Political Science (POL)

POL 1013. Introduction to American Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GOVT 2305)

This course provides an introduction to American politics. The course centers on the fundamental role played by the institutions of American government including Congress, the Presidency, Federal Judiciary, and the Bureaucracy in understanding political dynamics in the United States. The course also examines public opinion and participation as inputs to the institutions of American government, and the mediating role of organizations such as interest groups, the news media, and political parties. Considerable time is devoted to thinking about how these components fit together, and how they shape the nature and importance of citizenship and civic engagement. The course also makes connections between politics at the federal level of government and the political institutions and processes of the state of Texas. This course is required to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement in Government-Political Science. Student must be TSI complete in Reading. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 1133. Texas Politics and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GOVT 2306)

This course involves the analysis of Texas government institutions, political behavior, civic engagement and their political and philosophical foundations. Topics may include discussions of the Texas and U.S. Constitutions; the role of state in the federal system; the diverse demographic, economic, and cultural bases of state politics; elections, interest groups, and elites; and legislative, executive, judicial, urban, and county politics. Considerable time is devoted to thinking about how these components fit together, and how they shape the nature and importance of citizenship and civic engagement in Texas. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Government-Political Science. Student must be TSI complete in Reading. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 1213. Civil Rights in Texas and America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GOVT 2306)

This course presents the central elements of traditional introductory political science courses on Texas politics using an alternative, contextual method that teaches students to understand broader political and legal subjects through the lens of civil rights issues and struggles. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Government-Political Science. Student must be TSI complete in Reading. (Formerly titled "Studies in Texas and American Politics.") Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 2503. Introduction to Political Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to important works in the history of political thought. Topics examined may include justice, ethics, freedom, agency, leadership, political regimes, and the origins of political communities. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 2513. Politics and the Administrative Process. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The role of bureaucratic agencies in the formulation and implementation of public policy. Organization theory and administration in the public sector. While the approach of the course is comparative, special emphasis is placed on bureaucracy in the United States. (Formerly titled "Public Administration and Public Policy.") Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 2533. Introduction to Political Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GOVT 2304)

