution and Government Cr. 1.0 (1-0). Enrollment limited to students who have completed 6 hours of Core Government.
Introduction to history and politics of the Texas Constitution and government. Emphasis
on functions, structure characteristics, impacts, amendment procedures and political
philosophy that underlie written constitution and Texas government.
GOVT 2304: Introduction to Political Science Cr. 3. (3-0). Enrollment limited for freshmen and sophomores. General introduction
to the study of politics, the various subfields in the discipline, and the variety
of approaches.
POLS 1335: World Politics Cr. 3. (3-0). Prerequisite: Credit for or current enrollment in ENGL 1301 or consent
of instructor. Analysis of the major conflicts of contemporary world politics from
a social science perspective.
GOVT 2305: U.S. and Texas Constitution and Politics(formerly POLS 1337) Cr. 3 (3-0). Introduction to the constitutions and politics of the United States
and Texas, emphasizing constitutional structure, federalism, separation of powers,
limited government, public opinion, elections, and civil liberties.
GOVT 2306: U.S. Government: Congress, President and Courts (formerly POLS 1336) Cr. 3 (3-0). Introduction to the institutions of government with an emphasis on the
congress, the president, and the federal courts.
POLS 2340: Greek Classics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 and 1302, or equivalent. One or more texts
in ancient political philosophy.
POLS 2341: Renaissance Classics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 and 1302, or equivalent. One or more texts
in modern political philosophy.
POLS 3309: Democratization Cr. 3 (3-0). Introduction to legal principles and procedures of recognized public
international law and laws of war.
POLS 3310: Introduction to Political Theory Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Recurring themes and problems in the study of politics; draws upon classical and modern
works.
POLS 3311: Introduction to Comparative Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Theory and methodology of comparative politics.
POLS 3312: Arguments, Data, and Politics Cr. 3 (3-0) Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Learn how experts use surveys, experiments, and observations to test claims about
politics and policy outcomes.
POLS 3313: Introduction to International Relations Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Approaches to international politics, power, the nation-state and nationalism, diplomacy,
causes of conflict, sources of interdependence, international law and organization.
POLS 3314: Introduction to Public Administration Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The political environment of public administration and its basic concepts, structures,
and processes in the United States.
POLS 3315: International Organization Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Impact of world politics on international organization and influence of international
organization on foreign policy.
POLS 3316: Statistics for Political Science Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: MATH 2311. Emphasis on development of quantitative skills,
including multivariate analysis. Focus on applying quantitative techniques to practical
matters.
POLS 3318: Introduction to Public Policy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The nature and functions of public policy, policy institutions and processes, and
policy evaluations with a primary focus on the U.S.
POLS 3319: Politics of Social Policy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Public policy initiatives in areas of civil rights, welfare, education, human resources,
and housing, including criteria for evaluating proper impact.
NSS 3320: Civil Wars Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents. This course investigates
the theories and evidence provided by scholars to explain a variety of aspects of
civil war, including its onset, conduct, and termination. These topics are relevant
in contemporary politics as they concern a variety of issues ranging from historical
portrayals to foreign military intervention.
POLS 3320: Government and Politics in Great Britain Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
POLS 3321: Politics of Mexico Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Study of contemporary Mexican politics identifying key players, institutions, and
factors involved in Mexico's political development.
POLS 3322: Introduction to Latin American Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Major political systems of Latin America.
POLS 3323 Introduction to Government and Politics of India Cr. 3 (3-0). Introduction to Indian national government, elections, public opinion,
political parties, interest groups, foreign relations, Indian political history, and
contemporary challenges and issues.
POLS 3324: Government and Politics in Contemporary Germany Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Historical and geographical perspectives on recurrent issues in contemporary German
politics, such as territorial boundaries, strength of the central state, and appropriate
institutions for ensuring democratic stability.
POLS 3325: Government and Politics of Russia and the Commonwealth Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Political processes and structures in Russia and the Commonwealth.
POLS 3326: Government and Politics in the Middle East Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Cultural and socioeconomic underpinnings of politics; political structures and processes
of different states and their international relations.
POLS 3328: Politics of the Developing Areas Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: POLS 3311 or 3313. Major problems of political, socioeconomic,
and cultural development in selected areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
POLS 3329: The Nations of Europe Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Survey of the governments of Europe.
