Political Science (PS)

PS 2304. Introduction to Political Science.

This course is an introductory survey of the discipline of political science, focusing on the history, scope, and methods of the field and the substantive topics in the discipline. Prerequisite: POSI 2310 or POSI 2320 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3300. Basic Political Ideas.

This course examines fundamental ideas of the Western political tradition including conservatism, liberalism, socialism, democracy, and totalitarianism.

PS 3301. Basic Political Institutions.

This course examines political institutions emphasizing the fundamentals of political science research/analysis, the tools used in bibliographical research, and methods of locating and presenting data for comparing political institutions.

PS 3311. American Political Thought: From the Colonial Period to Civil War.

This course examines the development of American political ideas from the colonial period through the Civil War. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3312. American Political Thought: From Reconstruction to Present.

This course examines the development of American political ideas from Reconstruction to the present. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3313. Contemporary Political Theory.

This course examines selected theories, ideologies, and movements in 20th and 21st century political theory. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3314. Politics and Personality.

This course is an undergraduate seminar exploring the relationship between political behavior and human motivation. Topics include: psychological perspectives and political theory, personality and political orientation, and the political personality. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3315. Quantitative Research in Political Science.

This course introduces statistical theories and quantitative analyses, and examines methodological concepts, definitions and procedures, various hypotheses testing and integrated research applications in the discipline of Political Science. Prerequisite: MATH 1312 or MATH 1315 or MATH 1316 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 or HON 2302A or HON 2302B any with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3321. Campaigns and Elections.

This course examines the dynamics of American political campaigns and elections at the federal and state level. The analysis and discussion will include theoretical evaluations of voting, campaigns, and elections as well as technical and practical information about campaign strategies. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3322. Political Parties and Party Politics.

This course examines the American political party system, including its history and organization, suffrage, nominations, elections, campaigns, and the related areas of public opinion and pressure group activities.

PS 3323. Congress and the Legislative Process.

This course examines the dynamics of lawmaking and legislative politics in the United States. This course analyzes, compares, and evaluates the structure, party organization, rules of procedure, and actual operation of the Congress and of selected state legislatures (including Texas). Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3324. The American Presidency.

This course examines, in depth, both the presidency of the United States and the individuals who have held it.

PS 3325. State and Local Government.

This course examines the organization, functions, and powers of state, county, and municipal governments in the United States with particular reference to patterns of such governments in Texas. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3326. Issues and Interest Groups: Power and Pressure in America.

This course examines selected issues at the state and national level and the interest groups which attempt to influence governmental decisions about them. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3327. The American Founding.

This course examines the origins, nature, and foundations of the American Constitutional system with special emphasis on the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates and the writing of the Constitution. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3328. Politics in Film.

This course examines films which explicitly address political issues such as racism in the United States, the conflict between public duty and private conscience, politics and media manipulation, and the role of perception in all the actions people take.

PS 3331. The Supreme Court and the Judicial Process.

This course examines 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. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3332. Constitutional Law: Basic Structures and Principles.

This course examines and analyzes, through a constitutional case study approach, the fundamental principles of governmental structure with an emphasis on the office and powers of the President, Congress, and inter-governmental relationships in the main body (Articles I through VII) of the U.S. Constitution. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3333. Constitutional Law: Individual Liberties.

This course examines the area of constitutional interpretation commonly known as civil liberties or the relations between the individual and the government. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3334. Civil Law in American Society.

This course examines the structure and functions of government, especially the judiciary, together with the laws regulating private social relations, (e.g., property law, tort law, etc.), and the relations between legal policies and societal goals and regulations. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3341. Comparative Politics.

This course introduces students to the subfield of comparative politics through an examination of recent political history, political institutions, party systems, and public policies of some of the world’s most important countries (including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, China, Iran, India, South Africa, Mexico and others).

PS 3342. African Politics.

This course examines the government and politics of African political systems in light of the traditional political cultures, the colonial and post-colonial experience and the diversity of regime experimentation with special attention to the struggle for genuine democracy. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3343. Government and Politics of Latin America.

This course is a comparative analysis of political systems in Latin America, examining the impact of socioculutural and economic factors on political attitudes and behaviors. Special emphasis will be placed on the political systems of Mexico, Cuba, and Brazil. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3344. Government and Politics of Europe.