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to the discipline of political science, with particular emphasis devoted to its development from 1880 to the present. Topics may include types of political institutions, uses of political science, participation by political scientists in public affairs or public policy, and career options available to political science majors. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 2603. Introduction to Global Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. This course provides an overview of the intellectual development of the field of international relations and world affairs in the context of globalization. The course examines interactions among the actors of global politics - states, non-state actors, and institutions - in an interconnected world. It introduces students to basic theoretical frameworks and concepts including but not limited to discussions of levels of analysis, order, governance, and international organization. Specific topics may include conflict and security, war and peace, transnational terrorism, humanitarian intervention and peacekeeping operations, international human rights, globalization, climate change, international aid and trade, international finance, and democracy promotion. (Same as GLA 2603. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 2603 and GLA 2603.) Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 2623. Law and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of the nature of law, its role in sociopolitical systems, and the institutional components of legal systems. Theories and systems of law examined may include natural, constitutional, common, civil, customary, socialist, and theocratic law. May employ a comparative or historical framework for understanding the variety of institutional arrangements through which systems of law are implemented. (Same as PAL 2623. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 2623 and POL 2623.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 2633. Comparative Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. A comparative examination of the diverse forms, goals, styles, and practices of government in democratic and authoritarian states. Several major polities will be studied in detail. Topics may include political development and modernization, dependency and development, conflict, civil wars, coups and terrorism. (Same as GLA 2633. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 2633 and POL 2633.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 2693. Designing Research in Political Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. A practical introduction to understanding, interpreting, assessing, and developing research designs in Political Science. Students will be introduced to the different elements of research design and inquiry, including the development of research questions, techniques of operationalization and measurement, and methods of analysis. Topics may also include major theoretical approaches and philosophical debates related to social science inquiry to make students aware of the diversity of research approaches that characterizes Political Science in order to utilize and apply this knowledge in their curriculum. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 2703. Scope and Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to fundamental quantitative analysis and its applications to the study of political phenomena. The class will cover descriptive and inferential statistics, from hypothesis testing through multivariate regression. Class will emphasize applied learning, so students will practice how to obtain, prepare, visualize, and analyze data using R programming language. Course is generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3003. Environmental Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course surveys the legal and regulatory framework for environmental protection in the United States. The course surveys the major environmental statutes, and the common law, constitutional law, and administrative law principles and requirements that can also apply. Topics include air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, toxic substances, land use, endangered species, and climate change. Course fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3013. The American Legal Process. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to how the United States legal system is organized and functions. A broad overview of the system and its actors is combined with a focus on particular areas of the law such as domestic relations, personal injury liability litigation, criminal procedure, and alternative dispute resolution. (Same as PAL 3013. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3013 and POL 3013.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3033. Global Governance. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. International law, organizations, regimes, hierarchies, and norms such as sovereignty govern the international system. These factors help create a world order that limits armed conflict, regulates the world economy, advances environmental protection, and sets human rights standards among a broad range of actors including nation states, civil society, the private sector and many more. This course explains theories of global governance and compares these perspectives to the analysis of political scientists on the past record and likely future of world order. (Formerly International Governance.) (Same as GLA 3033. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3033 and GLA 3033.) Generally offered: Summer. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3043. International Human Rights. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course explores the philosophical and political meaning of fundamental human rights; cases of human rights violations (such as genocide in the Holocaust, Rwanda, Kosovo, and Cambodia; the death penalty; female genital mutilation; violations of workers’ rights; and torture); and the role that states, international organizations and individuals can play in ending human rights abuses. Course readings may include contemporary theories of human rights and case studies on the enforcement of rights around the world. (Same as GLA 3043. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3043 and GLA 3043.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3113. American Political Thought. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Consideration of American political thought with an emphasis on primary sources. Readings may include the works of Winthrop, Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson, Tocqueville, Calhoun, Lincoln, Melville, Twain, Douglass, DuBois, Addams, Croly, Wilson, Roosevelt, MLK, Malcolm X, and other diverse works of a political, philosophical, or literary nature. May be organized chronologically or topically. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3123. Political Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Political psychology seeks to explain the behavior of political leaders and mass publics by focusing on the psychological underpinnings of such behavior—their personalities, identities, values, attitudes, and feelings. Attention will be given to the interaction of these factors within different political environments. Topics may include political socialization; personality and political leadership; the psychology of small group decision making; the psychology of mass participation; and affect and cognition in political judgment. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3133. Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The major works of Western political philosophy from ancient times to the Renaissance. Writers examined may include Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, Augustine, and Machiavelli. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3143. Political Philosophy: Modern. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The major works of political philosophy from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Writers examined may include Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx, and Mill. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3153. Political Philosophy: Contemporary. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Political thought from the late 19th century to the present. Topics examined may include contemporary Marxism and critical theory, analytic political theory, positivism and social science, phenomenological approaches, existentialism, and contemporary ethics. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3173. Justice and Social Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines social policies relating to the family, education, health care, old age, poverty, and other issues from a normative or social justice perspective. Questions that this course addresses may include: What role, if any, should the state play in the family? What should be the goals of a just education system? Should the United States support universal health care? What responsibility, if any, does society have toward the poor? Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3183. Women in Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of the roles and forms of participation of women in contemporary American politics. Topics may include the fight for civil rights and equality; media portrayals of women in politics; women as candidates and as voters; women as elected officials, activists, and political professionals; and women in the military, including theories of gender and war. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3203. African American Political Thought. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines the political thought of African Americans from the ante-bellum era to the present. May include the works of Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington. W.E.B. Dubois, Ida B. Wells, Marcus Garvey, Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Angela Davis, Cornell West, Shelby Steele, Clarence Thomas, Lani Guinier, Eldridge Cleaver, Barack Obama, and others. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3223. Judicial Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Topics may include political behavior of the major participants in the judicial process; the development of judicial institutions and processes; the political and administrative context of the judicial process; judicial-executive and judicial-legislative relations; and the impact of judicial decisions. (Same as PAL 3223. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3223 and POL 3223.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3244. Political Communication and Public Opinion. (3-3) 4 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Explores the acquisition of political attitudes and political behavior; political campaign strategies; and the role of social media in American politics. In the course's lab component, students will learn best practices for measuring public opinion and the analysis of political messaging. (Formerly POL 3243. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3244 and POL 3243.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; MST1 $30; STLF $24.64.

