Courses in Political Science
Fall 2017 – Present
POLS 2305 U.S. Federal Government & Politics
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course examines the origins and development of the U.S. federal system of government and politics, which includes the U.S. Constitution, policymaking processes, political action, power relations, and various political issues. This course fulfills three of the six-hour legislative requirement in U.S. and Texas government and politics. Open to freshmen.
Prerequisite(s): None
POLS 2306 Texas Government & Politics
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description: This course examines the origins and development of the Texas state system of government and politics, which includes the Texas Constitution, policymaking processes, political action, power relations, and various political issues. This course fulfills three of the six-hour legislative requirement in U.S. and Texas government and politics. Open to freshmen.
Prerequisite(s): None
POLS 2330 Introduction to Political Globalization
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: The world has experienced distinctive economic, political, social, and cultural changes associated with globalization in recent decades. To some, globalization means progress and equal integration of societies. To others it means uneven economic development and perpetual dependence of “peripheral” on “core” societies. This class will examine the major theoretical discourses raised by these ideas, such as (1) the changes in the international economy and their effects on domestic political, economic, and social life, (2) the effects of globalization on wages and inequality, on social safety nets, on production, and innovation, (3) its effects on democracy, and (4) how does it affect the relations between developed and developing countries. We will also devote our attention to examining issues related to immigration policy and the use of foreign military intervention for humanitarian purposes.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 2340 Introduction to Political Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines some of the core concepts in the field of political science including democracy, power, justice, freedom, order, ideology, equality, the state, violence, gender, race and others. Thinkers may include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Tocqueville, Marx, Weber, Arendt, Rawls, Du Bois, and others.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 2350 Introduction to Political Economy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines various economic models including private enterprise, capitalism, state capitalism and socialism; the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on the economy; and alternative viewpoints as to the appropriate extent of government regulation of the economy.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 2470 Introduction to Political Science Research
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Analysis of the study of politics, models of inquiry, research methods and introduction to the use of statistical software in political science research. In the statistical lab portion of the course, students will learn descriptive and inferential statistical methods as applied to the study of political issues. Topics to be covered include data gathering, probability theory, hypothesis testing, and linear regression models, with an emphasis on both parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to conduct a statistical analysis of a research question in Political Science.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3190 Internship
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course is designed for students seeking credit through an internship placement. The internship must be directly related to government; the student must be under direct academic supervision and must complete written assignments to be evaluated by the supervising teacher. The course may be repeated for credit with a maximum of four hours counted as an elective toward fulfillment of the requirements for a major in Political Science.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306
POLS 3310 U.S. State and Local Government
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the basic functions, structure, procedures and problems of U.S. state and local government, with an emphasis upon intergovernmental relations.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306
POLS 3311 Contemporary Texas Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course is a survey of contemporary political, public policy, and administrative issues confronting Texas.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306, Contemporary Texas Politics is required for those who are seeking teacher certification in Social Studies Composite
POLS 3312 U.S. Political Parties
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the history, organization, function and leadership of political parties and the role they play in the operation of national, state and local governments in the United States and a study of the role of group politics and voting behavior in the U.S. political process.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3313 U.S. Gender Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines multidimensional aspects of gender and political life in the U.S. It analyzes the relationship between gender, culture, political behavior and public policy, and explores the historical evolution of the role of women in the United States political system.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3319 Archer Politics of National Memory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course will enable students to understand power in our nation’s capital, especially what lies beyond Congress and the White House. Students will study in Washington, D.C. provides unique opportunities, using locations such as the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, and the National Archives as a textbook. Each week, students will visit different places to examine complex issues such as the relationship between democracy and war, or the future of the Internet. Class will be conducted as a graduate seminar, emphasizing discussion and other forms of participation. Work will relate to student’s internships and to headline-making events.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306, and acceptance into the Archer Center program
POLS 3321 Comparative Politics of Developing Nations
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: The fundamental questions and methods of inquiry in the field of comparative politics will be examined. Substantive discussions will center around three fundamental questions: What explains the construction and maintenance of political order? What explains the extent to which governments faithfully represent voter interests? What are the consequences of regime type and form of government for human welfare?
