PS 5100. Instructional Methods Practicum for Graduate Assistants.

This course examines the roles, responsibilities, and instructional practices of graduate teaching assistants in introductory political science courses. Participants analyze common pedagogical approaches, discussion section facilitation, grading practices, and classroom communication strategies. The course incorporates structured training sessions, supervised instructional activities, and planned evaluations of teaching responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on analyzing instructional effectiveness using feedback and observation rather than adopting particular pedagogical viewpoints. The course supports the development of instructional skills relevant to undergraduate political science education.

PS 5199B. Independent Thesis Research.

This course provides continuing enrollment for students engaged in the completion of a graduate thesis. Students examine research progress, evaluate methodological choices, and analyze findings developed during earlier thesis work. The course supports sustained independent research and formal writing under faculty supervision. Enrollment continues while students complete analysis, drafting, and revisions required for final submission. Progress is assessed through periodic review of research activities and written work. This course serves an administrative and academic function and is required until the thesis is completed and submitted according to institutional guidelines. Prerequisite: PS 5399A with a grade of "CR".

PS 5299B. Independent Thesis Research.

This course provides continuing enrollment for students engaged in the completion of a graduate thesis. Students examine research progress, evaluate methodological choices, and analyze findings developed during earlier thesis work. The course supports sustained independent research and formal writing under faculty supervision. Enrollment continues while students complete analysis, drafting, and revisions required for final submission. Progress is assessed through periodic review of research activities and written work. This course serves an administrative and academic function and is required until the thesis is completed and submitted according to institutional guidelines. Prerequisite: PS 5399A with a grade of "CR".

PS 5300. Foundations of Political Science: Graduate Seminar.

This course examines foundational concepts, approaches, and skills relevant to graduate level study in political science. It analyzes core disciplinary expectations concerning reading, writing, research, and analytical reasoning. Course content varies according to students’ academic backgrounds and emphasizes preparation for advanced coursework. Using guided readings, structured assignments, and methodological exercises, students evaluate scholarly arguments and research practices commonly used in the discipline. Analytical outcomes emphasize familiarity with graduate level standards, critical engagement with academic material, and the development of foundational analytical skills. This course does not earn graduate degree credit and requires approval of the graduate program director. Prerequisite: Graduate program director approval.

PS 5301. Seminar in Political Science: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches.

This course examines the foundational concepts, theoretical approaches, and methodological frameworks used in advanced political science research. It analyzes how political scientists formulate and evaluate explanations of political phenomena, including the identification of key variables, causal mechanisms, and normative assumptions. The course surveys major empirical and normative traditions within the discipline, with attention to qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Students engage with scholarly literature to assess research designs, analytical models, and methodological debates. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced analytical reasoning, conceptual clarity, and the ability to critically evaluate political science research at the graduate level.

PS 5302. Graduate Seminar in Political Research Methods.

This course examines the methodological theories and applications of statistics in the fields of political science, political communication, and public administration, focusing on hypothesis formulation, measurement, and empirical inference. Students evaluate the assumptions and limitations of various research approaches and statistical analyses while engaging with contemporary scholarly literature. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions using statistical software, students utilize intermediate and advanced statistical methods to analyze datasets within political science, political communication, and public administration. The course emphasizes critical evaluation and quantitative reasoning. Students learn to interpret statistical findings on social and political phenomena, using standard statistical analyses and estimates.

PS 5310. Studies in Ancient and Medieval Political Thought.

This course examines major traditions in political theory from classical antiquity through the Middle and High Middle Ages. It analyzes Greek and Roman political thought, patristic approaches to politics, and medieval theories of authority, law, and governance. The course engages closely with texts by thinkers such as Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Al Farabi, John of Salisbury, and Thomas Aquinas. Using methods of intellectual history, close textual analysis, and comparative interpretation, students evaluate how political concepts were articulated and contested across different historical and cultural contexts. Analytical outcomes emphasize advanced textual interpretation, historical contextualization, and critical comparison of theoretical frameworks.

PS 5311. Social Contract Theory.