POL 3253. Participation and American National Elections. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to fundamentals of American electoral politics. Topics will include psychological, sociological and economic models of participation, the presidential primary process, the effectiveness of presidential and congressional campaigns on the vote, psychological/sociological and economic models of the presidential and congressional vote, the incumbency advantage in congressional elections, spending in congressional elections, candidate entry, and comparison of House and Senate elections. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3283. The American Presidency. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The U.S. president’s role in the American political system. Topics may include the constitutional framework and historical development of presidential powers, presidential personality, and legislative, foreign policy, and war-making powers. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL1 $75.

POL 3293. Political Movements. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines the origins, mobilizing tactics, and goals of political movements. Movements that may be investigated are the movements of labor, students, women, blacks, environmentalists, and others. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3303. Race and American Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. What is the role of racial and ethnic identities in American political life? Why is this so often a difficult topic for Americans to engage when discussing their political views and actions? Can the United States accurately be described as a democratic country in relation to ethnic and racial divisions? If not, what more is required before such a description is accurate? These are among the central questions that we will address in this course. The premise of the course is that racial and ethnic divisions are among the most important fault lines in American politics, and that we cannot fully understand the country’s politics without a deeper understanding of the causes, effects, and meanings of these divisions and the roles they play in our politics. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3313. The Supreme Court. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines the U.S. Supreme Court as a political and legal institution. Topics may include the colonial and English antecedents to the Supreme Court, its constitutional origins in the framing and ratification debates, major episodes in its development from the early republic to the present, its role within the federal judiciary, its impact on party politics and political culture, and its relationship to Congress, the executive branch, and the state courts. (Same as PAL 3313. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3313 and POL 3313.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3323. Constitutional Law I. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of constitutional questions arising from the institutional features of American government, including electoral processes, separation of powers, and federalism. Emphasizes judicial opinions and other primary sources. May be organized chronologically or topically. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3333. Constitutional Law II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of constitutional questions arising from the protection of rights and liberties in the American political system. Topics may include religious liberty, free speech, voting, property rights, due process, equal protection, and rights of the accused. Emphasizes judicial opinions and other primary sources. May be organized chronologically or topically. (Formerly POL 3023. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3023 and POL 3333.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3363. Political Parties and Interest Groups. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of the purpose of political parties in the political process. Interest groups and their roles in government and public policy. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3373. The Legislative Process. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of the functions, structures, and politics of legislatures and their relationships to their constituencies and other branches of government. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3383. East European Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course provides an overview of politics in Eastern Europe broadly understood as the region of East Central and Southeastern Europe, and the post-Soviet space. It traces the evolution of nation building since the interwar period and the system of communist rule, with a focus on key dimensions of the post-communist transformation of the region. Thematic coverage may include constitutions, political culture, party politics, and Euro-Atlantic integration. (Same as GLA 3383. Credit cannot be earned for POL 3383 and GLA 3383.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3393. Latin American Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines trends and variations in political development in Latin America during the last century. The main focus is on the interaction between states and citizens, social relations, and economic development. This course examines issues affecting Latin America as a whole, but readings and lectures will also explore individual countries within the region. (Same as GLA 3393. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3393 and GLA 3393.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3403. European Governments. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The interplay of politics with the changing social and economic environment in the advanced industrial societies of Western Europe. Elites, participation, governmental structures, party systems, interest groups, and public policy will be examined in several selected polities and the European Union. (Same as GLA 3403. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3403 and GLA 3403.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3413. Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The study of urbanization as a general process from multi-disciplinary perspectives - political, economic, geographic, and social. We will analyze urban change dynamics (both growth and stagnation) and study urban regimes with an emphasis on the history and current forms of spatial and social segregation of cities by race, class, ethnicity, culture, and gender. Case studies may be drawn from Texas urban areas, including San Antonio and Austin. (Formerly titled "The Politics of Urban Development.") (Same as GES 3573. Credit can only be earned for one course: GES 3573 or POL 3413.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3423. Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Multidisciplinary introduction and regional study of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian realm, including the Caucasus, Central Asian nations, Afghanistan, and Mongolia. Both the geography and the politics of this area will be analyzed. Historical and contemporary geopolitical topics include nation-building, regional civilizations, revolution, terrorism, the 19th-century Great Game, the rise of the USSR, and the current transition of the Russian Federation to an uncertain future. (Same as GLA 3423 and GES 3423. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: GLA 3423, GES 3423 (formerly GRG 3423), or POL 3423.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3433. Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. A comparative examination of the political systems of selected Southeast Asian countries and their efforts to deal with political, economic, and social change. Countries studied may include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (Same as GLA 3433. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3433 and GLA 3433). Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3443. Governments and Politics of East Asia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. A comparative examination of the political systems of selected East Asian countries and their efforts to deal with problems of political, economic, and social change. Countries studied may include the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China, and South Korea. (Same as GLA 3443 and GES 3433. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: POL 3443, GES 3433, or GLA 3443.) Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3453. Politics of Mexico. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course is an introduction to contemporary Mexican politics. It begins with a review of Mexico’s history since independence, and then moves on to study the key challenges in Mexican political development. The course focuses on identifying the key players and institutions involved in Mexican politics, and will evaluate the nature of Mexico’s recent democratic transition/consolidation process. (Same as GLA 3453. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3453 and GLA 3453.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3463. Politics of the Developing World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. The class introduces the political and economic systems of various developing nations and relates them to those of developed nations. It provides students with the opportunity for inquiry into the political and economic problems of these countries, such as development, instability, and political change. (Formerly Politics of the Third World.) (Same as GLA 3463. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3463 and GLA 3463.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3473. Latin America in the World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. Advanced survey of major theories and problems in Latin American political and economic development. The course will address the rise and fall of democracies and dictatorships, economic inequality, the varying patterns of state capacity, political and criminal violence, market reforms, and the impact of clientelism and corruption on citizens’ perceptions of the state, among other topics. (Same as GLA 3473. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3473 and POL 3473). Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3483. International Political Economy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course is an introduction to the theories, institutions and policies that govern international economic relations. Students will study the development of the international economic system as well as controversies over money, trade, and governance. Further topics may include globalization, development, regional and global institutions and multinational enterprises. (Same as GLA 3483. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3483 and GLA 3483.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3493. Politics of the Middle East. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of the past, present, and future of Middle East politics, with an emphasis on culture, politics, religion, and conflicts in the area; the international relations of Middle Eastern countries as well as superpowers’ involvement. (Same as GLA 3493. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3493 and GLA 3493.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3503. American Foreign Policy since World War II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. The class offers students to study theories and the history of US foreign policy. This may include an examination of major public institutions involved in foreign policy making as well as private interests influencing American foreign policy. Further topics may include public opinion and foreign involvement, specific policies toward international organizations and major world regions, as well as issue areas such as security, global economy, human rights and developments and the global environment. (Same as GLA 3503. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3503 and GLA 3503.) Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3513. International Organizations in World Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. The class provides students with the opportunity to study the role of international organizations in world politics. Special attention is given to the practice and theory of intergovernmental organizations in areas such as security, global economy, development and human rights and the global environment. Theories may include traditional IR and organizational theories. Organizations examined may include the United Nations system, regional organizations, development banks, security alliance systems, and common markets. (Same as GLA 3513. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3513 and GLA 3513.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3523. Violence in International Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course engages with experiences of violence in international relations. It provides an examination of modern research into the use of coercion in international relations with a focus on economic sanctions, war, and terrorism. Special emphasis will be placed on the causes, trends, and consequences of interstate wars. Topics may include armed conflict, trauma and suffering, laws of war, representation of war in media, peace movements, and the technologies of peace making. (Same as GLA 3523. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3523 and GLA 3523.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3553. The Welfare State in Comparative Perspective. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. History and development of social policies in modern societies. Policy areas covered may include pensions, health care, income maintenance, housing, education, training, and childcare. (Formerly titled "Social Policy in Modern Welfare States.") Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3563. Current Issues in World Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of the issues that divide the people of the world. The structure of contemporary world problems will be studied and possible strategies for the reduction of international conflict will be assessed. Topics may include nuclear proliferation, world hunger, revolution and intervention, transnational enterprises, competing ideologies of international relations, and global ecology. (Same as GLA 3563. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3563 and GLA 3563.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3583. Jurisprudence. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An inquiry into the nature of law and legal obligation with emphasis on relevant works of political philosophy and those of important jurists. Works covered in the course may represent natural law, positivist, realist, theocratic, and critical perspectives on law. (Formerly POL 4153. Same as PAL 3583. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3583 and POL 4153 or PAL 3583.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3593. Topics in Latin American Security. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. This seminar examines key questions for regional security in Latin America. Although drawing on scholarly and historical materials, this course focuses essentially on contemporary regional security and includes general topics, such as regional security, peace and war in Latin America, civil-military relations, drug trafficking, and public security. The cases are selected in part to provide geographical balance and contemporary relevance, but also to demonstrate the contrasts between traditional and emerging security questions in the region. (Same as GLA 3593. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3593 and POL 3593.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3633. Political Economy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The political, legal, and ethical context of modern commercial society is explored through the evolution of conceptions of the economy, the individual, and the state. Topics may include the institutional foundations of market societies, ethical and legal impact of business practices, comparisons of national economic policies, the interaction of modern government and economic activity, and the impact of markets on concepts of public and private life. (Same as GLA 3633. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3633 and GLA 3633.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3643. Justice among Nations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An examination of different theories of justice between states and/or the citizens of different states. Topics may include just war theory; cosmopolitan and anti-cosmopolitan debates; theories of human rights and the challenges to them; multiculturalism; diverse religious or cultural views on justice in world affairs. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3653. Federalism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Federalism is a constitutional arrangement that formally divides power between a central government and member states, each of which governs citizens concurrently. This course explores the theory and practice of federalism in the United States and other federal systems with special attention to questions of constitutional structure, decentralization and concurrent enforcement, secession and nullification, minority rights, sectional conflict, and judicial review. Course fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3743. Politics in Film. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines the role of film in the political process and in the broader political development of the United States and other countries. Students will study how American and international films operate as information, propaganda, and entertainment. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3763. Globalization. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013. This course examines normative and empirical issues in globalization, such as the role of states and non-state actors, the emergence of global civil society, patterns of international development, the influence of international integration on security, health, violence, and the role of institutions for global politics. Further topics may include theories and debates on the scale and impact of globalization, backlash and resistance, as well as future trajectories. (Same as GLA 3763 (formerly INS 3763). Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: POL 3763, GLA 3763, or INS 3763.) Generally offered: Summer. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3773. Experiments in Democratic Renewal. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines experiments with popular participation around the world that use various techniques to solve public problems and deepen democracy. The setting of these experiments is the double movement of globalization of the economy and bureaucratic government. Experts and activists have turned to learning processes and direct action. The course examines reform experiments in the United States as well as other countries in Latin America, Europe, South Asia, and elsewhere. The course will examine debates about the political and ethical foundations of the experiments as well as the efficacy of new decision-making techniques. Policy cases may include schooling, environmental protection, policing, housing, drug rehabilitation, sweatshop labor, community finance, women’s development, and public budgeting. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3783. Democracy and World Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines theories of democratic transition and focuses on the problematics of democratic change throughout the world. Case studies may include political change after the end of the Cold War in the former Communist states, democratic transitions in Latin America, patterns of change in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and south Asia. (Same as GLA 3783. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3783 and GLA 3783.) (Formerly titled "Comparative Democratization.") Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3803. Scope and Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to fundamental quantitative analysis and its applications to the study of political phenomena. The class will cover descriptive and inferential statistics, from hypothesis testing through multivariate regression. The class will emphasize applied learning, so students will practice how to obtain, prepare, visualize, and analyze data using R programming language. The course is generally offered in: Fall, Spring.