POLS 3330: International Political Economy: Policy-making in a Global World Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Analysis of business-government relations and the challenges to the state in a globalized
world, from both international and comparative perspectives.
POLS 3333: Comparative Elections Cr. 3 (3-0). Current political controversies and effects of campaign and election
rules on political competition and election outcomes in the United States and other
modern democracies.
POLS 3334: Comparative Political Behavior Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Understanding voter attitudes, voter behavior, and party behavior in countries around
the world, especially in the context of Western democracies.
POLS 3335: Political Terrorism Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, and POLS 3313, or consent
of instructor. Terrorism as a form of political extremism; structure, dynamics, and
tactics of major terrorist groups throughout the world; threat to the U.S. and methods
of counter-terrorism.
POLS 3374: Comparative Election Science Cr. 3 (3-0). GOVT 2305 and 2306. A quantitative analysis of electoral institutions
and voting behavior around the world.
POLS 3382: Politics and religion of South Asia Cr. 3 (3-0). Description: This course examines caste politics, ethnic conflicts and
regionalism in order to examine the influence of religion on electoral behavior, patterns
of governance, policy-making, social movements and political crises with the focus
on religious nationalism, Hindu-Muslim relations, social dynamics, caste and gender
hierarchy, and secularism in contemporary politics.
POLS 3389: European Union Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Political and economic institutions of the European Union.
POLS 4328: Party Politics in Latin America Cr. 3 (3-0). Comparative introduction to party politics and democratic governance
in Latin America with emphasis on problems of democratic consolidation and economic
development in the region.
POLS 4333: Islam and Democracy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Focuses on the evolution of democratic Islamic thinking and its compatibility with
Western notions of democracy.
POLS 4396: Selected Topics in Comparative Politics and International Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
POLS 1335: World Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: Credit for or current enrollment in ENGL 1301, or consent
of instructor. Analysis of the major conflicts of contemporary world politics from
a social science perspective.
NSS 2342: Introduction to National Security Studies Cr. 3 (3-0). Introduction to intelligence and security needs, problems, and risk
confronted by private and governmental organizations and national and homeland security.
POLS 3325: Government and Politics of Russia and the Commonwealth Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
POLS 3331: American Foreign Policy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The foreign policy-making process and factors influencing U.S. international behavior,
especially since World War II.
POLS 3336: Globalization Cr. 3 (3-0). Globalization poses increasing tensions for the nation state and increasing
contradictions for international politics. This course will begin to map some of the
most obvious examples where sovereignty and the global society collide. The readings
and lectures focus on economic, cultural, political, and technological processes that
constitute "globalization" from an interdisciplinary perspective.
POLS 3345: National Security Law Cr. 3 (3-0). Constitutional and Congressional allocation and judicial review of war-making
powers, security issues and organizations, control/oversight of intelligence gathering
and covert operations, terrorism, the use of the military.
POLS 3346: Human Rights Cr. 3 (3-0). Exploration of the scope, protection, and enforcement of international
human rights as well as the politics surrounding their protection.
POLS 3393: Model United Nations Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306. This course teaches international
politics and diplomacy through simulations of the United Nations. Students will learn
about the workings of the UN, what topics it covers, and how states behave within
the UN.
POLS 3396: Selected Topics in Comparative Politics and International Politics Cr. 3 (3-0).
NSS 4334: Strategy in International Relations Cr. 3 (3-0). This course surveys the strategic approach to international relations.
We employ game theory to examine the roles of individual choice and strategic interaction
in issues of war, crisis-bargaining, economic cooperation, participation in international
institutions, and terrorism.
NSS 4340: Intelligence Analysis Cr. 3 (3-0). Fundamentals of collection and evaluation of intelligence information.
POLS 4341: Risk Analysis and Assessment Cr. 3 (3-0). Complexities of assessments, perceptions, and decision-making regarding
threats to commercial/national/homeland security.
POLS 4342: Political Economy and Ethics of the Market Processes Cr. 3 (3-0). This course explores the relation between citizens and market processes in
three broad areas: a) an introduction to basic market mechanism concepts (the price
mechanism, creative destruction); b) exploring the role of government in market processes
and how that influences citizen choice and the standard of living; and c) an examination
into the ethics and morality of the market processes.