This course examines theories of social contract, consent, and popular sovereignty in early modern political thought. It analyzes key texts by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, and selected contemporaries, alongside historical and modern critiques of their arguments. Using methods from political theory and intellectual history, the course evaluates how these concepts were formulated, contested, and reinterpreted across different historical contexts. Students engage in close textual analysis and comparative evaluation of theoretical frameworks in primary and secondary sources. Analytical outcomes emphasize advanced conceptual analysis, critical assessment of scholarly debates, and research skills appropriate for graduate level study.

PS 5312. Roots of American Constitutionalism.

This course examines scholarly interpretations of the intellectual origins and development of the American constitutional system. It analyzes political and philosophical ideas drawn from classical, Christian, medieval, Renaissance, and Enlightenment traditions, as well as from British liberal thought, as they appear in historical and theoretical accounts of constitutional development. Using methods from intellectual history and political theory, the course evaluates primary texts and secondary scholarship to assess claims of influence, continuity, and adaptation. Students engage in close textual analysis and comparative evaluation of competing interpretations, developing advanced analytical skills in historical contextualization, conceptual analysis, and graduate level research.

PS 5313. Justice and Liberty in American Thought.

This course examines interpretations of justice and liberty in American political and intellectual thought from the seventeenth century to the present. It analyzes how these concepts have been defined, contested, and applied by a range of American thinkers, including statesmen, reformers, social scientists, and philosophers. Using methods from political theory and intellectual history, the course evaluates primary texts and scholarly literature within their historical and institutional contexts. Students assess competing conceptual frameworks and interpretive approaches, with emphasis on close textual analysis, comparative evaluation, and critical engagement with scholarly debates. Analytical outcomes focus on developing advanced skills in conceptual analysis and graduate level research.

PS 5315. Contemporary Perspectives in Modern Liberalism.

This course examines the historical development and theoretical foundations of modern liberalism as a major tradition in political thought. It analyzes key texts and arguments associated with liberal political theory, alongside scholarly interpretations of critiques, responses, and alternative frameworks that have emerged in modern and contemporary contexts. Using methods of intellectual history, close textual analysis, and comparative theory, the course evaluates how concepts such as liberty, rights, and political authority have been articulated and contested. Students engage with primary sources and advanced secondary literature to assess competing interpretations and develop advanced skills in analytical reasoning and theoretical comparison.

PS 5316. Liberalism and Democracy.

This course examines the intellectual foundations and evolution of the liberal tradition within modern political theory. It analyzes classical and contemporary texts addressing concepts such as liberty, rights, constitutional authority, and political legitimacy. The course evaluates scholarly debates concerning challenges, reinterpretations, and critiques of liberal theory as they relate to democratic governance, as well as the cultural foundations of democratic government. Using methods of close textual analysis, conceptual clarification, and comparative interpretation, students assess competing arguments and theoretical frameworks. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating scholarly literature, situating arguments within their historical and philosophical contexts, and developing advanced analytical skills appropriate for graduate level research in political theory.

PS 5317. Religion and Modern Democratic Theory.

This course examines scholarly interpretations of the relationship between religion and the development of modern democratic thought. It analyzes how religious doctrines, institutions, and thinkers have been historically and theoretically linked to debates over political authority, representation, and legitimacy. Using methods from political theory, intellectual history, and comparative analysis, the course evaluates competing arguments regarding religion’s role in shaping democratic governance. Students engage with primary texts and contemporary scholarship to assess methodological approaches and interpretive claims. Analytical work emphasizes critical reasoning, comparison of theoretical frameworks, and evaluation of scholarly debates concerning religion and modern democratic theory.

PS 5318. Power and Modernity.

This course analyzes interpretations of modernity through historical and comparative perspectives. It examines the ways in which modern technological, socioeconomic, and cultural developments have affected modern political life. The course evaluates key arguments concerning modernization, secularization, technological change, and institutional transformation across different historical contexts that have shaped the modern state and given rise to totalitarianism. Using interdisciplinary methods, students assess empirical and theoretical explanations. Course outcomes emphasize analytical reasoning, literature evaluation, and the ability to compare competing scholarly accounts of modernity and its consequences.

PS 5330F. Comparative Politics of European and Non-European States.