This course examines the political history and political institutions of Europe and the European Union. Special emphasis will be placed on the political systems in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and Russia. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3345. Government and Politics of Russia.

This course examines the domestic and foreign policy of the former Soviet Union, examined both historically and analytically. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3346. Government and Politics of Asia.

This course examines political development in the nations of Far East and South Asia, special consideration will be placed on the political systems of China, Japan, and India. (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3347. Politics of Modern Southeast Asia.

This course examines the political and economic significance of Southeast Asia through comparative analysis; it will include an empirical and conceptual examination of the political dynamics of the region. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3348. Revolution and Nationalism.

This course examines the phenomena of modern revolution and nationalism focusing on different countries in various geographical areas such as the Middle East, Latin America, and others. This course is repeatable once with a different emphasis for an additional three credit hours. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3349. Latin America Party Politics: Theory and Practice.

This course examines some key insights in party and party system theory and practice. Latin America is the regional referent for examining themes, and country examples are studied in depth to illustrate the theory. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 3351. Introduction to International Studies.

This course examines critical interdisciplinary questions pertaining to all courses in the International Studies Program. (WI) (MULT).

PS 3352. Theories of International Politics.

This course examines theories and concepts in the study of international relations. Major theoretical works and illustrative case studies will be critically analyzed. (WI) (MULT).

PS 3353. Issues in World Politics.

This course examines major issues in world politics, international relations, and comparative politics. (WI) (MULT).

PS 3354. United States-Latin America Relations.

This course examines United States-Latin America relations as a subset of US global relations and US foreign policy. This course will examine policies, problems, and attitudes with a detailed analysis of U.S. relations with selected countries. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4310A. Natural Law and Virtue Ethics.

This course examines the development of natural law and virtue ethics theory from ancient through contemporary thought. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4310B. Topics on Freedom of Speech and Thought.

This course considers freedom of speech and thought as foundational conditions in liberal conceptions of human flourishing. The course will combine a close reading of modern and contemporary authors with an analysis of recent controversies implicating these freedoms, such as debates about hate speech and political correctness. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301.

PS 4311. Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (Greeks to 1600).

This course examines classical and medieval political theory from Plato to Machiavelli. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4312. Modern Political Theory (1600 - 1900).

This course examines the development of modern political ideas; and the meaning and relationships of the significant ideologies of our time including democracy, capitalism, the welfare state, socialism, fascism, and communism. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4313. The Holocaust.

This course is an undergraduate seminar on The Holocaust. Topics include: victims and perpetrators, antisemitism, and representation of The Holocaust in film and fiction. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4314. Liberalism and Its Critics.

This course examines the origins, nature, and evolution of one of the most influential intellectual traditions in modern Western political theory, liberal individualism, as well the views of its critics. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4315. The Politics of Dystopia.

This course examines the idea of political utopia and the many ways in which it might be twisted into a darker, less-than-perfect society. Content will focus, in particular, on the relationship between fictional dystopias in novels and films, and political reality in 21st-century America. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4320A. American Political Culture.

The course will explore selected problems related to American political culture through an examination of Alexis de Tocqueville’s classic study, Democracy in America. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4320B. The Evolution of the United States Constitution.

This course studies the relationship between politics and the US Constitution. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of the US Constitution from a political, historical, and theoretical perspective.

PS 4321. American Foreign Policy.

This undergraduate seminar examines the roles of major institutions, American political culture, and the international setting in the making of American foreign policy. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4322. African American Politics.

This course examines the political, cultural, and historical facets of the African American experience. The course will include a study of appropriate constitutional law cases, representation, identity, urban politics, protest movements, and ideology. Particular attention will be given to how these themes develop in Texas and the Southwest. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4323. Latina/o Politics.

This course examines the participation of Latinos in US politics. Both formal political participation in electoral politics and involvement in grassroots and social movements are considered. While all Latino groups will be considered, the course has a special emphasis on the Mexican/Chicano experience in Texas and the Southwest. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4324. Women in Politics.

This course examines 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) (MULT).

PS 4325. Texas Politics.

This course examines the history, culture, institutions, issues, and policies of the Texas political system. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4326. Media and Public Opinion.

This course examines 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. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4327. Religion and American Public Life.

This course examines the ways in which religious beliefs and groups have influenced the course of American democratic experience, and the ongoing debate regarding the proper role of religion in American public life. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4330A. Environmental Law & Policy.

