Chair: Audrey Flemming (Fall 2022), Nathan Bigelow (Spring 2023)
Faculty: Ruchan Kaya, Frank Rohmer
Emeriti: Shelton Williams
A major in political science or international relations provides students with an understanding of the great issues of politics in a rapidly changing international environment. Employing historical, comparative, philosophical, legal, and experiential approaches to the study of politics, the department places heavy emphasis on student mastery of theoretical and methodological foundations, critical thinking skills, and effective writing and speaking skills.
Degrees Offered in Political Science
Major in Political Science
Major in International Relations
Minor in Political Science
Minor in International Relations
For a multidisciplinary program incorporating political science, please refer to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program.
A major in political science consists of:
PSCI Base (3 courses)
PSCI 110 American Government and Politics
PSCI 120 American Political Thought
PSCI 130 Introduction to International Relations or PSCI 140 Introduction to Global Comparative Politics
PSCI Methods (1 course)
PSCI 270: Research Methods or PSCI 271 Quantitative Methods
PSCI Depth (5 courses)
any level PSCI course
300-level or higher PSCI course
300-level or higher PSCI course
400-level or higher PSCI course
400-level or higher PSCI course
Total Credits Requirement = 9 course credits
A major in international relations consists of:
IR Base (3 courses)
PSCI 130 Introduction to International Relations
PSCI 140 Introduction to Global Comparative Politics
PSCI 110 American Government and Politics or PSCI 120 American Political Thought
PSCI Methods (1 course)
PSCI 270 Research Methods or PSCI 271 Quantitative Methods
IR Depth (5 courses)
any level PSCI course in the sub-field of international relations or comparative politics
300-level or higher PSCI course in the sub-field of international relations or comparative politics
300-level or higher PSCI course in the sub-field of international relations or comparative politics
400-level or higher PSCI course in the sub-field of international relations or comparative politics
PSCI 430 International Relations Theory or PSCI 440 Advanced Comparative Politics
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major:
- Students must also complete a modern language through the 236 level.
Total Credits Requirement = 9 course credits
A minor in political science consists of:
Core Courses (2 courses)
PSCI 110 American Government and Politics
PSCI 120 American Political Thought
PSCI 130 Introduction to International Relations
PSCI 140 Introduction to Global Comparative Politics.
Electives (3 courses)
Any level PSCI course
200-level or higher PSCI course
300-level or higher PSCI course
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
A minor in international relations consists of:
Core Courses (2 courses)
PSCI 130 Introduction to International Relations
PSCI 140 Introduction to Global Comparative Politics.
Electives (3 courses)
Any level PSCI course
200-level or higher PSCI course in the sub-field of international relations
300-level or higher PSCI course in the sub-field of international relations
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
COURSES
PSCI 110 American Government and Politics
An introduction to the theoretical foundations, governing institutions, and political processes of American government; including an overview of the cultural and ideological background of the American system of government, an analysis of constitutional foundations, and an examination of the many actors involved in governing. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every Semester)
PSCI 120 American Political Thought
An introduction to the political theory of the American republic and the Texas Constitution through a study of primary texts, including the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and Anti-Federalist writings, as well as the writings and speeches of Jefferson, Marshall, Calhoun, Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Special attention is given to the connection between politics and government, the origin and purpose of civil government, the forms of government, the spirit of democratic regimes, federalism, the geographical, governmental, and sociological configuration of the American democratic republic, and the American dilemma of racial inequality. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Half Writing Competency. (Every fall)
PSCI 130 Introduction to International Relations
An introduction to the post-Cold War international political system with emphasis on the institutions, issues, and geopolitical forces that affect the interactions of the state and non-state actors in the contemporary global community. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every fall)
PSCI 140 Introduction to Global Comparative Politics
An introduction to the theories, methods, and approaches of the field of comparative politics providing a foundation for understanding and analyzing contemporary political systems. Why do we compare, what do we compare, and how do we compare when analyzing political systems? Why do some societies have democratic political systems and others authoritarian ones? What contributes to political stability and instability? Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every spring)
PSCI 220 The Constitution and Civil Liberties
