Department of Political Science and Geography
The Department of Political Science and Geography offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, Global Affairs, Political Science, and Politics and Law. The Political Science and Geography and Environmental Sustainability degrees have Social Studies Teaching Tracks. The Department also offers minors in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, Global Affairs, Intelligence and Security Studies, Political Science, and Politics and Law.
Department Honors and Signature Experience
The Honors Program of the Department of Political Science and Geography is an opportunity for advanced study for students who have demonstrated commendable academic performance. The prerequisites for a student’s participation in the Honors Program are 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. Students who are approved will enroll in the appropriate honors thesis courses during their final semester at UTSA. To earn honors, the thesis must be passed by an Honors Committee that will be formed with the recommending faculty and two other faculty members. Students interested in the Departmental Honors should contact the Department for additional information.
As part of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts Signature Experience, which seeks to offer students opportunities to apply ideas and knowledge in real-world settings, the Department encourages students to enroll in mentorship courses such as an Internship, Independent Study, Study Abroad, and Research Practicum. Majors may apply 3 or 6 semester credit hours of internship study to their baccalaureate program. Internships entail supervised workplace experience, allowing the integration of academic and practitioner learning. The internship coordinator of the Department of Political Science and Geography oversees placement. Department faculty members provide supervision and grade internship performance. Further information can be obtained from the internship coordinator.
Independent Studies are arranged with Department faculty and normally cover topics that are not presented in listed courses. The Research Practicum enables students to focus on an applied research project that makes a contribution to the discovery or resolution of community needs.
- B.A. degree in Geography and Environmental Sustainability
- B.A. degree in Global Affairs
- B.A. degree in Political Science
- B.A. degree in Politics and Law
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Environmental Sustainability
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. At least 37 semester credit hours of geography coursework are required to fulfill the Geography and Environmental Sustainability major. The 37-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of their major through careful allocation of their elective semester credit hours.
All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Geography and Environmental Sustainability must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
GES 2613 may be used to satisfy a core requirement in Life and Physical Sciences as well as a major requirement.
GES 1023 may be used to satisfy a core requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture as well as a major requirement.
GES 1013 or GES 2623 may be used to satisfy a core requirement in Social and Behavioral Science as well as a major requirement.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090) | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302) | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332) | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312) | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325) | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| MAT 1213 | Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342) | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301) | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303) | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304) | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306) | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307) | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308) | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309) | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311) | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313) | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305) | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301) | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301) | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301) | 3 |
| NDT 2043 | Introduction to Nutritional Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325) | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326) | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311) | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302) | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411) | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| COM 2313 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332) | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333) | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323) | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341) | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411) | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411) | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303) | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322) | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304) | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411) | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411) | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411) | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305) | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301) | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316) | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2093 | Philosophy of The Americas | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411) | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411) | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303) | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304) | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Image Culture | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303) | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301) | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302) | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315) | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306) | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2733 | History of the American Musical Theater | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301) | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305) | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346) | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302) | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302) | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304) | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| KIN 2123 | Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338) | 3 |
| NDRB 1033 | Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346) | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301) | 3 |
| REGS 2003 | Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301) | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306) | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340) | 3 |
| SWK 1013 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315) | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication (core component area 091) | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311) | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097) | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Degree Requirements (without track)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Courses in the major | ||
| 37 semester credit hours in the major, of which 21 must be at the upper-division level. | ||
| 1. Required courses: | 16 | |
| World Regions & Global Change | ||
| Intro to Physical Geography | ||
| Global Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Spatial Analysis | ||
| 2. Select 9 credit hours of regional geography courses: | 9 | |
| Geography of the United States and Canada | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of Mexico | ||
| Geography of Texas | ||
| Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia | ||
| Politics and Geographies of East Asia | ||
| Study Abroad | ||
| 3. Select 12 additional credit hours of Geography and Environmental Sustainability electives. These may include courses from the following lists: | 12 | |
Earth science, resources, and the environment | ||
| Meteorology | ||
| Conservation of Resources | ||
| Geography of Natural Hazards | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Physiography | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Climate Change | ||
Economic, political, population, and cultural studies | ||
| Revealing Geography through Film and Pop Culture | ||
| Medical Geography | ||
| Population Geography | ||
| Geography of Local Economic Activity | ||
| Behavioral Geography | ||
| Geography of Globalization and Development | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Space and Identity Crisis in the Postmodern Era | ||
Geographic Information Systems and cartography | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Analytical and Computer Cartography | ||
| Critical Qualitative GIS | ||
| GIS Cartography | ||
Urban studies | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Urban Planning and Development | ||
| Gender and Cities: An Introduction to Feminist Geography | ||
| Urban Sustainability in Global Context | ||
| Urban and Regional Analysis | ||
Additional courses selected from item 3 above | ||
| C. Electives | ||
| Select 32 semester credit hours of electives. In fulfillment of this requirement, majors are encouraged to take at least 9 semester credit hours of upper-division coursework in disciplines that support the study of geography in the following areas: | 32 | |
| Urban, economic, political, population, and cultural studies | ||
| International courses including global affairs | ||
| Earth science and resources | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 69 | |
Degree Requirements – Social Studies Teaching Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses | ||
| Courses marked with an asterisk (*) may also be used to satisfy Core Curriculum requirements. | ||
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (*) | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography (*) | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change (*) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (*) | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (*) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (*) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (*) | 3 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (*) | 3 |
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (*) | 3 |
| B. Upper-division History course | ||
| Select one course in U.S. history | 3 | |
| C. Geography | ||
| Select four courses from the list below: | 12 | |
| Global Sustainability | ||
| Geography of the United States and Canada | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of Texas | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Geography of Globalization and Development | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Gender and Cities: An Introduction to Feminist Geography | ||
| Urban Sustainability in Global Context | ||
| Climate Change | ||
| D. Government Institutions | ||
| Select three courses from the list below: | 9 | |
| The American Legal Process | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Political Parties and Interest Groups | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
| E. Upper-division Geography and Environmental Sustainability courses | ||
| 12 semester credit hours of upper-division GES courses | 12 | |
| F. Teacher Certification courses | 33 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 105 | |
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Geography and Environmental Sustainability must complete the COLFA Second Language Experience. General requirements are listed on the College of Liberal and Fine Arts page of this Undergraduate Catalog.
Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Geography and Environmental Sustainability
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Geography and Environmental Sustainability degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.A. in Geography and Environmental Sustainability – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change (core and major) | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (core major) | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (core and major) | 3 |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Mathematics (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GES 3003 | Global Sustainability | 3 |
| Regional geography course (See item A.3. in degree requirements.) | 3 | |
| Upper-division GES elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GES 3323 | Spatial Analysis | 3 |
| Regional geography course (See item A.3. in degree requirements.) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division GES elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GES 3314 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| Regional geography course (See item A.3. in degree requirements.) | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 2 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division GES elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global Affairs
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Global Affairs, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. At least 42 semester credit hours of Global Affairs coursework are required to fulfill the Global Affairs major. The 42-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of the major through careful allocation of elective semester credit hours.