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3323 Middle Eastern Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A comparative examination of the social, economic and theological components of Middle Eastern politics.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3324 Asian Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Study of the socio-economic setting, constitutional framework, political forces, authoritative decision-making agencies and certain major policy outputs of China, Japan and India.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3325 East Asian Democracies
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Students will analyze democratic practices in East Asia, which includes an examination and comparison of political institutions, political behavior, economic development, and culture across the region.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3330 International Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the political principles, problems and factors involved in the foreign policies and relations of the nation-state with particular emphasis on the sources and uses of national power and the difficulties in limiting the use of such power.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3331 Global Security
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course is designed to: 1) Explore the evolution of security concepts worldwide; 2) Address a wide range of major international issues with global implications such as conventional security, terrorism, gender and age, environmental problems, migrations, international law, intra-state conflicts, mass destruction weapons; and 3) Identify and debate possible measures to address and present these problems.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3332 Revolution and Reform in Developing Nations
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course will analyze the question of stability and instability of states with special emphasis on theories of revolution (including civil wars), and reform (including democratization), in a comparative perspective. Students will use case studies to examine and analyze theories of revolution and reform.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3333 Gender Theory in World Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course analyzes women's social and political movements in a global context.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3340 Classical Political Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of classical political philosophy from Socrates to Machiavelli.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3341 Modern Political Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of political philosophy from Machiavelli to the end of the 19th century.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3342 Contemporary Political Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of 20th century political philosophy.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3350 Voting Behavior, Campaigns, and Elections
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines voting behavior and political campaigns in U.S. politics, including analysis of the effects of political parties, issues, interest groups, campaign finances, media and campaign strategies on election and policy outcomes.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3351 Interest Groups and Political Movements
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course analyzes the relationships between the role of collective action in the U.S. political system and its impact on the democratic process. Particular attention is paid to the role of organized interest groups and their influence on the political process.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3352 Media and Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines the role of the mass media in politics. It will focus on traditional and new media and their impact on political processes, political outcomes, and power in society. Case studies may vary depending on the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3353 Urban Political Economy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines the politics of U.S. cities, focusing on the urban political process and institutions that will be considered in the light of changing social and economic conditions. Specifically, the course will examine the connections between increasing racial segregation, urban deindustrialization and urban inequality, along with the federal and state governments’ role in precipitating and perpetuating urban decline.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3355 U.S. Public Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An analysis of rationales underlying selected governmental programs and assessments of the effectiveness of these programs.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3356 U.S. Economic Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines the financial dimension of public policy and administration. The topics covered will include tax policy, revenue sources, expenditures, types of budgets, and debt administration. Examination of the budgetary process will include policies and procedures at the federal, state, and local levels of government.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3390 Independent Study
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A professor will work with students on an individual basis to develop an independent study or research program on a critical issue on Political Science.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 3391 Archer Advocacy and Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Students secure full time internships in Washington, D.C. with organizations ranging from the Supreme Court to the United Nations Information Center. Participation in the internship for at least 32 hours a week is required throughout the duration of the semester in Washington. Students will be evaluated regularly via supervisor surveys, and will be required to submit a final report on their experience. Additionally, students will be encouraged to bring their internship experiences into their other classes for discussion and contribution.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306, and acceptance into the Archer Center program
POLS 3392 Archer Policy Making Process
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course provides an overview of how policy is made at the federal level. Through various readings you will become familiar with the process as it is designed. Through in-class discussions, on-the-job experiences and meeting Washington powerbrokers who help craft policy, you will see how the process actually works. The course will be interactive, with a strong focus on in-class discussion and guest speakers who will challenge your views and provide an insider’s perspective on Washington. One policy area will be focused on per semester to provide a thought provoking issue to study, discuss, and analyze.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306, and acceptance into the Archer Center program
POLS 3393 Internship
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course is designed for students seeking credit through an internship placement. The internship must be directly related to government; the student must be under direct academic supervision and must complete written assignments to be evaluated by the supervising teacher. The course may be repeated for credit with a maximum of four hours counted as an elective toward fulfillment of the requirements for a major in Political Science.