This course examines contemporary political systems through an advanced comparative analysis of states with diverse regime types and levels of economic development. It analyzes recent political history, institutional design, party systems, and economic policy-making in selected European democracies and in countries such as China, Iran, Russia, Mexico, India, and South Africa. The course emphasizes theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches used in comparative politics, including institutional, historical, and political economy perspectives. Students critically evaluate empirical research and competing explanations for political outcomes, developing advanced skills in comparative analysis, conceptualization, and scholarly interpretation relevant to graduate-level research.

PS 5330H. Freedom of Speech in Political and Constitutional Thought.

This course examines freedom of speech and freedom of thought as subjects of analysis within modern and contemporary political theory. Students analyze how scholars conceptualize the role of expression, belief, and dissent in political and social life through close reading of theoretical texts. The course evaluates competing arguments regarding the scope, limits, and functions of expressive freedom. Selected contemporary controversies involving speech regulation and public discourse are examined as case studies to illustrate how theoretical frameworks are applied. Emphasis is placed on critical interpretation of texts, comparative analysis of perspectives, and the development of analytical skills for evaluating normative claims.

PS 5332. Topics in U.S. Foreign Relations.

This course examines selected topics in American foreign policy and U.S. involvement in international relations through a seminar based format. Students analyze theoretical frameworks, historical cases, and scholarly debates used to interpret U.S. foreign policy behavior. The course emphasizes critical engagement with academic literature on foreign policy decision making, international strategy, and U.S. relations with global actors and institutions. Through structured discussion and analytical writing, students evaluate competing interpretations, assess empirical evidence, and develop skills in framing and defending analytical arguments about U.S. foreign policy within the international system.

PS 5334. Texas Politics.

This course examines American federalism, intergovernmental relations, and state politics using comparative and institutional approaches. Students analyze major theoretical debates concerning the distribution of authority between national and state governments and the operation of intergovernmental systems. The course introduces Texas political institutions and political history as an extended case study within the federal system. Selected policy areas, including education, criminal justice, and economic development, are examined to assess how institutional arrangements shape policymaking at the state level. Emphasis is placed on comparative analysis, evaluation of scholarly arguments, and the development of analytical skills for studying state politics and public policy.

PS 5335. Interest Groups in American Politics.

This course examines interest groups and organized political actors in the United States through analytical and comparative inquiry. Students analyze theories of collective action, lobbying, and political representation, and apply these frameworks to the study of social and economic interests engaged in organized political activity. The course evaluates scholarly interpretations of how interest groups interact with political institutions and policymaking processes. Through engagement with academic literature and selected empirical examples, students develop skills in assessing competing theoretical perspectives, evaluating evidence, and analyzing the role of organized interests within the American political system.

PS 5337. American Political Culture.

This course evaluates approaches to the study of American political culture in classical and contemporary political theory. Focusing on Alexis de Tocqueville’s account of democratic society, students examine how scholars analyze relationships among social norms, civic behavior, and institutional development in the United States. The course analyzes interpretations of Tocquevillian themes within broader debates about democracy and political culture. Through systematic reading of theoretical texts and engagement with secondary literature, students evaluate competing explanations, assess analytical frameworks, and examine methodological approaches to the study of democratic governance.

PS 5338. American Political Discourse.

This course examines political discourse and political culture in the United States through theoretical and analytical inquiry. Students analyze how scholars conceptualize the relationship between language, values, norms, and political attitudes, drawing on perspectives from political theory, political psychology, political communication, and cultural sociology. The course evaluates competing frameworks for understanding how political meanings are constructed, communicated, and interpreted within American political life. Through engagement with academic literature and empirical examples, students develop skills in critically assessing theoretical arguments, methodological approaches, and epistemological foundations in the fields of political discourse and political culture.

PS 5339. The American Presidency.

This course examines the history of U.S. presidential elections from 1789 to the present through historical and analytical inquiry. Students analyze electoral institutions, party systems, campaign strategies, and political contexts across major presidential contests. The course engages scholarly interpretations of electoral change and continuity, using comparative analysis of elections from different historical periods. Drawing on academic literature and historical evidence, students evaluate how past electoral patterns are used to analyze contemporary electoral dynamics. Emphasis is placed on critical assessment of arguments, use of evidence, and development of analytical frameworks for studying presidential elections without advancing predictive or normative conclusions.