NSS 4343: Causes and Politics of War Cr. 3 (3-0). Comparative analysis of the causes of armed conflict throughout history
and the role that human nature and politics play.
NSS 4345: Capstone - National Security Studies Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Capstone course for National Security Studies minor.
POLS 4349: International Energy Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). History, major issues, and trends in international utilization, production,
management, and distribution of energy from both an international relations and comparative
political standpoint.
POLS 4350: Political Economy of War Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or consent of instructor. Examines
the intersection of economic and security issues in international relations, specifically
how economics affects war and war economics.
POLS 4391: Internship in International Affairs Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent and consent of instructor.
Internships in offices or for officials of selected local, state, national, and international
U.S. government and international corporations.
POLS 2346: The Politics of Greek Theater Cr. 3 (3-0). A study of the influence of Greek comedy and tragedy on the politics
of democratic Athens. (Introductory category.)
POLS 3340: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
An examination of the political theories and institutions of the ancient world, with
emphasis on works by Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, Xenophon.
POLS 3341: Foundations of Modern Politics. Cr. 3 (3-0) Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
A survey of major works of political theory from 16th through 19th centuries, including
Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Rousseau, Marx.
POLS 3342: Liberalism and its Critics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Contemporary arguments for and against liberalism beginning with the 16th century
and ending with 19th century formulations.
POLS 3343: Democratic Theory Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
A critical examination of the theoretical foundation for popular control of government,
as well as the empirical conditions and problems associated with such control.
POLS 3344: International Law and the Law of War. Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Introduction to legal principles and procedures of recognized public international
law and laws of war.
POLS 3347: Multiculturalism in Theory and Practice. Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
An examination of political theories that grapple with how we should treat cultural,
religious, racial, and gender differences in a multicultural and pluralistic world.
POLS 3348: Left, Right, and Center Cr. 3 (3-0). Study of the principles of conservative and progressive political theories
and their historical roots.
POLS 3349: Foundations in American Political Thought Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305. Introduction of fundamental questions in the
American political experience. Special emphasis on the period from the Founding to
the Civil War.
POLS 3383: Facilitating Political Deliberation Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306. This course teaches students the fundamentals
of deliberation, the civil and constructive discussion of controversial political
issues, and provides hands-on experience facilitating deliberation.
POLS 3384: Morality and Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306. Approaches morality from a psychological
perspective. Analyzes the origins, structure, and purpose of morality, as well as
how our moral values and political views influence each other.
POLS 3387: Politics of the Qur’an Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306. In this course, participants will
be asked to examine the political theory implicit in the Qur’an, and how the text
motivates certain understandings of the nature and aims of the political world.
POLS 3394: Selected Topics in Political Theory and Methodology Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
POLS 4344: Equality, Justice, and Democracy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
An examination of alternative standards of equality, justice, and democracy, with
an emphasis on how economic, political, and social benefits and burdens are distributed
in the context of current controversies such as affirmative action, compensatory education,
and the governance of science.
POLS 4345: Politics and the Death of God Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. This course examines
the nature and consequences of modernity’s secularization.
POLS 4346: Greek Political Thought Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: ENGL 1302; GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents; and POLS
3310 or 3343, or consent of instructor. A study of Greek political thought of the
fifth and fourth centuries B.C. This course emphasizes analytical writing.
POLS 4347: Religion and Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Explores religion/political interaction from the Enlightenment to present.
Includes secularism, separation of church/state, political liberalism, attempts to
accommodate different religions, and Islamic scholars on the relationship of religion
and politics.
POLS 4348: Contemporary Islamic Political Thought Cr. 3 (3-0). Survey of trends in Islamic political thought including Islamic Modernism,
Political Islam, and contemporary liberal Muslim political thinkers.
POLS 4366: Constitutional Design Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
Basic empirical, normative, and analytical principles of constitutional design are
used to develop a constitution for a fictitious country.
POLS 4394: Selected Topics in Political Theory and Methodology Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
POLS 3352: Immigration: Politics and Policy in the U.S. Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306. Provides a general understanding of
the importance of immigration as a national interest. Discusses the theories, institutions,
and actors that shape policy in the U.S. Also addresses historical and contemporary
debates on policy and changing public opinion.
POLS 3353: Policy and Administration Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
The role of administrative agencies in policy formation and implementation. Topics
include agency organization, procedures, political influences, interpersonal behavior,
and compliance.