Note: Must receive approval of Political Science Department Chair.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305 and POLS 2306
POLS 3690 State Capitol Internship
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course is designed for students who have been selected to participate in the Valley Legislative Internship Program (VLIP) during the Texas legislative session in Austin, Texas. The student will be under direct academic supervision, and the student must complete written assignments to be evaluated by the supervising instructor. The student must complete the required minimum internship hours of 40 per week under the supervision of an on-site supervisor. Course credit: 6 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior (60 Semester Credit Hours completed); Minimum of: 3.0 GPA in POLS/GOVT courses and 2.5 GPA cumulative, 12 Semester Credit Hours in POLS/GOVT courses; and selection for participation in the Valley Legislative Internship Program (VLIP) during the Texas legislative session in Austin, Texas
POLS 4310 U.S. Judicial Process
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Advanced study of the structure, functions and procedures of the national, state and local judicial systems; the interrelationship between the U.S. judiciary and other components of the political system; the impact of judicial decision-making on public policy; jurisprudence.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4311 U.S. Constitutional Law – Federalism
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of national-state relations by use of court cases, with special emphasis on the impacts of the commerce and taxation clauses; a study of Congressional-presidential relationships by use of court cases.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4312 U.S. Constitutional Law – Civil Liberties
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the limitations of governmental powers in the United States by use of court cases, with primary emphasis on civil and political rights.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4313 U.S. Legislative Process
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Advanced study of the legislative process; structure, powers, organization, political control and procedures of Congress, state legislatures and local legislative bodies in the rest of the political system.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4314 U.S. Executive Process
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Advanced study of the development of the power and influence of the president and other U.S. executives; procedures and politics of the executive process; executive policy outputs; the relation of the executive to the other elements of the political system.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4316 U.S. Latin@ Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the U.S. Latin@ experience. Analyzes political socialization and culture, political participation and behavior, leadership, organizations and power in the U.S. political system.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4317 Minority Representation in U.S. Political Institutions
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course will focus on minority representation (African Americans and Hispanics) in the context of legislative institutions including the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and city councils and school boards. Students will learn concepts including descriptive and substantive representation as well as the benefits and costs of either forms of representation. Students will become familiar with research that highlights the debate regarding the merits of majority-minority districts, consequences of descriptive representation, and alternative solutions for ensuring that the minority interests are heard and pursued.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4320 Latin American Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This is a survey course on the governmental process in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It examines competing ideologies, group dynamics, relationships between political, economic, and social structures and Latin America's role in the international political system.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4321 Central American Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A survey of governmental structures and politics in Central America. Examines competing ideologies, group developments, party interests, influence of revolution, relationships among political, social and economic structures and Central America’s role in the world political arena.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4322 Western European Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the major democracies of Europe: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, low countries, Scandinavian countries, Switzerland and Austria. A comparative study of peoples and their institutions.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4323 Mexican Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the politics and government of Mexico focusing on the political system in the context of history and culture. Study of Mexico’s relations with the United States and other nations.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4324 Contemporary Chinese Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: By focusing on Chinese politics in the reform era, this course examines a wide range of critical issues in contemporary Chinese politics. Topics will include various political, social and economic problems resulting from the country’s unparalleled economic and political reform.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4326 Globalization & Identity Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course analyzes theories of globalization along ethnic, religious, political and economic lines, and their effects on identity politics. It examines the dynamism of changeable allegiances of actors to transnational, regional, national, sub-national and/or local levels that globalization produces. The students will apply the theories critically to case studies.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4327 Conflict Studies
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: A study of the causes of international and civil conflict, historical changes in the nature of war, and potential for future armed conflict.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4328 Global Political Economy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course focuses on the study of global economic power relations from the 16th Century to the present, with specific focus on how state-market-society relations transformed after the Second World War, and then again in the 1970s with the advent and consolidation of a neoliberal world order. You will learn about the policymaking process surrounding free trade agreements and the role of transnational corporations, labor unions, social movements, and local governments in crafting and responding to these global agreements.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4329 Politics of Debt
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course focuses on public and private debt across different historical periods and geographical locations. Starting with the Mexican debt crisis of 1982, the course examines the different ways in which debt has become one of the key social relations of our time. The course covers several sovereign debt crises since 1982 (Mexico, Argentina, European Union, and Puerto Rico, to name a few) as well as the role of debt in our everyday life as citizens/workers (for example: student debt, medical debt, mortgages, credit cards and paycheck loans). Throughout the course, the debt-creditor relationship will be considered critically and, therefore, issues of power relations, the financialization of daily life, and the legal aspects of debt will be considered in the course.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4331 U.S. Foreign Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Study of the politics, formulation, conduct and consequences of U.S. foreign policy. The roles of the president, Congress, interest groups, political parties, the military and intelligence agencies and public opinion are examined. Specific cases of major foreign policy decisions to be examined.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4332 International Organizations