PS 5340. Congress and the Legislative Process.

This course examines the American legislative process with a focus on the U.S. Congress using analytical frameworks from the study of legislative politics. Students analyze institutional structures, rules, and political incentives that shape legislative behavior and outcomes. The course is organized around three core analytical themes: scholarly interpretations of representation and deliberation, the distribution of power within Congress, and the implications of bicameralism for lawmaking. Through engagement with academic literature and selected empirical examples, students evaluate competing theoretical perspectives and develop skills in comparative institutional analysis and critical assessment of congressional processes.

PS 5341. Seminar in Constitutional Law and Theory.

This course examines central issues in constitutional theory, with a focus on the structural concepts of federalism, checks and balances, and individual rights. Students analyze how scholars and courts articulate and apply interpretive frameworks through close reading of primary sources and academic literature. The course examines historical development in our understanding of the concepts of federalism, checks and balances, and individual rights to evaluate how competing theories shape legal reasoning and outcomes. Emphasis is placed on doctrinal analysis, comparative evaluation of interpretive approaches, and development of analytical skills for assessing constitutional arguments within the U.S. constitutional system.

PS 5342. Religion and American Political Culture.

This course examines how religious beliefs and institutions have influenced American political culture and how cultural dynamics have shaped religious traditions. The course analyzes historical and contemporary interactions between religion and politics, including debates concerning the role of religion in public life. Drawing on lectures, readings, and discussion, students evaluate theoretical frameworks and empirical research on the reciprocal relationship between religious institutions and political structures. Emphasis is placed on analytical inquiry into patterns of influence and their effects on democratic governance.

PS 5359. Comparative Democratization.

This course examines political regimes in developing countries, with a focus on autocratic and democratic systems and processes of regime transition. Students analyze institutional structures, political actors, and governance practices using comparative frameworks drawn from the academic literature. The course introduces major theories of regime stability and change and applies them through selected country case studies. Emphasis is placed on evaluating competing explanations, interpreting empirical evidence, and understanding methodological approaches used to study regime dynamics. By the end of the course, students develop the ability to compare political systems and assess scholarly arguments about political change in diverse national contexts.

PS 5360. Comparative Economic Development in Emerging Economies.

This course examines scholarly explanations for variation in economic development across developing nations. Students analyze political, economic, and institutional variables commonly used in the development literature to explain differences in growth and socioeconomic outcomes. The course introduces major theoretical approaches and applies them through comparative analysis and selected country case studies. Emphasis is placed on understanding how multiple factors interact and on evaluating the strengths and limitations of competing explanations. By engaging with academic research and empirical evidence, students develop analytical skills for assessing development patterns in diverse national contexts.

PS 5361. Government and Politics of African States.

This course examines the governments and politics of African states using comparative and historical approaches. Students analyze domestic political institutions, international influences, and patterns of political change across the continent. The course explores precolonial political organization, the effects of colonial rule on state formation, and post independence political trajectories through selected country case studies. Attention is given to scholarly debates on governance, political stability, conflict, and external involvement in African politics. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills through engagement with academic literature, comparative case analysis, and evaluation of competing explanations for political outcomes.

PS 5362. Democracy in Latin American Politics.

This course examines structural and institutional dimensions of democratic governance in Latin America through comparative political analysis. Students analyze scholarly debates on institutional design, state capacity, representation, and accountability, drawing on theoretical frameworks and empirical research. Using in depth country case studies, the course evaluates how political institutions and historical contexts shape variation in democratic performance as defined in the academic literature. Emphasis is placed on critical assessment of arguments, methodological approaches, and evidence. Students develop skills in comparative analysis and in evaluating competing explanations for institutional outcomes across the region.

PS 5363. Party Systems in Latin America.

This course examines major theories and debates in the study of political parties and party systems, using Latin America as the primary regional focus. Students analyze foundational and contemporary theoretical approaches alongside detailed country case studies. The course emphasizes comparative and analytical methods to evaluate how parties and party systems are structured, how they function, and how they change over time. Through systematic examination of empirical cases, students assess the relationship between theory and practice and evaluate how regional variation informs broader scholarly debates in party politics.