POL 3813. Politics of Federal Justice Policy Making. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines the intersections of politics and legal institutions of the federal government. Consideration will be given to major historical and political developments mainly associated with policy decisions of the federal executive and the federal judiciary in carrying out constitutional and statutory obligations in civil and criminal enforcement, adjudication, and punishment. Special emphasis will be given to how federal justice policies are formed, implemented, and evaluated by presidents, Congress, and the federal courts in policy areas such as civil rights, privacy and surveillance, interstate and international criminal organizations, investigative practices, prosecutorial effectiveness, and civil and criminal penalties/sanctions. (Same as PAL 3813. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3813 and POL 3813.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3823. Politics of Congressional Elections. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to the politics of congressional elections. Topics include determinants of national election outcomes, campaigning for Congress, strategic behavior, primary elections, the incumbency advantage, money in congressional elections, Senate versus House comparisons, and representation. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3843. Campaign and Election Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course examines the laws that govern elections in the United States. Topics include the constitutional and legal issues arising from campaign finance regulations, political party organization, election administration, and redistricting as well as the constitutional and statutory protection of voting rights. The course may also consider these issues in comparative perspective. (Same as PAL 3843. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3843 and POL 3843.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 3853. Immigration Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Examines the legal framework of immigration and citizenship in the United States. Topics include the history and development of immigration and citizenship policy, the constitutional and international law foundations of immigration regulation, the structure and operation of federal institutions that regulate immigration, the role of state and local governments in enforcing immigration policy, and the legal processes that adjudicate immigration cases. (Same as PAL 3853. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3853 and POL 3853.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 3903. LGBTQIA+ Politics and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. This course will explore the historical roots and contemporary realities of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) politics, nationally and internationally. The course will assess the political landscape of LGBTQIA+ politics, examining the policy impact of legislation, litigation, direct democracy, and diplomacy; shifts in public opinion and media coverage; and the diffusion of American and international human rights norms.