This course examines the institutions, implementation, and regulation of American environmental law and policy. Laws and regulations explored can cover jurisdictions ranging from municipal, regional, state, federal, and international levels. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4331. Islamic Law and Politics.

This undergraduate seminar is an examination of the origins, development, divisions, law, and politics of Islam. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4332. The Politics of U.S. Economic Policy.

This course examines the issues of political economy prominent in American public life. Emphasis will be placed on the constitutional, partisan, and sectional aspects of such issues as the Bank of the United States, slavery, gold standard, the Great Depression, banking, income distribution, and the Affordable Care Act. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4333. Issues in Law and Public Policy.

This course examines selected legal issues by focusing on their relationship to public policy. Alternative views, social consequences, political responses, and legal issues resulting from alternative positions are considered. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4334. Legal Theories and Research.

This course examines the American Legal System. Emphasis will be placed on the origins and development of law, the different sources of law, the process of legal research and analysis, and methods for interpreting and applying constitutional, statutory and case law. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4340A. Government and Politics of Japan.

This course is a comparative analyses of political systems in Japan, examining the impact of sociocultural and economic factors on political attitudes and behaviors. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4340B. Authoritarian Regimes.

While democracy became the most common political regime type around the world in the 1990s, many authoritarian regimes have continued to persist or have emerged in countries such as China, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela. How do these regimes emerge and function in the presence of popular demands for democratization and leadership challenges from authoritarian regime elites? How do authoritarian regimes collapse and what are the prospects for democracy in current authoritarian regimes? How do authoritarian regimes act in international relations? This course applies these broad questions to past and present authoritarian regimes around the world. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4340C. Comparative Political Institutions.

This course introduces students to the effect of institutions on political outcomes in developing countries. The role of formal institutions, informal institutions, and institutional weaknesses to understand political dynamics will be explored and analyzed.

PS 4340D. Mexican Politics.

The course delves into Mexico's XX century authoritarian period and its transition to democracy, including the workings of Mexico's institutions in the post 2000 era, and the evolution of US-Mexican relations.

PS 4340E. Civil War.

This course provides an in-depth look at how civil wars begin and end, the dynamics in the conduct of civil wars, and the domestic and international consequences of civil wars. Case studies of post-WWII civil wars around the world will be used to illustrate theories of civil war and to speculate on the likely onset or termination of civil war in particular countries.

PS 4341. Civil-Military Relations in Comparative Politics.

This course examines the primary empirical and normative theories of civil-military relations. Students will investigate the state of civil-military relations in the United States and around the globe. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4342. Economic Development in Latin America.

This course examines the economic history of and current obstacles to economic development in Latin America. It explores the Import Substitution Industrialization Era, the debt crisis of the 1980s, free market economics, and the nature and revival of economic populism. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4343. Politics of Democratization in Developing Countries.

This course examines the third wave of democratization in the developing world and the multiple challenges facing these new democracies. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4344. The Politics of Extremism.

This undergraduate seminar examines international terrorism and extremist politics in America. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4345. Model International Institution Competition.

This course is an applied introduction to diplomacy focusing on issues relevant to international institutions, in which students will engage in debate and role-playing. (WI) (MULT).

PS 4346. Organization of American States.

This course is an introduction to major issues of the OAS including its functions and limitations and the evolving relations among member-states.

PS 4350A. U.S. National Affairs and Homeland Security.

This course examines current issues of national and international importance from political, economic, and social perspectives. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 or POSI 3300 or POSI 3301 any with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4351. International Conflict and Security.

This course examines historical and spatial patterns of conflict (including war, terrorism, and economic coercion) from the perspectives of Realist, Idealist, and Marxian schools of thought. It will also examine strategies for conflict prevention and resolution such as deterrence, arms-control, collective security, and “building democracy.” (WI) (MULT).

PS 4352. International Law.

This course will examine the nature, functions, sources, scope, practice, and development of public international law as both a legal and political process. Students will research contemporary international problems and participate in a Moot International Court of Justice. (WI) (MULT).

PS 4353. International Organizations.

This course examines the historical roots of international organizations, the development of the League of Nations, and the evolution of the United Nations. The nature, process, and function of contemporary international organizations will be analyzed. Non-governmental organizations, transnational organizations, and multi-national corporations will be assessed. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4354. Politics of International Economic Relations.