POLS 4397: Selected Topics in Public Law and Public Administration Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
POLS 3345: National Security Law Cr. 3 (3-0). Constitutional and Congressional allocation and judicial review of war-making
powers, security issues and organizations, control/oversight of intelligence gathering
and covert operations, terrorism, the use of the military.
POLS 3346: Human Rights Cr. 3 (3-0). Exploration of the scope, protection, and enforcement of international
human rights as well as the politics surrounding their protection.
POLS 3350: Public Law and Political Theory Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
The philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of the Anglo-American legal system,
and its impact upon public policy.
LST 3351 – Law in Literature and Film Cr. 3 (3-0) Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. Study of how literature
and film change and reflect laws and the practice of law.
LST 3352 – The Supreme Court Cr. 3 (3-0) Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. This course introduces
students to the procedures of the Supreme Court and explains how law and political
factors compete to influence the Justices’ decision-making.
LST 3354: Law and Society Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
How the values and attitudes of society influence the content and enforcement of the
law and how changes in the law causes changes in society.
POLS 3355: Judicial Process Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2306. Development and operations of courts and related
institutions; impact of judicial decisions upon the political system.
LST 3356: Introduction to Constitutional Law: Federalism and Separation of Powers
Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
American constitutional law using major Supreme Court cases and other materials.
LST 3357: Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: POLS 3356. American constitutional principles related to
the area of civil rights and civil liberties.
POLS 3358: Judicial Behavior Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Judicial decision-making process in single-judge and collegial courts; interaction
among judges on collegial courts.
LST 3359: Criminal Justice Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
This course examines the workings of the criminal justice system, including its structure,
policing, adjudication, corrections, juvenile justice, crime data, the categories
of crime, and the elements of a criminal offense.
LST 3385: Introduction to Law Cr. 3 (3-0). Legal reasoning, legal processes, and seven different fields of law.
Allows a realistic assessment of the properties, advantages, and shortcomings the
legal system.
LST 3386: Criminal Law Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306. This course examines both federal
and state law using case law and the Model Penal Code to examine offenses against
the person and property, imputability, limitations on criminal capacity, special defenses,
sentencing, and criminal procedure.
POLS 3397: Selected Topics in Public Law Cr. 3 (3-0).
POLS 4353: Contemporary Issues in Law, Politics, and Society Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. This course analyzes
topics such as free expression, political protests, political representation and voting
rights using theories and methodologies of social science.
LST 4392: Internship in Public Law Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. This internship is
intended for students interested in going to Law School or into law-related fields.
The internship will provide students with hands-on experience in organizations that
focus on public interest law, which seeks to help the public on a wide range of issues
related to rights, health and welfare, and the representation of marginalized groups
of interest. Interns will be placed in governmental and non-governmental organization
or specialized law firms.
POLS 4397: Selected Topics in Public Law and Public Administration Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit when topics apply.
POLS 2336: U.S. Government and Texas Constitution, Politics and Institutions Cr. 3 (3-0). Constitutions and politics of the United States and Texas, emphasizing
constitutional structure; executive, legislative, and judiciary institutions, state
and federal; limited government, public opinion, elections, and civil liberties.
POLS 3331: American Foreign Policy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The foreign policy-making process and factors influencing U.S. international behavior,
especially since World War II.
POLS 3352: Immigration: Politics and Policy in the U.S. Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306. Provides a general understanding of
the importance of immigration as a national interest. Discusses the theories, institutions,
and actors that shape policy in the U.S. Also addresses historical and contemporary
debates on policy and changing public opinion.
POLS 3360: Politics and Mass Media Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Impact of mass media coverage on American political institutions, the election process,
and public opinion in general and the appropriate role of media and news in a society.
POLS 3361: Politics and Literature Cr. 3 (3-0).Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor. An examination
of enduring political problems through the study of classic works of literature.
POLS 3362: Political Campaign Management Cr. 3 (3-0). A nuts-and-bolts of how to begin and manage a political campaign throughout
and up until election day. The applied elements will include real world examples and
experiences.
POLS 3363: Lobbying in Theory and Practice Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. An understanding of
the fundamentals of lobbying from both a theoretical and practical perspective by
covering the history of the lobbying industry, strategies of lobbyists, and case studies.