All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Global Affairs must complete the COLFA Second Language Experience. General requirements are listed on the College of Liberal and Fine Arts page of this Undergraduate Catalog.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Global Affairs must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
GLA 1013 should be used to satisfy the core requirement for Language, Philosophy and Culture. All Global Affairs majors are required to take GLA 1013 as a prerequisite for upper-division GLA courses.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090) | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302) | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332) | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312) | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325) | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| MAT 1213 | Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342) | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301) | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303) | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304) | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306) | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307) | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308) | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309) | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311) | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313) | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305) | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301) | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301) | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301) | 3 |
| NDT 2043 | Introduction to Nutritional Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325) | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326) | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311) | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302) | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411) | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| COM 2313 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332) | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333) | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323) | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341) | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411) | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411) | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303) | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322) | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304) | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411) | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411) | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411) | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305) | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301) | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316) | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2093 | Philosophy of The Americas | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411) | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411) | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303) | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304) | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Image Culture | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303) | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301) | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302) | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315) | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306) | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2733 | History of the American Musical Theater | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301) | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305) | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346) | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302) | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302) | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304) | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| KIN 2123 | Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338) | 3 |
| NDRB 1033 | Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346) | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301) | 3 |
| REGS 2003 | Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301) | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306) | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340) | 3 |
| SWK 1013 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315) | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication (core component area 091) | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311) | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097) | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Courses in the major | ||
| 42 semester credit hours in the major, 30 of which must be at the upper-division level. | ||
| 1. Required introductory courses on global affairs: | 9 | |
| US in Global Context | ||
| Introduction to Global Politics * | ||
and one of the following | ||
| Introduction to Intelligence Studies | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| 2. Required methods courses: | 6 | |
| Designing Research in Political Science | ||
and one of the following | ||
| Research Methods in Global Affairs | ||
| Scope and Methods | ||
| 3. Select 2 of the following Foundations of Global Affairs category: | 6 | |
| International Law | ||
| Theories of International Relations | ||
| Justice in International Relations | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
| Violence in International Politics | ||
| Nationalism and Identity Politics in a Globalizing World | ||
| Globalization | ||
| Democracy and World Politics | ||
| Study Abroad: Global Affairs | ||
| 4. Select 2 of the following Governance and Policy in Global Affairs category: | 6 | |
| Global Governance | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| National Security in the Global Context | ||
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
| The United Nations | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| Current Issues in World Politics | ||
| Chinese Foreign and Security Policy | ||
| National Security Law | ||
| Global Energy Politics | ||
| Non-State Actors | ||
| Strategy, Politics, and Warfare | ||
| Security and Intelligence in the Asia Pacific | ||
| Cyber Politics | ||
| Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs | ||
| Model UN | ||
| The Intelligence Community in World Affairs | ||
| Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism | ||
| Study Abroad: Global Affairs | ||
| 5. Select 2 of the following Regional Studies category: | 6 | |
| Regionalism | ||
| East European Politics | ||
| Latin American Politics | ||
| European Governments | ||
| Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia | ||
| Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia | ||
| Politics and Geographies of East Asia | ||
| Politics of Mexico | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| Latin America in the World | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| Governments and Politics of South Asia | ||
| Politics of China | ||
| Drugs, Crime, and Politics in Latin America | ||
| Understanding Democracy and Violence in Latin America | ||
| Model UN | ||
| Study Abroad: Global Affairs | ||
| 6. Additional 6 hours from any category, with no more than one course (3 credit hours) from a single category | 6 | |
| 7. Senior seminar course: | 3 | |
| Senior Seminar | ||
| B. Electives | ||
| 27 semester credit hours of electives | 27 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 69 | |
Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Global Affairs
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Global Affairs degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.A. in Global Affairs – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Mathematics (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context (core and major) | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GLA 2633 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| GLA elective Foundations | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| POL 2693 | Designing Research in Political Science | 3 |
| GLA elective Foundations | 3 | |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Second Methods course (GLA 3103 or POL 3803) | 3 | |
| GLA elective Regional | 3 | |
| GLA elective Governance and Policy | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| GLA elective Governance and Policy | 3 | |
| GLA elective Regional | 3 | |
| GLA elective Foundations | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GLA elective Governance and Policy | 3 | |
| GLA elective Regional | 3 | |
| Upper-division GLA course | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GLA 4973 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division GLA course | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. At least 36 semester credit hours of Political Science coursework are required to fulfill the Political Science major. The 36-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of their major through careful allocation of their elective semester credit hours. These courses, which require advance approval from the academic advisor, should serve to introduce students to other social sciences.
All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Political Science must complete the COLFA Second Language Experience. General requirements are listed on the College of Liberal and Fine Arts page of this Undergraduate Catalog.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Political Science must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090) | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302) | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332) | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312) | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325) | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| MAT 1213 | Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342) | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301) | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303) | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304) | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306) | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307) | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308) | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309) | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311) | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313) | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305) | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301) | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301) | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301) | 3 |
| NDT 2043 | Introduction to Nutritional Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325) | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326) | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311) | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302) | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411) | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| COM 2313 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332) | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333) | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323) | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341) | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411) | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411) | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303) | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322) | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304) | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411) | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411) | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411) | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305) | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301) | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316) | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2093 | Philosophy of The Americas | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411) | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411) | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303) | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304) | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Image Culture | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303) | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301) | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302) | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315) | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306) | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2733 | History of the American Musical Theater | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301) | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305) | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346) | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302) | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302) | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304) | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| KIN 2123 | Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338) | 3 |
| NDRB 1033 | Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346) | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301) | 3 |
| REGS 2003 | Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301) | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306) | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340) | 3 |
| SWK 1013 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315) | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication (core component area 091) | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311) | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097) | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Degree Requirements (without track)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. 36 hours in the major | ||
| Courses must be selected in the following manner: | ||
| 1. Required methods courses: | 6 | |
| Designing Research in Political Science | ||
| Scope and Methods | ||
| 2. Gateway courses. Select two courses from the list below: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Global Politics | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| Politics and the Administrative Process | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| 3. Political science electives. 21 semester credit hours of upper-division electives, with at least 3 hours in each of the sub-fields below. Internship, Honors Thesis, and Study Abroad may count as upper-division political science electives: | 21 | |
American Politics | ||
| Political Psychology | ||
| Women in Politics | ||
| Political Communication and Public Opinion | ||
| Participation and American National Elections | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Political Movements | ||
| Race and American Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Political Parties and Interest Groups | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power | ||
| Federalism | ||
| Politics in Film | ||
| Experiments in Democratic Renewal | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy Making | ||
| Politics of Congressional Elections | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| LGBTQIA+ Politics and Policy | ||
| Mexican American Politics | ||
World Politics | ||
| International Law | ||
| Theories of International Relations | ||
| Justice in International Relations | ||
| National Security in the Global Context | ||
| Regionalism | ||
| The United Nations | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| Nationalism and Identity Politics in a Globalizing World | ||
| Chinese Foreign and Security Policy | ||
| Global Energy Politics | ||
| Non-State Actors | ||
| Politics of China | ||
| Strategy, Politics, and Warfare | ||
| Security and Intelligence in the Asia Pacific | ||
| Cyber Politics | ||
| Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs | ||
| Model UN | ||
| Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism | ||
| Latin American Politics | ||
| European Governments | ||
| Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia | ||
| Governments and Politics of East Asia | ||
| Politics of Mexico | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| Latin America in the World | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| The Welfare State in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Political Economy | ||
| Democracy and World Politics | ||
| Government and Politics of South Asia | ||
| Techniques in Global Analysis | ||
| Drugs, Crime, and Politics in Latin America | ||