This course examines the institutional structure of interstate economic relations, trade and monetary regimes, foreign investment, foreign aid, and development policies of governments. (WI) (MULT).

PS 4355. US National Security Strategy.

This course examines the decision-making processes and the substantive debates pertaining to issues of modern American national security policy and strategy. Emphasis may be placed on the theory of strategy and grand strategy, great power challenges from Russia and China, transnational threats, and the tools of power such as the use of military, intelligence, economic, and diplomatic means to advance strategic goals. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4379. Independent Study.

This course is an individualized study including independent reading and/or research on various problem areas of political science. Instructor will approve specific problem area, bibliography, and student paper outline. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4380. Internship in Government.

This course is designed for students to gain practical experience while participating in the ongoing work of a selected governmental or nonprofit unit. Interns will work under the joint direction of faculty and intern supervisors. One hundred fifty hours of service during the semester is required of interns. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4398. Practicum in Political Science: Concepts, Resources, and Applications in the Study of Politics.

This course is designed to ensure familiarity with basic concepts and approaches used in the study of politics. This course is required of all B.A. students seeking a teaching certification; it may be taken as a substitute for PS 4399 for Political Science non teacher certification majors. Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 4399. Senior Seminar in Political Science.

This course includes intensive reading, research, writing, and discussion focusing on different sub-fields in political science and is required of all political science majors. May be repeated once for additional credit with different instructor and department approval. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PS 4680. Internship in Government.

This course is designed for students to gain practical experience while participating in the ongoing work of a selected governmental or nonprofit unit. Interns will work under the joint direction of faculty and intern supervisors. Three hundred hours of service during the semester is required of interns. (WI) (MULT) Corequisite: PS 3300 or PS 3301 either with a grade of "D" or better.

PS 5100. Instructional Methods Practicum for Graduate Assistants.

This course introduces key concepts and practices in the teaching of college introductory political science courses. It provides regular in-service training and planned periodic evalutations of instructional responsibilities. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. It is repeatable 3 times with different emphases and with a maximum of 4 credit hours.

PS 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in a Thesis B course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

PS 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in a Thesis B course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

PS 5300. Foundation Studies in Political Science.

Students develop knowledge and skills required for success in graduate-level coursework in Political Science. Course content varies depending on academic preparation. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. The approval of the graduate program director is required. It is repeatable 3 times with different emphases and with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

PS 5301. Approaches to the Study of Political Science.

This course provides an intensive introduction to the advanced study of political science. It focuses on the key concepts, variables, and approaches used to describe, explain, and predict political phenomena. It also discusses key normative theories and the variety of methodologies used in political science.

PS 5302. Political Research and Methodology.

This course is a topical seminar for the exploration of problems in the scope and the methods of political science and public administration. The course emphasizes quantitative methods.

PS 5310. Studies in Ancient and Medieval Political Thought.

This course covers selected topics in Greek and Roman political theory, patristic understanding of politics, and the political theory of the Middle and High Middle Ages. This course includes study of the writings and thought of Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Al-Farabi, John of Salisbury, Aquinas, and others.

PS 5311. Social Contract Theory.

This course is an examination of the social contract, consent, and popular sovereignty in early modern thought. Attention is given to the work of Thomas Hobbs, John Locke, Jean Jeaques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant (as well as others) and to their critics both then and now.

PS 5312. Roots of American Constitutionalism.

This course examines the origins and evolution of the ideas which inform the American constitutional system, includes an examination of classical, Christian, medieval, Renaissance, and Enlightenment thought that, combined with the British liberal tradition, laid the groundwork for the American experiment.

PS 5313. Justice and Liberty in American Thought.

This course examines the concepts of justice and liberty in American thought from the seventeenth century to the present. Attention is given both to the nature of liberty and justice and to their practical requirement as understood by various American thinkers, including statesmen, reformers, social scientists, and philosophers.

PS 5315. Contemporary Perspectives in Modern Liberalism.

This course is a bried review of the history and development of modern liberalism and the ensuing response and contemporary alternatives.

PS 5316. The Crisis of Liberalism and The Future of Democracy.

This course is an examination of the nature and intellectual foundations of the liberal tradition and the implications of the crisis besetting contemporary theory for the future of democractic government.

PS 5317. Theological Perspectives in Modern Democracy.

This course explores the influence of religion on the rise of modern democracy and the efforts of various religious thinkers to explore the nature and foundations of democratic government.