Through careful examination and discussion of leading U. S. Supreme Court cases, this course will examine freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, the rights of privacy, racial and gender equality, voting rights, and due process of law. From the Court’s contending majority and minority opinions, the course will seek to extract the fundamental philosophic differences about the rule of law, the extent of human freedom, the dignity of the human person, and the need for a virtuous citizenry in a modern republic devoted to liberty and equality. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every other spring)
PSCI 235 Model United Nations
This course involves an examination of the United Nations and includes participation in a regional or national Model United Nations conference. Through both classroom and experiential learning, students will be introduced to international organization theory and will conduct a detailed investigation of the structure and role of the United Nations, the country they will represent, and the issues relevant to the committee on which they will serve in the conference. The course also will include an examination of international diplomacy and negotiation, decision-making, and conflict resolution theory as they relate to participation in the conference. May not be repeated for course credit. Requirements met: Applied Learning Experience. (Every spring)
PSCI 236 Model United Nations
This course involves an examination of the United Nations and includes participation in a regional, national, or international Model United Nations conference. This course is intended for students that have already taken Political Science 235 and seek to participate in Model UN for a second semester. Offered for 0.00 or 1.00 credit. PREQ: Political Science 235. Requirements met: Applied Learning Experience. (Every spring)
PSCI 250 Intermediate Topics in Political Science
A study of selected topics drawn from any of the subfields of political science and designed primarily for students beginning the study of political science. May be repeated when topic varies.
PSCI 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Supervised research study in political science using one or more research techniques on an issue from any of the subfields of political science. May be repeated for a total of one course credit unit.
PSCI 270 Research Methods
Study of the basic research techniques used in the scientific study of politics. The course will focus on the development of sensible, ethical, and systematic scientific research designs. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Advanced Writing Competency, and Quantitative Competency (Fall 2019 & after). (Every fall)
PSCI 271 Quantitative Methods
An examination of basic social science statistics used in political science to summarize data, describe relationships between variables, make inferences from samples to estimate population parameters, and application of control. While the course focuses on quantitative approaches, it does so within a framework of research design; including theory development, hypothesis specification, sampling technique, and research ethics. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Quantitative Competency (pre-Fall 2019), and Quantitative Competency (Fall 2019 & after). (Every spring)
PSCI 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to political science, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
PSCI 310 Congress
An examination of the legislative branch of American government. Topics include the evolving institutional structure of Congress, the theory and practice of representation, congressional elections, and a detailed examination of the federal policy-making process. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other spring)
PSCI 311 The Presidency
An examination of the role of executive leadership within the American political system. Topics include the foundations and evolution of presidential power, the dynamics of presidential elections and public opinion, and the interaction of the executive with the legislative and judicial branches. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every fall)
PSCI 313 State and Local Government
A comparative examination of the 50 states and nearly 90,000 local governments that make up the sub-national governing structure of United States. Topics include theories of federalism; deviation in political culture; institutional variation in state government; as well as the establishment, evolution and modern practice of local government. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every fall)
PSCI 315 Campaigns and Elections
An examination of the electoral process within the American political system. Topics include suffrage; voting behavior; the role of candidates, political parties, interest groups and the media; and the history of campaign finance and various reform efforts. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis)
PSCI 318 Public Administration
An historical study of public administration within the context of American constitutionalism and the dynamics of popular government in America. Special attention is given to the problem of reconciling the growth of the administrative state under pressures from modern industrial society and the concurrent democratic demand for government by the people. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every other fall)
PSCI 333 International Social Movements