| Understanding Democracy and Violence in Latin America | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| East European Politics | ||
| Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
| Violence in International Politics | ||
| Current Issues in World Politics | ||
| Globalization | ||
| Techniques in Global Analysis | ||
| The Intelligence Community in World Affairs | ||
| Study Abroad: Political Science | ||
or GLA 4853 | Study Abroad: Global Affairs | |
Political Theory | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval | ||
| Political Philosophy: Modern | ||
| Political Philosophy: Contemporary | ||
| Justice and Social Policy | ||
| African American Political Thought | ||
| Justice among Nations | ||
Public Law | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Minorities and the Law | ||
| Regulatory Law and Enterprise | ||
| Trial and Appellate Advocacy | ||
| Constitutional Analysis | ||
| State Courts: Judicial Decision-Making Practice and Procedure | ||
| Contracts | ||
| Great Controversies in Politics and Law | ||
| Torts through the Case Method | ||
| Federal Courts | ||
| The American Legal Process | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy Making | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Politics, Law, and Literature | ||
| Administrative Law and Politics | ||
| 4. Capstone Experience | 3 | |
| Students must select 1 from the following list | ||
| Internship in Political Science | ||
| Study Abroad: Political Science | ||
| Seminar in Political Science | ||
| Research Practicum | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| B. Electives | ||
| Select 42 semester credit hours of electives. | 42 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 78 | |
Degree Requirements – Social Studies Teaching Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses | ||
| Courses marked with an asterisk (*) may also be used to satisfy Core Curriculum requirements. | ||
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (*) | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (*) | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (*) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (*) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (*) | 3 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (*) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (*) | 3 |
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (*) | 3 |
| POL 4973 | Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
| B. Upper-division History course | ||
| Select one course in U.S. history | 3 | |
| C. Geography | ||
| Select three courses from the list below: | 9 | |
| Geography of the United States and Canada | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of Texas | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| D. Government Institutions | ||
| Select four courses from the list below: | 12 | |
| The American Legal Process | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Political Movements | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Political Parties and Interest Groups | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power | ||
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
| Federalism | ||
| E. Upper-division Political Science courses | ||
| 12 semester credit hours of upper-division POL courses | 12 | |
| F. Secondary Education and Pedagogy Coursework | 30 | |
| Secondary Professional Learning Community | ||
| Teaching and Learning in the Secondary Classroom | ||
| Secondary Social Studies Methods | ||
| Learning and Development in the Secondary School Adolescent | ||
| Assessment and Evaluation | ||
| Social Foundations for Education in a Diverse U.S. Society | ||
| Second Language Teaching and Learning for Grades 7-12 | ||
| Teaching with Media and Technology | ||
| Reading and Writing Across the Disciplines-Grades 7–12 | ||
| Introduction to Special Education | ||
| G. Clinical Teaching | 2-3 | |
| Select either 2 credits of Secondary Yearlong Clinical Teaching or 3 credits of Secondary Clinical Teaching. | ||
| Secondary Yearlong Clinical Teaching I and Secondary Yearlong Clinical Teaching II | ||
| Secondary Clinical Teaching | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 105 | |
Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Political Science
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Political Science degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.A. in Political Science – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Mathematics (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| 2000 level Gateway course | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POL 2693 | Designing Research in Political Science | 3 |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| POL 3803 | Scope and Methods | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper-division POL - American Politics | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Upper-division POL elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division POL - World Politics | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division POL elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division POL - American Government | 3 | |
| Upper-division POL - Political Theory | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Capstone | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division POL - Public Law | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Politics and Law
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Politics and Law, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.
All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Politics and Law must complete the COLFA Second Language Experience. General requirements are listed on the College of Liberal and Fine Arts page of this Undergraduate Catalog.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Politics and Law must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090) | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302) | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332) | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312) | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325) | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| MAT 1213 | Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342) | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301) | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303) | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304) | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306) | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307) | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308) | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309) | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311) | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313) | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305) | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301) | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301) | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301) | 3 |
| NDT 2043 | Introduction to Nutritional Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325) | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326) | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311) | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century (TCCN: ARCH 1302) | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411) | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| COM 2313 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332) | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333) | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323) | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341) | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411) | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411) | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions and Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303) | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322) | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304) | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411) | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411) | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411) | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305) | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301) | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316) | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2093 | Philosophy of The Americas | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411) | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411) | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303) | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304) | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval (TCCN: ARCH 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Image Culture | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303) | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301) | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302) | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315) | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306) | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2733 | History of the American Musical Theater | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301) | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305) | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346) | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302) | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302) | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304) | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| KIN 2123 | Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338) | 3 |
| NDRB 1033 | Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346) | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301) | 3 |
| REGS 2003 | Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301) | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306) | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340) | 3 |
| SWK 1013 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315) | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication (core component area 091) | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311) | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097) | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Courses in the major | ||
| 39 semester hours in the major, 27 of which must be at the upper-division level. Courses must be selected in the following manner: | ||
| 1. Two introductory courses selected from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Legal Studies | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| 2. Required social science research methods course: | 3 | |
| Designing Research in Political Science | ||
| 3. One writing course selected from the following: | 3 | |
| Legal Research and Writing | ||
| Writing Strategies for the Pre-law Student | ||
| 4. Emphasis electives. 18 semester credit hours of courses selected from the lists below with at least 12 hours taken in a single emphasis: | 18 | |
Law and Society Emphasis | ||
| International Law | ||
| Justice in International Relations | ||
| Minorities and the Law | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Issues in Law and Society | ||
| Legal and Philosophical Reasoning | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval | ||
| Political Philosophy: Modern | ||
| Political Philosophy: Contemporary | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| Justice among Nations | ||
| Politics, Law, and Literature | ||
Law and Governmental Affairs Emphasis | ||
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| The American Legal Process | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Regulatory Law and Enterprise | ||
| Trial and Appellate Advocacy | ||
| State Courts: Judicial Decision-Making Practice and Procedure | ||
| Moot Court/Mock Trial Competition I | ||
| Moot Court/Mock Trial Competition II | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Contracts | ||
| Issues in Law and Society | ||
| Torts through the Case Method | ||
| Federal Courts | ||
| Administrative Law and Politics | ||
| Justice and Social Policy | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Federalism | ||
| 5. 6 semester credit hours of additional politics and law-related electives selected, at least 3 of which must be upper-level, from the following list and chosen with consent of the advisor. POL 4933/4936 (Internship in Political Science) or PAL 4933/4936 (Internship in Politics and Law) may be used to satisfy up to 6 hours of this requirement, if internship focuses on a law-related experience: | 6 | |
| Political and Legal Anthropology | ||
| Business Law for Small Business Owners | ||
| Topics in Classical Literature | ||
| Ancient Mediterranean History | ||
| Substantive Criminal Law | ||
| Constitutional Criminal Procedure | ||
| Economic Principles and Issues | ||
| Evolution of Economic Thought | ||
| Shakespeare: The Early Plays | ||
| Shakespeare: The Later Plays | ||
| History of the English Language | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| International Law | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| Justice in International Relations | ||
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Financial Management | ||
| Managing Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Administrative Law and Policy | ||
| Minorities and the Law | ||
| Law School Studies | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Regulatory Law and Enterprise | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Contracts | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy | ||
| Issues in Law and Society | ||
| Legal and Philosophical Reasoning | ||
| Torts through the Case Method | ||
| Federal Courts | ||
| Administrative Law and Politics | ||
| Introductory Logic | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Politics and the Administrative Process | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval | ||
| Political Philosophy: Modern | ||
| Political Philosophy: Contemporary | ||
| Justice and Social Policy | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Political Economy | ||
| Justice among Nations | ||
| Politics, Law, and Literature | ||
| Internship in Political Science | ||
| 6.Capstone experience | 3 | |
| Students must select 1 from the following menu: | ||
| Internship in Politics and Law | ||
| Senior Seminar in Politics and Law | ||
| Study Abroad: Political Science | ||
| Research Practicum | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| B. Electives | ||
| 39 semester credit hours of electives. | 39 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 78 | |
Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Politics and Law
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Politics and Law degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.A. in Politics and Law – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Mathematics (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| POL 2623 | Law and Society | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PAL 2013 | Introduction to Legal Studies | 3 |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PAL 2623 or POL 2503 | Law and Society or Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| PAL concentration elective | 3 | |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POL 2693 | Designing Research in Political Science | 3 |
| PAL concentration elective | 3 | |
| PAL concentration elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PAL 3023 or WRC 3013 | Legal Research and Writing or Writing Strategies for the Pre-law Student | 3 |
| PAL concentration elective | 3 | |
| PAL concentration elective | 3 | |
| PAL elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Capstone | 3 | |
| PAL concentration elective | 3 | |
| PAL elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
- Minor in Geography and Environmental Sustainability
- Minor in Global Affairs
- Minor in Intelligence and Security Studies
- Minor in Political Science
- Minor in Politics and Law
Minor in Geography and Environmental Sustainability
All students pursuing the Minor in Geography must complete 18 semester credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Courses in core concepts and regions | ||
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change | 3 |
| B. Upper-division regional geography | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Geography of the United States and Canada | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of Mexico | ||
| Geography of Texas | ||
| Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia | ||
| Politics and Geographies of East Asia | ||
| C. Electives in geography | 9 | |
| Select 9 semester credit hours of upper-division electives in geography. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
To declare a Minor in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.