PS 5364. Authoritarian Regimes.

This course examines the politics of authoritarian regimes around the world. The course analyzes the emergence and evolution of non-democratic systems, the institutional and strategic mechanisms leaders use to consolidate and maintain power, and the domestic and international factors shaping regime stability and collapse. Topics include elite politics, party structures, media control, civil society, and the role of external actors in sustaining or undermining authoritarian rule. Through comparative analysis and engagement with scholarly literature, students evaluate competing explanations for authoritarian resilience and change.

PS 5371. American Grand Strategy.

This course examines American grand strategy through advanced engagement with theoretical frameworks and scholarly debates concerning strategic choice and long term national interests. Students analyze classical and contemporary theories of grand strategy alongside historical and modern case studies from U.S. foreign and security policy. Emphasis is placed on evaluating competing analytical approaches, assessing the use of evidence, and comparing interpretations across the literature. Through sustained textual analysis and case comparison, the course develops students’ ability to critically assess how scholars conceptualize strategic objectives, continuity, and change, and how historical experience is used to inform contemporary strategic analysis.

PS 5375. Seminar in International Relations Theory.

This course analyzes foundational theories used to study international politics. Students examine major schools of thought in international relations and evaluate how these perspectives interpret global political developments and interactions among states and non state actors. The course emphasizes systematic comparison of theoretical approaches and their application to historical and contemporary cases. Through structured readings and analytical discussion, students assess competing explanations of international political behavior. The course supports the development of advanced theoretical and analytical competencies.

PS 5377. Issues in International Organizations.

This course examines the structure, functions, and roles of international organizations within the international system. Students analyze global, regional, functional, and bilateral institutions using theoretical and empirical approaches from international relations. The course evaluates organizational design, decision making procedures, and policymaking processes across institutional contexts. Instruction combines scholarly readings with applied analysis through structured simulations, including a model security council. Emphasis is placed on analytical assessment of institutional behavior and constraints rather than normative conclusions. The course develops advanced skills in institutional analysis and international policymaking.

PS 5378. Principles of International Law.

This course examines the nature, functions, and scope of international law in contemporary global affairs. Students analyze foundational legal principles governing relations among states and other international actors, including sources of law, jurisdiction, diplomatic practice, legal personality, and state responsibility. The course also evaluates selected substantive areas such as asylum law, human rights law, and the law of armed conflict. Emphasis is placed on legal reasoning, interpretation of treaties and cases, and research based analysis. Students develop analytical skills through sustained research and applied legal exercises, including moot court arbitration.

PS 5379. Problems in International Political Economy.

This course examines major theories and debates in international political economy. Students analyze political and economic factors shaping international trade, finance, and development. The course evaluates explanations for variation in international economic cooperation and conflict among states, focusing on institutional arrangements, domestic political structures, and global economic conditions. Through engagement with theoretical perspectives and empirical cases, students assess how states interact within the international economic system. Emphasis is placed on analytical comparison of competing frameworks rather than normative judgments about economic outcomes. The course develops graduate level skills in critical reading, analytical reasoning, and evidence based evaluation.

PS 5380. International Conflict and Security.

This course examines core concepts and debates in the field of security studies. Students analyze competing explanations for the causes of war, the use of force, the formation of alliances, the relevance and use of international law and institutions for the purposes of security, and the recent development of security communities. The course also evaluates how technological, political, and institutional changes shape contemporary and future forms of warfare. Emphasis is placed on theoretical frameworks, historical cases, and analytical approaches used to study security and conflict. Students develop skills in critical reading, comparative analysis, and evidence-based argumentation relevant to graduate-level study.

PS 5381. The International Politics of Nuclear Weapons.

This course examines the domestic and international political dynamics of nuclear weapons within frameworks of national and international security. Students analyze the strategic, institutional, and political factors shaping nuclear policy decisions. Topics include causes and consequences of nuclear proliferation, approaches to nonproliferation, and the development of arms control and disarmament agreements. The course emphasizes analytical evaluation of theoretical perspectives, historical cases, and policy debates. Students assess how states and international institutions address nuclear risks through formal agreements and strategic practices, focusing on explanation and evaluation rather than policy advocacy.