Whether examining the indigenous rights movements in Latin America, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, or the 15- M Movement in Spain, one will find that social movements around the world are deeply connected to the political realities in which they originate. But what are the political, social, and economic circumstances and contexts and variables that generally lead to the development of social movements? What motivates people to join them? What methods do members of social movements employ to reach their objectives? Are there internal and external features that are necessary for their success? And what role do social movements play in democratizing and democratic states. These are the questions we will seek to answer in this course. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality, and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other fall or spring)
PSCI 334 Identity Politics
The construction and institutionalization of identity is inherently political. In this course, we will explore how various levels and types of identities are formed and what political influence and implications they have. Because of the nature of the theme, we will be exploring both theoretical and empirical studies of identity. This will give us a better understanding of how theorists conceptualize identity and how identities actually “work” in the political realm. By the end of this course we will be more aware not only of the multiple political identities that exist, but also have a better understanding of ourselves and the identities we embrace. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every fall or spring)
PSCI 336 Latin American Politics
This course is designed to introduce students to the institutions, issues, and actors in contemporary Latin American politics. Special attention will be paid to the historic development of politics in Latin America. Issues to be addressed include: the impact of colonialism, economic development (focusing on the tension between Liberalism and Socialism), democratization, the role of the US in Latin America, the impact of the military on political rule, identity politics in Latin America (including studies focused on indigenous and women’s movements along with pan-Latin American identity formation and organizations in Latin America) and current challenges in Latin American politics. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Global Diversity. (Every fall or spring)
PSCI 341 Cuban Politics
Few states have as rich and as unique political histories and institutions as does Cuba. This course will be primarily focused on the institutions, policies, society, economy, and culture the Cuban Revolutionary regime has sought to create since coming to power. In studying this present regime, we will be attempting to determine primarily 3 things: 1) whether or not this present system is to be preferred over what preceded it (in short, was the Cuban Revolution good for Cuba and Cubans?), 2) whether or not this political system is democratic, and 3) how the Cuban political system has evolved over the past few decades. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Global Diversity. (Every other fall or spring)
PSCI 343 International Political Economy
This course aims to introduce students to major theoretical and empirical issues in the field of international political economy (IPE). It will examine interactions between political and economic realms in the contemporary world, as well as introduce leading international, regional, and supranational organizations like the World Trade Organization scrutinizing their varying roles in shaping the global economy. Under four sections, the course will study several issue areas in IPE scholarship such as trade, international monetary system, international production networks (multinational corporations), and globalization and regionalism. Starting with political economy of international and regional trade and the role of international and regional organizations, the course will also discuss the processes of globalization and regionalization along with the debates as to whether they are complementary or contradictory processes. The second part of the course will focus on monetary policies, global expansion of capital movements and their worldwide impact within the current wave of globalization. It will explore the expansion of foreign direct investment through production networks of multinational corporations. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality, and Advanced Writing Competency. Cross-listed with Economics 343. (Each year)
PSCI 344 The Politics of Development
This course will cover theories and empirical examples of development. It will differentiate the concept into social, economic, and human developmental parts, while engaging with relevant scholarship. Moving on to developmental models, it will attempt to answer why some countries develop and others are left behind. Approaching the question through varying ideological lenses, students will identify the strengths and weaknesses of each view. Through such larger developmental issues and local cultures, the course will then turn to complex questions like what is a proper way for the developing world to develop and prosper or if it is ever possible to catch up with the developed countries. This section will cover financial crises, the role of international institutions, remittances, sanctions, and inequality at local and global levels. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Global Diversity, and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Each year)
PSCI 350/450 Advanced Topics in Political Science
A study of selected topics in political science drawn from any of the subfields of political science and offered on an occasional basis. Prerequisites vary. May be repeated when subject varies.