PS 5318. The Problem of Power and the Crisis of Modernity.

This course is an examination of the crisis of modernity and its implications for humanity's future.

PS 5330A. Nuclear Weapons in International Politics.

This course examines the effects of nuclear weapons on international politics. The course begins with a comparative historical account of the nuclear arms race and efforts to achieve nuclear arms control and disarmament. It then shifts to examine contemporary theories of nuclear proliferation and the case studies which illumine them. (MULT).

PS 5330B. Tocqueville and American Democracy.

This course considers Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Topics include the relationship between aristocracy and democracy; the instability of democracy; the antidotes to these instabilities; the significance of habit in Tocqueville's thought; the case for American Exceptionalism; and the importance of religion for democracy.

PS 5330C. Party Systems in Latin America.

The course examines some key insights in party and party system theory and practice. Latin America is the regional referent for examining these themes, and country examples are studied in considerable depth to illustrate the theory. (MULT).

PS 5330D. Problems in Political Science: International Humanitarian Affairs.

This course inquires into the intellectual legacy of international humanitarian issues, including forced migration, refugee problems, moral issues related to humanitarian intervention and emergency aid issues. (MULT).

PS 5330E. Religion and American Political Culture.

An examination of the ways in which religious beliefs and institutions have shaped American political culture; the ways in which American culture has influenced these beliefs and institutions; and the ongoing debates regarding the proper role of religion in American public life.

PS 5330F. Topics in Comparative Politics of European and Developing Countries.

This course explores the recent political history, institutions, party systems, and economic policies of some of the major countries in the globe. The course is devoted to the study of individual advanced European democracies as well as important developing nations, including China, Iran, Russia, Mexico, India and South Africa.

PS 5330H. Topics in Political Science: Seminar on Freedom of Speech and Thought.

This course considers freedom of speech and thought as foundational conditions in liberal conceptions of human flourishing. The course will combine a close reading of modern and contemporary authors with an analysis of recent controversies implicating these freedoms, such as debates about hate speech and political correctness.

PS 5330J. Authoritarian Regimes.

While democracy became the most common political regime type around the world in the 1990s, many authoritarian regimes continue to persist or have emerged in countries such as China, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela. How do these regimes emerge and function in the presence of popular demands for democratization and leadership challenges from authoritarian regime elites? How do authoritarian regimes collapse and what are the prospects for democracy in current authoritarian regimes? How do authoritarian regimes act in international relations? This course surveys the existing literature on these questions.

PS 5332. Problems in American Foreign Relations.

This course is a seminar based on selected topics in American foreign policy and United States involvement in international relations. (MULT).

PS 5334. Texas Politics.

This course examines some of the traditional debates over federalism, intergovernmental relations, and different ways people compare the states. It introduces Texas political institutions and its political history as well as examines some of the current Texas public policy questions such as education, criminal justice, and economic development.

PS 5335. The Role of Interests in America.

This course examines the role of interest groups and other organizations in the United States. Students learn about the range of social and economic interests presently active in our country and what observers from a variety of perspectives believe this activity implies for the health of our political system.

PS 5336. Property, Liberty, and Popular Sovereignty.

This course examines the role, status, and power of property in demographic societies. It takes a modified historical approach to the subject, tracing attitudes regarding property from before the American Revolution until today. Although the emphasis is on the United States, the course reviews property in other societies where appropriate.

PS 5337. American Political Culture.

This course explores selected problems related to American political culture with particular emphasis on the question of the cultural preconditions of free government. Beginning with Alexis de Tocqueville's classic study of American political culture, the course explores different Tocquevillian themes in a contemporary American context.

PS 5338. American Political Discourse.

This class identifies the way political discourse and social and political cultures connect within Americans' minds. Diverse theoretical perspectives will be used to explore the phenomena involved in social and political issues regarding values, meanings, norms, and prejudices and methods of improving political discourse within American political culture.

PS 5339. The American Presidency.

The course entails an historical analysis of presidential elections from 1789 to the present day. In addition, students examine and engage in reasonable speculations about the upcoming elections.

PS 5340. Congress and the Legislative Process.

This course examines the American legislative process with a focus on Congress. The framework for the course is based on three themes: 1) the "dual Congress," i.e., the notions of deliberation versus representation; 2) the distribution of power in Congress and its consequences; and 3) the bicameral nature of Congress.