POL 3943. Government and Politics of South Asia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. South Asia is one of the world’s most complex and dynamic regions. It is the world’s fastest-growing region and boasts the world’s largest democracy. Yet it also contains one-third of the world’s poor and societies divided by religion, caste, class, language, gender, and region. Extending from Afghanistan in the north to Sri Lanka in the south, it is home to distinctive political undercurrents, enduring military conflicts, and rapidly changing societies. This course will provide an in-depth survey of the politics, political economy, and international relations of the major South Asian countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. (Same as GLA 3943. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3943 and GLA 3943).

POL 3963. Politics of China. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. This course provides students with an understanding of the basic aspects of political institutions, reform processes, and major events in Chinese political life since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. The course will focus on China in the post-Mao “Reform and Opening-up” era (since 1978). We will explore a series of topics that are critical to understanding contemporary Chinese politics and government. These include the institutions through which China is governed, the Party-State structure, national and subnational governance structures, the rule of law and jurisprudence, the role of ideology, economic policy, and foreign policy. Readings and discussions will focus on post-1978 change and continuity in Chinese law, politics, and society. No background in the study of China is assumed for this course. (Same as GLA 3963. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3963 and POL 3963).

POL 4023. Techniques in Global Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Examines various techniques for collecting, analyzing, and communicating information by government and private sector organizations engaged in global analysis. Stresses methodologies for analyzing informational inputs, including strengths and weaknesses of various analytical applications. Studies analytic cultures and pathologies associated with information collection and interpretation, legal and political oversight, accommodation of dissenting views in interpretation and policy debate, and economic, political, and cultural implications of analytical findings. Compares and contrasts analytical methods employed by public and private organizations. May be taught from different perspectives depending upon faculty expertise and interests. (Same as GLA 4123. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 4023 and GLA 4123.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4033. Drugs, Crime, and Politics in Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. Drug trafficking has become a major global problem. Its consequences for peace, democracy, and prosperity have been devastating in Latin America. This course will examine the links between illicit drugs and politics, focusing on the community, domestic, and regional levels. The aim of the course is to understand the penetration of drugs into political campaigns, the dynamics of criminal governance, militarization, counter-insurgency policies, and their impacts on local communities. The course will also critically examine the region's decades of a failed war on drugs. (Same as GLA 4033. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 4033 and POL 4033).