Minor in Global Affairs
All students pursuing a Minor in Global Affairs must complete 18 semester credit hours, at least 12 of which must be at the upper-division level (3000- or 4000-level courses).
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Two introductory courses on global affairs: | 6 | |
| US in Global Context | ||
and one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Global Politics (POL 2603 can substitute for GLA 2603) | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| B. Select one of the following Research Methods courses | 3 | |
| Research Methods in Global Affairs | ||
| Designing Research in Political Science | ||
| Scope and Methods | ||
| C. Additional courses | ||
| Select 9 hours of 3000- or 4000-level GLA courses. Of these 9 hours, at least 3 hours must be chosen in each of the three sections: Governance and Policy in Global Affairs, Regional Studies, and Foundations (in GLA major) | 9 | |
| A maximum of 6 semester credit hours selected from the following courses may be substituted for organized courses under section C with approval of the student’s academic advisor and Department Chair: | ||
| Study Abroad: Global Affairs | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Internship in Global Affairs | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Requests for substitutions require pre-approval of the student’s academic advisor, the supervising faculty member, and the Department Chair.
To declare a Minor in Global Affairs, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult with their academic advisor.
Minor in Intelligence and Security Studies
All students pursuing a Minor in Intelligence and Security Studies must complete 21 hours of credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Core courses | 6 | |
| Introduction to Intelligence Studies | ||
| National Security in the Global Context | ||
| B. Disciplinary core | ||
| Select two courses from the list below: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
| Violence in International Politics | ||
| Topics in Latin American Security | ||
| Chinese Foreign and Security Policy | ||
| National Security Law | ||
| Strategy, Politics, and Warfare | ||
| Security and Intelligence in the Asia Pacific | ||
| Cyber Politics | ||
| Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs | ||
| Analytical Methods for National Security and Intelligence Decision-Making | ||
or POL 4023 | Techniques in Global Analysis | |
| The Intelligence Community in World Affairs | ||
| Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism | ||
| C. Intelligence and Security Studies elective | ||
| Select one course from the list below: | 3 | |
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| International Communication | ||
| Advanced Topics in World Cultures | ||
| International Economics | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Geography of Globalization and Development | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
| The United Nations | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| Democracy and World Politics | ||
| Politics of China | ||
| Drugs, Crime, and Politics in Latin America | ||
| History of Modern Warfare | ||
| History of American Foreign Relations | ||
| East European Politics | ||
| Latin American Politics | ||
| Politics of Mexico | ||
| Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia | ||
| Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia | ||
| Governments and Politics of East Asia | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| Special Studies in Political Science | ||
| Global Health | ||
| D. Foreign Language | 6 | |
Students who can demonstrate competency in a foreign languages need not take additional foreign language courses but can take up to 8 hours of intermediate or advanced foreign language courses for credit toward the minor. Alternatively, they can take elective courses in intelligence and security studies to reach the 21 hours necessary to earn the minor. See department Undergraduate Advisor of Record for further questions. | ||
Students may count three hours of internship credit toward their Minor as elective credit as long as the internship takes place at an approved security or intelligence-related agency. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Minor in Political Science
All students pursuing the Minor in Political Science must complete 18 semester credit hours, 12 hours of which must be upper-division.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Lower-division courses | 6 | |
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Global Politics (Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 2603 and POL 2603.) | ||
or POL 2603 | Introduction to Global Politics | |
| Comparative Politics | ||
or POL 2633 | Comparative Politics | |
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Politics and the Administrative Process | ||
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Scope and Methods | ||
| B. Upper-division courses | 12 | |
| Select 12 upper-division semester credit hours. Students must take at least one upper-division class in three of the five subfields (see list of courses by subfield below): | ||
American Politics | ||
| Political Psychology | ||
| Women in Politics | ||
| Political Communication and Public Opinion | ||
| Participation and American National Elections | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Political Movements | ||
| Race and American Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Political Parties and Interest Groups | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power | ||
| Politics in Film | ||
| Experiments in Democratic Renewal | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy Making | ||
| Politics of Congressional Elections | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
Comparative Politics | ||
| Latin American Politics | ||
or POL 3393 | Latin American Politics | |
| European Governments | ||
or POL 3403 | European Governments | |
| Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia | ||
or POL 3433 | Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia | |
| Politics and Geographies of East Asia | ||
or POL 3443 | Governments and Politics of East Asia | |
| Politics of Mexico | ||
or POL 3453 | Politics of Mexico | |
| International Political Economy | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
or POL 3493 | Politics of the Middle East | |
| Democracy and World Politics | ||
or POL 3783 | Democracy and World Politics | |
| Analytical Methods for National Security and Intelligence Decision-Making | ||
or POL 4023 | Techniques in Global Analysis | |
| Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
or GLA 3463 | Politics of the Developing World | |
| The Welfare State in Comparative Perspective | ||
International Politics | ||
| International Law | ||
| Global Governance | ||
or POL 3033 | Global Governance | |
| International Human Rights | ||
or POL 3043 | International Human Rights | |
| East European Politics | ||
or POL 3383 | East European Politics | |
| Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
or POL 3483 | International Political Economy | |
| American Foreign Policy since World War II | ||
or POL 3503 | American Foreign Policy since World War II | |
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
or POL 3513 | International Organizations in World Politics | |
| Violence in International Politics | ||
or POL 3523 | Violence in International Politics | |
| The United Nations | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| Nationalism and Identity Politics in a Globalizing World | ||
| Current Issues in World Politics | ||
or POL 3563 | Current Issues in World Politics | |
| Globalization | ||
or POL 3763 | Globalization | |
| Analytical Methods for National Security and Intelligence Decision-Making | ||
or POL 4023 | Techniques in Global Analysis | |
| Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs | ||
Political Theory | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval | ||
| Political Philosophy: Modern | ||
| Political Philosophy: Contemporary | ||
| Justice and Social Policy | ||
| African American Political Thought | ||
| Justice among Nations | ||
Public Law and Administrative Process | ||
| Contracts | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| The American Legal Process | ||
| Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| Trial and Appellate Advocacy | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Federalism | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy Making | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Politics, Law, and Literature | ||
| Administrative Law and Politics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Internship hours cannot count toward the minor.
