POLS - Political Science

A study of the federal and Texas state constitutions and governments, including their historical development and evolution, with treatment of civil rights and liberties, elections, political parties, and interest groups. Meets the requirements for Texas teacher certification.

A study of the federal and Texas state constitutions and governments with emphasis on governmental structures, processes, and policy making. Meets the requirements for Texas teacher certification.

An introduction for Political Science majors, minors and those considering the field, to the study of politics globally, with emphasis on state case studies highlighting types of political systems and governmental institutions.

An introduction for Political Science majors minors and those considering the field, to the means, specialized vocabulary and concepts used in the discipline of Political Science, through an examination of current issues and topics.

A study of the history, development, mission and operations of selected international, regional and non-governmental organizations with special emphasis given to the United Nations and its interactions with states and non-state actors. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311, 2315 and 2320  or instructor's consent.

A study of the development of the power, the influence, and the limitations of the chief executive, including the President of the United States, state governors, and other executives in the American System. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311 and POLS 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of legislative behavior in the US political system, including theories of representation, selection of legislators, organization and procedures of Congress, and the interaction of the legislative with the executive and judicial branches. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311 and 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of the development, nature, and problems of political parties, including their organizations, operations, and functions. Prerequisites: POLS 2310, POLS 2311 and POLS 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of select Central and South American states, including the European conquest and colonial institutions, struggles for independence, establishment of national states and current political, economic and social structures. (Same as HIST 3362) Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311, 2315 and 2320 or instructor's consent.

Political Science majors must complete the Political Science Capstone examination prior to graduation. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.

This course allows POLS majors and minors to earn credit for serving in a position related to their field of study. A POLS faculty member, who also agrees to supervise the academic component of the internship, must grant the student permission to register for this class. Approval requires the student to present details about the internship work and planned academic components. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Credit hours awarded depend on hours employed, with at least forty-five hours of internship work required for each credit hour awarded. Class assessment is on a Pass/Fail basis. While the class may be repeated once, only 3 hours may count toward the Political Science major or minor. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, at least a 3.0 GPA and instructor's consent.

This course allows POLS majors and minors to earn credit for serving in a position related to their field of study. A POLS faculty member, who also agrees to supervise the academic component of the internship, must grant the student permission to register for this class. Approval requires the student to present details about the internship work and planned academic components. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Credit hours awarded depend on hours employed, with at least forty-five hours of internship work required for each credit hour awarded. Class assessment is on a Pass/Fail basis. While the class may be repeated once, only 3 hours may count toward the Political Science major or minor. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, at least a 3.0 GPA and instructor's consent.

A study of the Constitution of the United States, including the work of the U.S. Supreme Court and the effects of its various decisions. Court cases are examined, briefed, and discussed. Emphasis is placed on court decisions concerning federalism, separation of powers, and economics. (Same as HIST 4311) Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311 and POLS 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of the Constitution of the United States, including the work of the U.S. Supreme Court and the effects of its various decisions. Court cases are examined, briefed, and discussed. Emphasis placed on U.S. Supreme Court decisions concerning civil rights and civil liberties. (Same as HIST 4312) Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311 and 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of history and political theory with emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. (Same as HIST 4314) Prerequisite: POLS 2310, 2311, and 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of modern and early modern western political theory with emphasis on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, the English Utilitarians, Marx, and Nietzsche.  (Same as HIST 4314) Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311 and 2320 or instructor's consent.

A study of the interactions among sovereign states and the system within which they operate, with special emphasis on causes of war, security and peace, human rights and political economy. (Same as HIST 4391.02)  Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311, 2315, 2320, and WRIT 3344 or instructor’s consent.

A study of the geographical factors that affect Texas, national, and world politics. Special emphasis is placed on demography; geography and conflict; landscape and the geography of culture; the geography of religion and politics; spatial dimensions of industrialization, urbanization, and economic development; and environmental pressures and politics. Prerequisites: POLS 1315 2310, 2310, 2315, 2320 and WRIT 3344 or instructor's consent.

A study of the development of the international system of trade, production and finance from the Industrial Revolution through present era, with special attention on the political factors and effects of this progression. Includes consideration of globalization and of  paramount state and non-state actors in the international political economic system. system. (Same as BECO 4370) Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311, 2315, 2320, and WRIT 3344.

A study of the interaction of religion, politics, and the state from colonial times to the present from historical, legal, and social scientific perspectives. (Same as HIST 4330) Prerequisites: POLS 2310, 2311, 2320 and WRIT 3344  or instructor's consent.

This course allows POLS majors and minors to earn credit for serving in a position related to their field of study. A POLS faculty member, who also agrees to supervise the academic component of the internship, must grant the student permission to register for this class. Approval requires the student to present details about the internship work and planned academic components. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Credit hours awarded depend on hours employed, with at least forty-five hours of internship work required for each credit hour awarded. Class assessment is on a Pass/Fail basis. While the class may be repeated once, only 3 hours may count toward the Political Science major or minor. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, at least a 3.0 GPA and instructor’s consent.