PS 5341. Seminar in Constitutional Law and Theory.

This course examines selected issues in constitutional theory, including the theory of judicial review, and constitutional interpretation. It examines the debate on constitutional interpretation in light of cases dealing with the First Amendment freedom of speech, press, and religion, and with substantive due process and the equal protection clause.

PS 5356. The British Political Order Since 1900.

This course examines British policy from 1901 to the present and the major events that affected British history and politics. (MULT).

PS 5357. Russian Politics and Josef Stalin.

This course examines Josef Stalin's personal and public life, analyzes his accomplishments and failures, and generates a summative assessment of his impact on Russian and global politics. (MULT).

PS 5359. Comparative Democratization.

This course examines the inner workings of autocracies and democracies in the developing world, as well as processes of regime transitions.

PS 5360. Economic Development in Developing Nations.

This course examines some of the factors that account for economic development/underdevelopment in developing nations. The factors examined include political, economic and institutional variables. These underlying variables reveal the multi-causal nature of socio-economic development. (MULT).

PS 5361. Government and Politics of African States.

This course examines governments and politics of African states. It examines the nature of domestic and international politics, the precolonial politics and political culture, the impact of the colonial period on politics, several cases of post-colonial successes and failures, the critical nature of external involvement in the politics, and the settings of civil war. (MULT).

PS 5362. Problems of Democracy in Latin America.

This course examines the main structural and institutional obstacles that stand in the way of high quality democracy in Latin America. (MULT).

PS 5363. Party Systems in Latin America.

The course examines some key insights in party and party system theory and practice. Latin America is the regional referent for examining these themes, and country examples are studied in considerable depth to illustrate the theory. (MULT).

PS 5371. American Grand Strategy.

This course examines the making of American grand strategy and the scholarly debates surrounding the various strategic options to best advance the long-term national interest. The class examines theories of grand strategy, as well as historical and modern examples, and focuses on drawing parallels and lessons for the present and the future.

PS 5375. Seminar in International Relations Theory.

This course is designed to engage students in the major theoretical and conceptual traditions of international relations in order to assess the complex issues, developments and events constituting international politics. (MULT).

PS 5377. Problems in International Organizations.

This course analyzes the structure, functions, and role of the international organizations in the international system. The course addresses the role of international regions, regional organizations, functional agencies, and bilateral organizations. The procedures and processes on international argument and policy-making are studied through participation in a model security council. (MULT).

PS 5378. Problems in International Law.

This course examines the nature, functions, and scope, of international law. It addresses several major areas including legal sources, diplomatic practice, territorial jurisdiction, legal personality, the law of state responsibility, asylum law, human rights, and the law of war. The course is heavily research oriented and includes moot court arbitration. (MULT).

PS 5379. Problems in International Political Economy.

This course examines theories and issues in international political economy. The course emphasizes the political and economic conditions conducive to the development of cooperative international economic behavior among countries. (MULT).

PS 5380. International Conflict and Security.

This course deals with the field of security studies. Security studies focuses on what Clausewitz famously called "politics by other means": war. This course centers on three enduring topics: the causes of war, the use of force, and the future of warfare. (MULT).

PS 5389. Internship in Government.

This course offers students practical experience in the on-going work of a selected governmental unit. The student is evaluated on the basis of a research paper, work journal, and work performance. The approval of the graduate program director is required. It may be repeated once with different emphasis and with a maximum of 6 credit hours.

PS 5390. Political Science Curriculum Development.

This course is designed for graduate students with a social science teacher emphasis who are interested in teaching dual credit courses on federal or state government. The course focuses on practical teaching matters including, construction of syllabi, delivering effective lectures, teaching formats, test construction, and grading practices Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PS 5391. Political Science Teaching Practicum.

This course is designed for graduate students with a social science teacher emphasis who are interested in teaching dual credit courses. Prerequisite: PS 5390 with a grade of “B” or better and instructor approval.

PS 5398. Directed Reading and Research.

This course is an advanced reading and/or research on various topics in political science under the direction of a graduate faculty member. It may be repeated once with different emphasis and professor for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PS 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student's initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until a student has completed the thesis under a Political Science Thesis B course.

PS 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in a Thesis B course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

PS 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in a Thesis B course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

PS 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in a Thesis B course until the thesis is submitted for binding.