To declare a Minor in Political Science, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.
Minor in Politics and Law
All students pursuing a Minor in Politics and Law must complete 18 semester credit hours, at least 12 hours of which must be at the upper-division level.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. 15 semester credit hours of required courses | ||
| Required introductory coursework: | 3 | |
| Law and Society | ||
or PAL 2013 | Introduction to Legal Studies | |
| 2. One writing course selected from the following: | 3 | |
| Legal Research and Writing | ||
| Writing Strategies for the Pre-law Student | ||
| 3. Three upper-division concentration courses selected from the following: | 9 | |
| International Law | ||
| Justice in International Relations | ||
| Minorities and the Law | ||
| Law School Studies | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Regulatory Law and Enterprise | ||
| Trial and Appellate Advocacy | ||
| State Courts: Judicial Decision-Making Practice and Procedure | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Moot Court/Mock Trial Competition I | ||
| Moot Court/Mock Trial Competition II | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Contracts | ||
| Legal and Philosophical Reasoning | ||
| Legal Analysis and Argumentation | ||
| Torts through the Case Method | ||
| Federal Courts | ||
| Administrative Law and Politics | ||
or POL 4323 | Administrative Law and Politics | |
| Internship in Politics and Law | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| Federalism | ||
| Politics, Law, and Literature | ||
| B. 3 additional semester credit hours selected from the following: | 3 | |
| Political and Legal Anthropology | ||
| Business Law for Small Business Owners | ||
| Topics in Classical Literature | ||
| Ancient Mediterranean History | ||
| Substantive Criminal Law | ||
| Constitutional Criminal Procedure | ||
| Economic Principles and Issues | ||
| Evolution of Economic Thought | ||
| Shakespeare: The Early Plays | ||
| Shakespeare: The Later Plays | ||
| History of the English Language | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| International Law | ||
| Global Governance | ||
or POL 3033 | Global Governance | |
| International Human Rights | ||
or POL 3043 | International Human Rights | |
| Justice in International Relations | ||
| International Organizations in World Politics | ||
or POL 3513 | International Organizations in World Politics | |
| Political Economy | ||
or POL 3633 | Political Economy | |
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Financial Management | ||
| Managing Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Administrative Law and Policy | ||
| Introductory Logic | ||
| Ethics | ||
| The American Legal Process | ||
or POL 3013 | The American Legal Process | |
| Minorities and the Law | ||
| Law School Studies | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The Supreme Court | ||
| Regulatory Law and Enterprise | ||
| Politics of Federal Justice Policy | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Campaign and Election Law | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Contracts | ||
| Issues in Law and Society | ||
| Legal and Philosophical Reasoning | ||
| Legal Analysis and Argumentation | ||
| Torts through the Case Method | ||
| Federal Courts | ||
| Administrative Law and Politics | ||
or POL 4323 | Administrative Law and Politics | |
| Politics and the Administrative Process | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Political Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval | ||
| Political Philosophy: Modern | ||
| Political Philosophy: Contemporary | ||
| Justice and Social Policy | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Jurisprudence | ||
| Justice among Nations | ||
| Politics, Law, and Literature | ||
| Internship in Political Science | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Geography and Environmental Sustainability (GES) Courses
GES 1013. Fundamentals of Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Introduction to the study of physical and cultural features of the earth and their distributions, causes, and consequences to humans. Topics include landforms, climate, natural resources, population, human behavior in spatial context, economic growth, urbanization, and political systems. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly GRG 1013. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 1013 and GES 1013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 1023. World Regions and Global Change. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GEOG 1303)
Study of the world’s regions, focusing on salient physical, cultural, economic, and political characteristics, including physiography, climate, natural resources, population, economic structure and development, globalization, urban growth, cultural institutions, and political structure. Regions include North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Japan, China and East Asia, the Russian Federation, and Australasia. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture. (Formerly GRG 1023. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 1023 and GES 1023.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 2613. Intro to Physical Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GEOG 1301)
Study of the earth’s major landforms and climatic patterns, the processes giving rise to these patterns, and their relationship to human activity. Includes the geomorphology of volcanoes, glaciers, coral reefs, mountains, caves, dunes, and plate tectonics; weather and climate; and the relationship of these agents to physical and human landscapes. May apply towards the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. (Formerly GRG 2613. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 2613 and GES 2613.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 2623. Human Geography: People, Place, Culture. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = GEOG 1302)
An introduction to the study of human patterns and behaviors across the globe. Topics include population and migration; language, religion, gender, and ethnicity; political geography; development; economic geography; urban patterns; and resource issues. May apply towards the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly GRG 2623. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 2623 and GES 2623.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 2723. Meteorology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An introductory study of atmospheric science offering information on the atmosphere and the scientific tenets and accompanying physical processes that operate weather and climate. Includes interactions between the atmosphere and human activities and the social and behavioral changes that have occurred due to weather.
GES 3003. Global Sustainability. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces the student to the concepts, principles, and practices of sustainability in the context of physical and human geography. It focuses on key knowledge areas including environmental and ecosystem change; water, food, and energy resources; urban and economic development; social equity; and cultural preservation. The course will help the student respond to critical global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, food shortages, environmental degradation, and social inequalities. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3113. Geography of the United States and Canada. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Study of selected geographic aspects of the major regions of the United States and Canada, emphasizing current social and economic issues in these regions. From a contextualizing treatment of the continent’s physical geographies, the course proceeds to the social geographies of the major ethnic groups, showing how the historical management and appropriation of space has been integral to determining the character of the contemporary social hierarchy at the national level. The course proceeds through analyses of social and economic patterns of development, including the national and internal geographical patterns of North American cities. (Formerly GRG 3113. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3113 and GES 3113.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3123. Geography of Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Beginning with basic aspects of the physical environment, the course examines the social geographies of pre-colonial and colonial Latin America. The structural factors of Latin American economies and cultural institutions are then examined. Emphasis is on their spatial manifestations and their role in producing a Latin America often termed "underdeveloped." The emerging role of Latin America in the democratic world order of the post-1990s is also examined. (Formerly GRG 3123. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3123 and GES 3123.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GES 3133. Geography of Europe. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Survey of the European culture area, including Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Baltics. Discussion of historical, urban, political, ethnic, and economic forces shaping the 21st-century geography of Europe, including the European Union and the Russian Federation. (Formerly GRG 3133. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3133 and GES 3133.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GES 3143. Geography of Mexico. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Investigation of Mexico’s physical and social geography, including climatic and geomorphologic influences, the historical imprint of the Amerindians and the Spanish, population growth and migration, urbanization, political reform, social and cultural change, agriculture and industry, trade liberalization and the impact of NAFTA. (Formerly GRG 3143. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3143 and GES 3143.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GES 3153. Geography of Texas. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A topical and regional examination of the physical, historical, cultural, and economic patterns of the state. Includes demographic characteristics, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and selected urban areas. The role of historical and political forces in creating social inequities in contemporary Texas are examined in detail, including environmental degradation, rural health, higher education, and patterns of wealth and economic growth. May include a field trip to the nonmetropolitan hinterland of San Antonio. (Formerly GRG 3153. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3153 and GES 3153.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3213. Cultural Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A thematic exploration of the nature and distribution of human culture hearths, population, folk culture, popular culture, agriculture, industrialization, languages, and religion. Topics are defined and examined in the context of their manifestations and influences as regions, cultural diffusion, ecology, cultural interaction, and landscapes. (Formerly GRG 3213. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3213 and GES 3213.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3223. Revealing Geography through Film and Pop Culture. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course explores global geographic issues by means of contemporary cinema, elaborated upon in selected readings. By the use of film, the course immerses the student in the socio-cultural, geo-political, economic, and environmental dimensions of the contemporary world. It examines places and people that are often marginalized, such as certain ethnic and racial groups, women, and the economically disadvantaged. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3314. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. (3-3) 4 Credit Hours.