POLS 3364: Legislative Processes Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2306. Organization, operation, behavior, and functions
of American legislatures; emphasis usually on Congress.
POLS 3365: Polls, Public Opinion, and American Democracy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Reliability
of polls predictions, use by public officials on publicly preferred policies, and
whose opinions are followed and whose are ignored and why. Analysis of the methods
of polling and effect on the results.
POLS 3366: Political Parties Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305. History and organization of political parties
in the United States; function of parties for the political system; electoral base
of American political parties.
POLS 3367: United States Campaigns and Elections Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305. Using both historic and current elections to
examine the strategies candidates employ, the role of money and the media, and how
voters respond.
POLS 3368: Race, Gender, and Ethnic Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, and junior standing,
or consent of instructor. Examines the roles, strategies and different levels of success
minority groups and women have had in the American political system.
POLS 3369: The Presidency Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2306. Role of the president and the bureaucracy in
policy-making, emphasizing the influence of the man on the office and the office on
the man.
POLS 3370: State Government and Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Problems facing the states in the 21st century; roles of the legislature and governor;
party systems, finances, and taxation; nature of governmental policies.
POLS 3371: Introduction to Urban Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The city and its environment including social, economic, and governmental problems
resulting from increased urbanization.
POLS 3372: Latino Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Analysis of the cultural, economic, sociological, and psychological roots of the political
life of Latinos and their impact on current political struggles.
POLS 3373 Inside Texas Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or consent of instructor. Advanced
approach to Texas politics from before the Texas revolution to today. Examines the
roots of the State’s political structure, scandals, battles over policy, party shifts,
voting trends, and the characters that have shaped Texas.
POLS 3375: Health Policy and Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or consent of instructor. Problems
and opportunities in the health and medical care system in the context of political
institutions, processes, and behavior.
POLS 3376: Black Political Thought Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents or consent of instructor.
Explores the lives and writings of prominent African Americans to explore how black
political thought has evolved and developed.
POLS 3377: Money in American Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. An evaluation of the
role money plays in contemporary American politics. Specific topics include campaign
finance, lobbying, corporate and union politics, and wealth and inequality.
POLS 3378: Political Economy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Study of systems for allocating scarce resources. Consideration of the strength and
weaknesses of market solutions and political solutions to allocation questions.
POLS 3379: The Politics of Houston Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. This course is a comprehensive
exploration of the political landscape within the dynamic framework of urban environments.
Focusing on the vibrant context of the “Bayou City,” our journey will unfold through
a multifaceted lens, encompassing the rich historical tapestry of the city, dissecting
the intricate structure of the City Council, and delving into the nuanced decision-making
processes that shape the destiny of this urban center.
POLS 3388: Politics in Film and Television Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
An examination of enduring political problems through the study of film and television
and the effects of each on the American public and electorate.
POLS 3390: Women in Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Study of women’s roles in the political system beginning with the attainment of suffrage
and continuing through current problems of mobilization and recruitment to office.
POLS 3391: Political Scandals Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 or equivalents, or consent of instructor. A
selected examination of contemporary American political scandals including Watergate
and the Clinton impeachment.
POLS 3395: Selected Topics in American Government Cr. 3 (3-0).
POLS 4355: Political Views and Civic Engagement in the United States Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent. Explores how citizens
develop political attitudes and participate in a range of political activities including
voting, protesting, and running for office using historical and contemporary examples.
NSS 4365: National Defense Policy Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The evolution of U.S. national defense strategy and policy making.
POLS 4395: Selected Topics in American Government and Urban Politics Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalents, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit and when topics vary.
POLS 3381: Political Psychology Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Survey of the psychological approaches to the study of mass political behavior including
authoritarianism, cognitive dissonance, and functional theories.
POLS 4394: Selected Topics in Political Theory and Methodology Cr. 3 (3-0). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
POLS 3399-4399: Senior Honors Thesis Cr. 3 per semester. Prerequisite: approval of chair.
POLS 4198, 4298, 4398, 4498, 4598: Special Problems Cr. 1-5 per semester, or more by concurrent enrollment. Prerequisite: approval of
chair.
POLS 4390: Government Internship Cr. 3 (1-6). Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and 2306 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Internships in offices of selected local, state, and national government officials
and correlated readings.