PSCI 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PSCI 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to political science suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Offered for variable course credit from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
PSCI 410 U.S. Constitutional Law
This course will principally address the place of the national judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, in the U. S. constitutional system through a careful analysis of the great cases that have shaped the development of constitutional law. The course gives special consideration to the literal text of the constitution, to the political and legal theories behind the constitution, and to the historical context in which the great cases have arisen. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or History 162 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every fall)
PSCI 415 The Common Law
This course explores the history of the Common Law in England and in America from approaches historical, philosophical, and linguistic. Careful attention is given to the foundations of the Common Law in Franco-Norman feudalism and to the development of a system of law that contributed greatly to the sense of English national identity and to English greatness even though the origins of this law and the language in which it was written were not English at all. A critical part of this historical and philosophical investigation is the reading of the greatest writers on the Common Law: Sir John Fortescue, Sir Edward Coke, Sir Matthew Hale, William Blackstone, James Chancellor Kent, and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. The reading of these great English and American writers brings into focus the political theory at the core of the Common Law that became a critical foundation for political and personal liberty in England and the United States and for the development of a dynamic commercial economy supported by private property rights and the obligation of contract. PREQ: Political Science 120 or History 133 or History 134 or History 162 or History 331 or History 332 or any philosophy course or instructor permission. (Every other spring)
PSCI 417 Public Policy
This course involves a broad examination of public policy in the United States. Topics include an analysis of theoretical understandings of power in the policy-making process; an exploration of the prerequisites and processes of policy change, within the context of the policy process; and an examination of a specific policy area (past topics include welfare, affirmative action, and health policy). PREQ: Any 100-level political science or social justice and community engagement course. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every other spring)
PSCI 420 Political Theory
A detailed analysis of Plato’s Republic, Thomas Aquinas’ Treatise on Law, Machiavelli’s Prince, and a selected work of Nietzsche, with emphasis on the place of statesmanship, law, religion, education, economics, and the family in political life. Special attention is given to the tension between philosophy and political life. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or any philosophy course or any religious studies course or instructor permission. (Every other fall)
PSCI 425 Political Philosophy and Religion
A study of the relationship between religion and politics and religion and political philosophy as seen by great Islamic, Jewish, and Christian writer from late antiquity through the Middle Ages, including St. Augustine, Al-Farabi, Averroes, Maimonides, Thomas Aquinas, Dante, and Marsilius of Padua. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or any philosophy course or any religious studies course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis)
PSCI 428 The Origins of Modern Liberalism
Through the study of Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan, Benedict Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise, John Locke’s Second Treatise, and Rousseau’s Second Discourse and Social Contract, this course will examine the philosophic sources of modern views of human nature, natural rights, social contract, and secular rule inspiring the American and French revolutions and underpinning the modern western liberal democracies, in particular the United States. As part of this concentration on the origins of modern liberalism, the course will give careful attention to the conscious project of these early modern writers to replace classical and religious views of human nature and political life with notions the modern writers considered more conducive to human life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course or any philosophy course or any religious studies course. (Offered on an occasional basis)
PSCI 430 International Relations Empire Politics
In this course we will utilize the principle theories and literature in the field of international relations to define what empire is and explain why and how empires are created. We will examine the main theories in IR not only as lenses for explaining why empire occurs, but will also be looking at the ways in which the theories themselves have been justifications for empire. This course will utilize literature that deals with both traditional understanding of empire and colonialism, as well as more recent literature studying the nature of globalization and neocolonialism. By the end of this course you will be well acquainted with different theoretical approaches to explaining and understanding empire in the world today. PREQ: Any 100-level political science course and Junior or Senior standing or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality, and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every fall)
PSCI 440 Advanced Comparative Politics
This course provides an advanced investigation into the main theories of comparative politics. We will address key scholarly writings on topics such as political institutions, political culture, identity, development, and democratization. PREQ: Any 100 level political science course and Junior or Senior standing, or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
PSCI 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular political science course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
PSCI 480 Internship
See program faculty for more details.
PSCI 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high-quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
PSCI 491 Honors Thesis in Political Science
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
PSCI 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.