POL 4043. Understanding Democracy and Violence in Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. Democracy is considered to be the only type of government capable of regulating conflicts in a peaceful way. Yet extensive evidence from Latin America suggests that democratization and democratic institutions have been accompanied by protracted conflicts and large-scale violence. Under what conditions does democracy promote peace or lead to violent outcomes? The aim of this course is to understand the links between elections and violence, the role of iron-fist policies in democracies, the delegation of violence to paramilitaries and private armies, and the role of political parties in producing such violence. The course will also explore how implementing security sector reforms and transitional justice mechanisms can help avoid major outbreaks of violence. (Same as GLA 4043. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 4043 and POL 4043).

POL 4133. Politics, Law, and Literature. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Examination of fundamental questions of political theory as treated in works of literature. Topics may include authority, law and discretion, the individual and the community, church and state, criminality, and the nature of freedom, especially as these issues emerge in different political orders. Potential works include Greek tragedy and comedy, Dante, Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Flannery O’Connor, Robert Penn Warren, Walker Percy, Saul Bellow, and others. (Same as PAL 4153. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 4133 and PAL 4153). Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4163. Model UN. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. The course introduces students to the United Nations and the world of Model UN. The class will discuss the organization's history, structure, operations, and role in the international system. Applying this knowledge in educational simulation, the class will engage students in modelling the UN. This will include hosting a Model UN as well as competing nationally as delegates. As such, the class will solidify substantial knowledge on the UN as well as provide logistical project management skills. Credit in GLA 3533 is not a prerequisite but priority will be given to students who have who have taken GLA 3533. (Formerly GLA 4163. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 4163 and GLA 4163.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4213. The Intelligence Community in World Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. Advanced study of key historical developments of U.S. and other intelligence functions in national and international security. Examines a broad range of issues and case studies such as collection and analytical methods, measures of success and failure of intelligence operations, agency organizational problems, accuracy and accountability, counterintelligence and covert operations, threats to homeland security, constitutional and legislative roles, liaison relationships, and challenges in executive-legislative interactions in the policy making process. (Same as GLA 4213. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 4213 and GLA 4213. Formerly GLA 4013 and POL 4013.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4223. Mexican American Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The study of Mexican American and other Latino/a group participation in the American experience. Topics include Mexican American and Latinos/as in the electoral process, political and economic institutions, political behavior and opinion, civil rights, representation, social movements, and contemporary public policy debates. (Formerly POL 3093 and POL 2403. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: POL 2403, POL 3093, or POL 4223). Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4323. Administrative Law and Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. A survey of those aspects of public law of particular relevance to public administration, analyzing such problem areas as the delegation of authority; formal accountability; open records and confidentiality; and responsiveness to democratic value in decision making. (Same as PAL 4323. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4323 and POL 4323.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4843. Study Away. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and department. A lecture course associated with a study away program. Involves domestic travel and field trips. May be repeated for credit when the destination varies.

POL 4853. Study Abroad: Political Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A lecture course associated with a study abroad program. Involves international travel and field trips. May be repeated for credit when the destination country varies. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Independent Study Course Form signed by the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $6.16.

POL 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Independent Study Course Form signed by the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $12.32.

POL 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Independent Study Course Form signed by the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4933. Internship in Political Science. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Consent of internship coordinator and Department Chair. Supervised experience relevant to political science within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4936. Internship in Political Science. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Consent of internship coordinator and Department Chair. Supervised experience relevant to political science within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $36.96.

POL 4953. Special Studies in Political Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: POL 1013. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4973. Seminar in Political Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: POL 1013, POL 2693, POL 2703, and 15 semester credit hours in POL, or consent of instructor. The opportunity for an intensive study of a selected topic. Primary emphasis on supervised research on various aspects of the topic. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors majoring in political science. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

POL 4983. Research Practicum. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, and the Department Chair. The practicum provides students with the opportunity to focus on a specific research issue having practical applications in geography, governance, politics, or policy. Students participate in a hands-on research experience on the issue in a collective research environment. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.

POL 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: A minimum grade point average of 3.0 at UTSA, a 3.5 grade point average in the major, and recommendation by a member of the Political Science and Geography faculty. Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once with advisor’s approval. Students who are approved will enroll in the appropriate honors thesis courses during their final two semesters at UTSA. To earn honors, the thesis must be passed by an Honors Committee that will be formed with the recommending faculty and another faculty member. Students interested in enrolling should contact the Department Undergraduate Advisor of Record for additional information. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.