An introductory course on the application of the computer to the acquisition, manipulation, analysis, and display of geographic data; and an overview of projection systems, data acquisition issues, and presentation techniques. Three lecture and two laboratory hours per week. (Formerly GRG 3313 and GRG 3314. Credit cannot be earned for GRG 3314 or GRG 3313 and GES 3314.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: GIS1 $32; LRLF $10.27; STLF $24.64; DL01 $100.
GES 3323. Spatial Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Conceptualization, operationalization, and analysis of relationships in geography and the social sciences. Includes the scientific method, research design, sampling, interpretation of spatial patterns, statistics, and univariate and multivariate analysis. Involves use of computer software in the analysis and display of data. Students will have the opportunity to explore their own interests within the course. (Formerly GRG 3323. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3323 and GES 3323.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: GIS1 $32; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3334. Advanced Geographic Information Systems. (3-3) 4 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GES 3314.
Advanced topics in the use of computer-based analysis of geographic information including data acquisition, modeling complex datasets, and an introduction to scripting to customize an industry-standard software package. Three lecture and two laboratory hours per week. (Formerly GRG 3333 and GRG 3334. Credit cannot be earned for GRG 3333 or GRG 3334 and GES 3334.). Course Fee: GIS1 $32; LRLF $10.27; STLF $24.64; DL01 $100.
GES 3343. Analytical and Computer Cartography. (2-3) 3 Credit Hours.
The design, construction, production, and reproduction of maps using computer hardware and software. Topics may include cartographic theory, principles of visual communication, and the techniques of geographic visualization, including 3-D and 4-D modeling and animation. (Formerly GRG 3343. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3343 and GES 3343.) Course Fees: GIS1 $32; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3353. Critical Qualitative GIS. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will serve as an introduction to the concepts, techniques, and histories that enable mapping as a creative and artistic practice, with particular attention to critical and qualitative interventions into the GISciences. It covers the centrality of the map in everyday life and considers the changing role of the map-maker as society becomes increasingly saturated by digital information technologies. The course introduces more recent innovative applications of GIS and mapping in representing social groups through participatory and voluntary mapping practices. Course Fees: GIS1 $32; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3363. GIS Cartography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is focused on creating and designing high-quality digital maps. Introduces the basic concepts and techniques of digital map making and the broader field of geographic visualization. Topics may include map symbolization, scale, generalization and cognition, virtual environments, designing user interfaces for GIS, and map animations using Online GIS and Google Earth.
GES 3413. Geography of the Middle East and North Africa. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An analysis of the states spanning the Maghreb from Morocco to Libya; Egypt; and the Middle East from Turkey and the Arabian Peninsula to Pakistan. Examination of the region’s physical and social geography and its political and economic dynamics from early history to modern times. (Formerly GRG 3413. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3413 and GES 3413.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3423. Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
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 POL 3423. Formerly GRG 3423. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: GLA 3423, GRG 3423, POL 3423, or GES 3423.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GES 3433. Politics and Geographies of East Asia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An analysis of the states spanning from the Indian subcontinent through Indo-China to Japan and China. Examination of their physical and social geographies and the regional political dynamics prevalent in the modern era. Selected themes will include population dynamics, cultural hearths, immigration patterns, economic development, and regional integration. (Formerly GRG 3433. Same as POL 3443 and GLA 3443. Credit can only be earned for one of the following: GRG 3433, GLA 3443, POL 3443, or GES 3433.). Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3443. Medical Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The human ecology of health and disease. Topics may include analysis of the cultural/ environmental interactions that explain world patterns of disease; the diffusion and treatment of infectious disease; maps and GIS in medical geography; the ecology of non-communicable diseases; and health care promotion and delivery. (Formerly GRG 3443. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3443 and GES 3443.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GES 3453. Population Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Study of the spatial dimensions of population distribution, growth, and mobility. Includes the historical and modern reasons for global patterns of population, changes in birth and death rates over time, and levels of development as explained by the demographic transition and population policies. Special attention will be given to human migration theories, models, and case studies at the intra-urban, internal, and international levels. Global issues related to population growth and movement such as political conflict and governance, disease, and immigration policy will be covered. (Formerly GRG 3453. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3453 and GES 3453.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3513. Urban Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A geographic examination of the environmental settings and impacts, history, structure, growth, area of influence, economic base, social structure, and culture of cities. Topics may include the physiography and climate of cities, preindustrial and industrial cities in history, factors that influence the growth and decline of cities, urbanization, the rise of global cities, the imagined city, cities as urban service centers, urban cultural diversity, social area analysis, and urban cultural conflicts. Focus of the course may be local, national, or international. (Formerly GRG 3513. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3513 and GES 3513.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3533. Geography of Local Economic Activity. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Investigates the location of agricultural, industrial, retail and service activities, and transportation flows at the scale of town and community, through relevant theories and models. Includes case studies of agricultural land use around cities, the community economic base, global impacts on the local economy, and central place principles of threshold, range, primacy, and hierarchy. Students will apply these concepts and models to local communities. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3543. Behavioral Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Study of human spatial perception and behavior as a function of the social, built, and natural environments. Topics include the formation of beliefs and attitudes toward places and peoples; how humans lay claim to and defend proximal spaces and territories; perception of the physical environment; the diffusion of technologies, ideas, people, and diseases over space; and the causes and effects of contemporary human migrations. Students will directly observe human personal space defense in the field, and present their observations in written and/or verbal form. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3573. Urban Planning and Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An exploration and analysis of the planning and development processes of cities and urban regions. Themes and issues may include the history of urbanization; planning tools such as the master plan, zoning and subdivision regulations; property rights and the legal basis for planning and real estate development; economic development; planning and politics; historic preservation and urban design; growth management and sustainability; environmental issues; housing and social issues; and transportation and land use. (Same as POL 3413. Formerly GRG 3523 and GES 3523. Credit can only be earned for one course: GES 3573, POL 3413, GRG 3523, or GES 3523.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3613. Conservation of Resources. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
A survey of natural resources, environmental policies, global consumption patterns, and the competing values that affect them. Topics include agriculture, water resources, air pollution, waste disposal, land management, wildlife preservation, habitat conservation, biodiversity, energy production, urban sprawl, economic growth, and other selected components of built and natural systems. (Formerly GRG 3613. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3613 and GES 3613.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3623. Geography of Natural Hazards. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces students to the geophysical phenomena that are the root causes of natural disasters, as well as the social institutions and human geographies that exacerbate them. Hazards covered in this class may include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, floods, drought, wildfire, and global climate. (Formerly GRG 3623. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3623 and GES 3623.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3633. Geography of Globalization and Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Survey and analysis of economic growth and social change in different parts of the world, with an emphasis on less-developed countries. Topics may include defining development, modernization and neo-liberalism, structuralism and post-development, major theories of development and underdevelopment, poverty and inequality, sustainable and grassroots development, cultural globalization, and hyper-urbanization. (Formerly GRG 3633. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3633 and GES 3633.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3643. Political Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Investigates the role of the political state in society and the evolution of state organization from classical times to the present. Topics may include centrifugal and centripetal forces, geopolitics, territorial morphology, boundaries, core areas, emerging supranationalism, and the spatial and political problematics associated with the globalization of capitalist exchange. (Formerly GRG 3643. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3643 and GES 3643.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3653. Gender and Cities: An Introduction to Feminist Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The course studies the role of women in the spatial organization of society. Topics may include analysis of gendered spaces, the importance of gender relations in shaping physical, social, and built environments, and the spatial-economic consequences of gender-based policies. In addition to the role of gender, this course explores the roles of race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation in shaping the urban environment. (Formerly GRG 3653. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3653 and GES 3653.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3663. Urban Sustainability in Global Context. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course explores the challenges of achieving environmentally and socially sustainable communities, neighborhoods, and cities. It investigates how and in what contexts we can move towards urban ecological integrity, economic security, empowerment, social responsibility and social well-being as exemplified by sustainable communities globally. Students will be introduced to the concepts, theories, tools, and techniques of this vibrant, emerging field. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3673. Space and Identity Crisis in the Postmodern Era. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course examines the growing crisis of personal and collective identity as a consequence of the globalization of capitalist exchange. The human need for ‘belonging’ to different social communities at different spatial, social, and cultural levels is challenged by rapid changes in economic production, technology and the corresponding integration with formerly external areas. Common manifestations of these processes are expressed through supranationalism (EC, NAFTA, etc.), gentrification, ‘anti-immigrationism’, the renewal of recently tainted racial, ethnic, and gender conceptions, among others. This course reveals the systemic underpinnings to growing sectarian strife at the local and international level. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3683. Sustainable Land Use Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will provide students with the opportunity to understand and apply sustainability principles and practices to landscape management and land uses that are responsive to both natural and human needs. They will develop an ability to “read” the landscape and become aware of what has or is happening with the land we inhabit. Students will be introduced to the tools and techniques used by planners, managers, and citizens to achieve desired future land conditions. Issues will include landscape ecology, reconciliation ecology, storm water management, habitat conservation, designing with nature, and related topics. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3713. Weather and Climate. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Analysis of the elements and causes of daily weather, climatic classifications, and climate change. Study of world distributions and components of climate, air pressure, precipitation, air masses, optical phenomena, and wave cyclones. Regional attention to weather patterns, including tornadoes and hurricanes. (Formerly GRG 3713. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3713 and GES 3713.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3723. Physiography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course provides a study of landforms, the description and interpretation of relief features of the surface of the earth, and the processes and materials that form and change them over time. Students will be introduced to the impacts of human intervention in landscape-shaping processes. Emphasis will be placed on the landforms of a selected region, such as the Southwestern United States. (Formerly GRG 3723. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3723 and GES 3723.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3733. Urban and Regional Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Applied models of urban and regional growth, structure, interaction, influence, and inequality over space, with emphasis on the United States. The course introduces the student to theories and concepts of urban and regional development, stressing practical skills for analyzing social, political, economic, and demographic characteristics of the urban scene, with an emphasis on sustainable development. (Formerly GRG 3733. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3733 and GES 3733.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3743. Biogeography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and over time. Topics may include the prehistoric and historic diffusion of plant and animal species, the global distribution of flora, fauna and soils, the impacts of plants and animals on settlement and globalization, and the consequences of human activity for the biosphere. (Formerly GRG 3743. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3743 and GES 3743.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 3753. Climate Change. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Examines changes in climatic systems over both short and long time periods, their physical and human causes, and their impacts on physical and ecological systems. Discusses past, present, and future changes in climatic conditions and the methods used to evaluate changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic indicators. (Formerly GRG 3753. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 3753 and GES 3753.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 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.
GES 4853. Study Abroad. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Lecture course associated with a study abroad program. Involves international travel and field trips. May be repeated once for credit when the destination varies. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 4856. Study Abroad. (6-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Lecture course associated with a study abroad program. Involves international travel and field trips. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $36.96.
GES 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
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. (Formerly GRG 4911. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4911 and GES 4911.). Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $6.16.
GES 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
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. (Formerly GRG 4912.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $12.32.
GES 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
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. (Formerly GRG 4913. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4913 and GES 4913). Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 4933. Internship in Geography. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Consent of internship coordinator and faculty supervisor.
Supervised experience relevant to geography within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. (Formerly GRG 4933. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4933 and GES 4933.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 4936. Internship in Geography. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Consent of internship coordinator and faculty supervisor.
Supervised experience relevant to geography within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. (Formerly GRG 4936. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4936 and GES 4936.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $36.96.
GES 4953. Special Studies in Geography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
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. (Formerly GRG 4953. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4953 and GES 4953.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GES 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 under the guidance of a professor. The student would engage in a professor's research project or another broader research initiative. The student might be involved in data collection, report writing, preparing presentations or publications, or gaining applied research experience working with several students or professors in a collective research environment such as the GIS lab or in the field. (Formerly GRG 4983. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4983 and GES 4983.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GES 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. (Formerly GRG 4993. Credit cannot be earned for both GRG 4993 and GES 4993.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
Global Affairs (GLA) Courses
GLA 1013. US in Global Context. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course assists students in understanding the context in which the United States interacts with the rest of the world and the effects this has on the US in return. It traces the history and evolution of the United States’ involvement in global affairs and why and how what happens in the world matters for the US and vice versa. Issues may include security, globalization, peace and conflict, trade, human rights, health issues, the environment, terrorism, food, technology, international diplomacy, and other intermestic issues. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 2103. Introduction to Intelligence Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course examines the historical developments of intelligence as a component of defense and security policy, mainly in the post-World War II era. It considers the evolution of U.S. and selected other intelligence functions as parts of their respective security systems, and the basic principles associated with intelligence in various forms of regime governance ranging from democratic to authoritarian. Examines legal foundations of the American intelligence functions, including accountability and control measures. Provides an overview of policy making processes incorporating the role of intelligence in national security decisions mainly in democratic societies. Outlines the operational aspects of intelligence. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 2203. Introduction to Security Studies: Theory and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course introduces undergraduates to the principal theories used in security studies and to major security issues faced by the United States in the post-Cold War world. The course is divided into two parts: First, theories of international politics, grand strategy, deterrence, and coercion, to provide students with an analytical framework for understanding major security issues today and in the future. The second addresses prominent security studies policy issues, such as Russia, NATO, and contemporary European security, the rise of China, cyber warfare, nuclear proliferation and its consequences, roles and missions of the U.S. military, and terrorism. This course may not be repeated for credit. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 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 POL 2603. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 2603 and POL 2603). Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 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 POL 2633. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 2633 and POL 2633.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3003. International Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course is a survey of public international law. This course introduces the student to the constantly developing framework of international law and its cross section with global politics. Emphasis is on the foundations and substantive rules of international law and national politics. Topics may include the legal analysis of laws of war, war crimes, terrorism, human rights, economic exchange and natural resources, and international institutions. Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3033. Global Governance. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course introduces students to a range of methodological approaches relevant to studying global problems and international relations. Students will study relevant background debates in the philosophy of the social sciences, explore different methods and methodologies of GLA, consider examples of contemporary research designs associated with global problems and international relations, and learn how to craft their own research questions to address real world issues. The course will include a range of different quantitative and qualitative approaches and may include discussions on advanced topics, such as measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression, and problems of description and inference, comparative case studies, content analysis, and discourse analysis, etc. (Formerly International Governance.) (Same as POL 3033. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3033 and POL 3033.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3043. International Human Rights. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 3043. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3043 and POL 3043.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3103. Research Methods in Global Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course introduces students to a range of methodological approaches relevant to studies of global problems and international relations. Students will study relevant background debates in the philosophy of the social sciences, consider examples of contemporary research designs associated with global problems and international relations, and learn how to craft research questions that address real world challenges. Course may include a range of methodological approaches including quantitative methods (e.g., measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression, and problems of description and inference, etc.), qualitative methods (e.g., comparative case studies, content analysis, and discourse analysis, etc.). Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3213. Theories of International Relations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course provides an overview of theoretical debates and conceptual frameworks for the study of international relations. It examines a range of theoretical models important to explaining how the world works including but not limited to, classical and structural realism, liberalism, global society/complex interdependence/liberal institutionalism, Marxism/dependency, constructivism, and critical theories including feminism and post-modernism. The course also may introduce frameworks for the study of foreign policy decision making such as bureaucratic and organizational politics, and small group politics. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3233. Justice in International Relations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course introduces students to problems of justice/injustice in international relations. Consideration is given to the challenges of conceptualization of justice and the various social movements waged to secure justice, including the evolution of the struggle for justice waged through political-legal challenges associated with cases such as the Nuremburg Trials, International Criminal Court, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, and the contemporary debates on apology, acknowledgement, and remembrance in the quest for justice. It considers socioeconomic inequalities in societies and the vulnerabilities associated with particularities of identities defined in terms of race, religion, gender, and nationalism. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3343. National Security in the Global Context. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