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An analysis of the judicial-political foundations. Actual machinery and activities of the principal international organizations, particularly the United Nations and related bodies. An appreciation of their achievements toward international peace.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4333 U.S. – Mexico Border Relations
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An analysis of the politics at the U.S.-Mexican border. Focus on the political economy and the administration of the borderlands.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4339 Model United Nations
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: In this course we will explore the purpose and functions of the United Nations. Students will be given the opportunity to stimulate UN functions and debate major issues of the United Nations. Particular attention will be paid to comprehending and analyzing issues, learning parliamentary procedure, and technical writing basics of international law and some of the protocol and procedures of diplomacy.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4340 Politics and Culture
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines how 1. Democracy is conceptualized and 2. Democratization processes develop from an historical and comparative perspective. Key questions center on implications, challenges and future prospects for democracy and democratization around the world.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4341 U.S. Political Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An analysis of U.S. political theory and values from the Colonial period to the present. The work of Jefferson, Jackson, Calhoun, Bellamy, Hoover and Galbraith are included.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4342 Democratic Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Few political ideas have as long a history or captured the popular imagination as has democracy. This course will offer a historical overview and critical analysis of democratic theory from Ancient Greece to contemporary ideas. Major authors, issues, and arguments will be covered, including those for assemble, direct, representative, participatory, deliberative, economic, and radical democracy.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4343 Political Ideologies
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An ideology is a coherent set of ideas about important moral and political questions. This course will critically examine major ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, and feminism.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4350 Political Socialization and Civic Engagement
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course analyzes the relationships between political culture, social characteristics and demography, and their impact on political values, attitudes and participation.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4351 Public Opinion and Political Behavior
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An analysis of public opinion and political behavior, with emphasis on the nature, origins, distribution and measurement of public opinion, as well as its impact on citizen participation in the U.S. political system.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4352 U.S. Race and Ethnic Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course analyzes the political experiences of racial and ethnic groups in U.S. politics. Both traditional (e.g., voting) and non-traditional (e.g., protest movements) strategies of political empowerment are explored.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4353 Race and Gender: The Politics of Intersectionality
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course will examine the politics of women of "color" in the United States. The two primary foci will be: 1. Theoretical issues related to feminism and how they relate to women of "color," 2. Public policy, organizations, and institutions that impact the lives of women of "color." Material is presented in a comparative focus to include examining similarities and differences between and among women, and variations among them.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4354 Immigration, Race, and Citizenship
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Analysis of the politics of immigration, migration and emigration. Study of the history, theories and policy alternatives concerning immigration. The administration process and the legal and law enforcement systems of immigration will be examined.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4355 U.S. Labor Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Students will examine: (1) The importance of labor to political-economic philosophy; (2) The early and enduring tactics of labor to counter the power of capital; (3) The policy successes achieved by, and the new policy dilemmas facing, the U.S. labor movement from the 1920s to the 1980s; and (4) The labor-movement crisis under neoliberalism.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4356 U.S. Environmental Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: An examination of the public debate over environmental issues will be coupled with an exploration of the development and formation of environmental policy. Additionally, specific environmental policies will be examined to include the politics and processes of regulatory decision making and their consequences for the environment.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4360 Class, Power, & the State
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Class structure, the distribution of power, and the role of the state in advanced capitalist societies with a focus on the United States. Required readings will include contemporary political theorists and political economists, who develop competing arguments about the relationship between capitalism and the state and efforts to balance equality and liberty.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4361 Inequality & the Welfare State
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course addresses the rise of the welfare state and political conflict over inequality, economic stagnation, and the role of government in advanced industrial societies.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4362 Money, Politics, & Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: This course examines the influence of money and wealth in the policymaking process.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4370 Senior Research Seminar
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Students will culminate their UTRGV experience in political science by completing a significant research project. This course will provide students with an opportunity to expand and deepen their understanding of various models of political inquiry, research design, and political science methodologies. The faculty of record will determine the subfield and political topics of the course.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305, POLS 2470
POLS 4390 Legal Research and Writing I
Offered: By Departmental Approval
Description: An introduction to the techniques and skills involved in conducting legal research. Special attention is given to translating research into different forms of legal writing (i.e., memorandums and briefs).
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4391 Legal Research and Writing II
Offered: By Departmental Approval
Description: Continued development of legal research and writing skills, with special attention paid to reading comprehension and logical reasoning relating to legal issues.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4392 Special Topics in U.S. Government & Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Topics vary by instructor.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4393 Special Topics in World Politics
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Topics vary by instructor.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4394 Special Topics in Political Economy & Public Policy
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Topics vary by instructor.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305
POLS 4395 Special Topics in Political Theory
Offered: As Scheduled
Description: Topics vary by instructor.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2305