PS 5389. Internship in Government.

This course examines governmental operations through supervised, applied experience in a selected public agency. Students analyze organizational processes, administrative practices, and policy implementation while participating in ongoing governmental work. The course integrates practical engagement with analytical reflection through a research paper, structured work journal, and evaluation of assigned responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on examining how governmental units function rather than advocating specific policies or practices. Academic outcomes focus on evaluating institutional roles and administrative processes using observation and documented experience. Enrollment requires approval of the graduate program director. Prerequisite: Graduate program director approval.

PS 5390. Political Science Curriculum Development.

This course examines instructional practices and professional responsibilities associated with teaching dual credit courses in federal or state government. Designed for graduate students with a social science teacher emphasis, the course analyzes syllabus construction, lecture organization, instructional formats, and assessment methods. Students evaluate approaches to test design, grading practices, and classroom delivery commonly used in dual credit settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding instructional expectations and academic standards relevant to courses offered for both secondary and postsecondary credit. The course focuses on analytical preparation for instructional roles rather than advocacy of specific teaching approaches. Instructor approval is required. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PS 5391. Political Science Teaching Practicum.

This course examines instructional practices and professional requirements associated with teaching dual credit social science courses. Designed for graduate students with a social science teacher emphasis, the course analyzes curriculum alignment, instructional standards, and course delivery in dual credit settings. Students evaluate pedagogical approaches, assessment practices, and institutional expectations relevant to secondary and postsecondary instruction. Emphasis is placed on understanding course design and instructional responsibilities associated with dual credit programs. Prerequisite: PS 5390 with a grade of “B” or better and Instructor approval.

PS 5398. Directed Reading and Research.

This course provides advanced reading and research opportunities in selected topics within political science under faculty supervision. Students examine scholarly literature, analyze theoretical frameworks, and evaluate research questions relevant to the chosen topic area. Emphasis is placed on independent inquiry, critical reading, and analytical writing. Course activities may include directed readings, research design development, and written analysis appropriate to graduate level study. The specific focus and methodology are determined in consultation with the supervising faculty member. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PS 5399A. Thesis Research and Writing.

This course initiates a student’s formal engagement with the graduate thesis process in political science. Students examine relevant scholarly literature, analyze research questions, and evaluate appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches for their proposed thesis topic. Under faculty supervision, students develop a research plan that may include preliminary data collection, literature review, and project design. The course serves as an initial enrollment stage and supports analytical preparation rather than completion of the thesis. Thesis credit is awarded upon successful completion of the thesis during subsequent enrollment in the designated Political Science Thesis B course.

PS 5399B. Independent Thesis Research.

This course provides continuing enrollment for students engaged in the completion of a graduate thesis. Students examine research progress, evaluate methodological choices, and analyze findings developed during earlier thesis work. The course supports sustained independent research and formal writing under faculty supervision. Enrollment continues while students complete analysis, drafting, and revisions required for final submission. Progress is assessed through periodic review of research activities and written work. This course serves an administrative and academic function and is required until the thesis is completed and submitted according to institutional guidelines. Prerequisite: PS 5399A with a grade of "CR".

PS 5599B. Independent Thesis Research.

This course provides continuing enrollment for students engaged in the completion of a graduate thesis. Students examine research progress, evaluate methodological choices, and analyze findings developed during earlier thesis work. The course supports sustained independent research and formal writing under faculty supervision. Enrollment continues while students complete analysis, drafting, and revisions required for final submission. Progress is assessed through periodic review of research activities and written work. This course serves an administrative and academic function and is required until the thesis is completed and submitted according to institutional guidelines. Prerequisite: PS 5399A with a grade of "CR".

PS 5999B. Independent Thesis Research.

This course provides continuing enrollment for students engaged in the completion of a graduate thesis. Students examine research progress, evaluate methodological choices, and analyze findings developed during earlier thesis work. The course supports sustained independent research and formal writing under faculty supervision. Enrollment continues while students complete analysis, drafting, and revisions required for final submission. Progress is assessed through periodic review of research activities and written work. This course serves an administrative and academic function and is required until the thesis is completed and submitted according to institutional guidelines. Prerequisite: PS 5399A with a grade of "CR".