Provides an overview of the US national security system, brief history of U.S. national security in the global context, overview of theoretical principles, economic and political dimensions of national security policy making, and U.S. engagements with other nations in both conflict non-conflict situations. Discusses constitutional and statutory authorities, selected comparative national security organizations and policies, roles of US national and international security organizations in policy development and implementation, intelligence and diplomatic inputs in developing national security strategies; congressional-executive politics and policy debates, collaborations between defense and diplomatic agencies in addressing international conflicts and resolutions, roles of non-governmental organizations, and selected case studies in U.S. national and international security decision-making. Course fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3363. Regionalism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course provides an in-depth examination of regionalism as a form of structural interdependence, doctrine, and policy action in world politics. It introduces theories of regionalism anchored in structural and complex interdependence, geopolitics, trade, regional integration, institutionalism, regulation, and comparative perspectives. Topics may include the conceptualization of regions, new regionalism, contemporary geopolitical thinking, case studies of preferential and regional trade agreements, open regionalism and multilateralism, inter-regionalism, globalism, and regional competition. Course fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3383. East European Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 3383. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3383 and POL 3383.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3393. Latin American Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
An examination of political institutions and their relationship to social and economic change in Latin America. Profiles of major Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Cuba. (Same as POL 3393. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3393 and POL 3393.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3403. European Governments. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 3403. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3403 and POL 3403.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3423. Geopolitics of Russia and Eurasia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
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. (Formerly GRG 3423. Same as GES 3423 and POL 3423. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: GLA 3423, GES 3423, GRG 3423, or POL 3423.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3433. Politics and Geographies of Southeast Asia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 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 POL 3433. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3433 and POL 3433.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3443. Politics and Geographies of East Asia. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 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.
GLA 3453. Politics of Mexico. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
Background to the contemporary political system of Mexico, including independence, foreign intervention, the Diaz regime, and the 1910–1917 revolution. Other topics may include the constitution, the structure of government, political parties, the presidency, economic development and policy, contemporary leadership, and elites. (Same as POL 3453. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3453 and POL 3453.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3463. Politics of the Developing World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
Explores political and economic situations in countries typically described as “developing.” Case examples, issues related to economic and political change, and globalization are examined. Emphasizes politics of developmental strategies. (Formerly Politics of the Third World.) (Same as POL 3463. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3463 and POL 3463.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 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. Course Fee: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3483. International Political Economy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 3483. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3483 and POL 3483.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3493. Politics of the Middle East. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 3493. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3493 and POL 3493.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 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 POL 3503. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3503 and POL 3503.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 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, human rights, and the global environment. Theories covered may include traditional IR and organizational theories. Organizations examined may include the United Nations system, regional organizations like the EU, specialized organizations such as the WHO, development banks, and security alliance systems such as NATO. (Same as POL 3513. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3513 and POL 3513.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3523. Violence in International Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course engages with experiences of violence in IR. 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 POL 3523. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 3523 and GLA 3523.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3533. The United Nations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
The course introduces students to the organization's history, structure, operations, and role in the international system. It examines the historical context of the UN's founding and its functions, processes of institutional reform and change, and the successes and failures of the organization, in order to understand the UN's role in contemporary world politics and the challenges and dilemmas it faces. Topics may further include the integration of new issues such as Human Security, as well as new actors, such as nongovernmental organizations and multinational enterprises. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 3543. Diplomacy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
The course explores the impact of modern diplomacy on global affairs through the conduct of foreign policy and external representation. It highlights the historical and theoretical settings of international negotiations, treaties, alliances, agreements, and the practical ways in which foreign policy is implemented. Topics may include classical diplomacy, international business diplomacy, public diplomacy, multilateral diplomacy, and case studies that examine the complexity and build skills for dealing with global issues. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3563. Current Issues in World Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
An examination of pressing and contentious global issues that need to be addressed. The structure of contemporary world problems will be studied, and possible strategies for the reduction of international conflict will be assessed. Topics may include climate change, nuclear proliferation, world hunger and the divide between the Global North and South, revolution and intervention, pandemics, transnational enterprises and how to govern them, competing ideologies and radicalization, terrorism, and other issues of the global ecology. (Same as POL 3563. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3563 and POL 3563.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 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 POL 3593. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3593 and POL 3593.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3613. Nationalism and Identity Politics in a Globalizing World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
The course traces the evolution of national politics in the context of globalization. It explores the concepts of culture, identity, nation, nationalism, citizenship, and cosmopolitanism in motion as a relationship between state and society, majorities and minorities, migrants and citizens, and localism and globalism. The course spans case studies and thematic analyses in a global perspective, Topics may include politics in divided societies, states and regions, ethnic conflict, secession, nationalism and war, radical-right populism, post-nationalism, diaspora, and multiculturalism, among others. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3623. Chinese Foreign and Security Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. China’s rise in world affairs has become one of the most significant and challenging foreign policy issues in today’s international system. This course examines the influences on and patterns of China's international relations, its relations with various countries and regions, the rise of China and its challenges and opportunities, and the various factors that affect Chinese foreign policy decision-making processes. Emphasis will be placed on the external and domestic determinants of Chinese foreign policy, the historical legacy and evolution of China's foreign policy, contemporary China's foreign policy on traditional national security concerns, its' evolving security strategy and rapidly growing military capacities, as well as economic, environmental, and humanitarian issues, China's military modernization, China's foreign policy in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, and China's rise and its implications for relations with the United States. (Same as POL 3623. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3623 and POL 3623).
GLA 3633. Political Economy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 3633. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3633 and POL 3633.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3733. National Security Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: POL 1013, or consent of instructor.
This course surveys the American national security law regime. It examines the Constitutional basis for national security measures, the roles played by the different branches of the government, and the unique powers of the President in this field. Topics include electronic surveillance; covert action; apprehension, detention, and interrogation of suspects; the USA Patriot Act; the effect of international law; the management of the national security apparatus both domestically and abroad; and the applicability of doctrines such as the State Secrets Privilege. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3763. Globalization. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course examines theoretical 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 increased interconnectivity on security, health, environment, and violence; and the role of institutions in global politics. Further topics may include theories and debates on the scale and impact of globalization, backlash and resistance, and future trajectories. (Same as POL 3763. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: GLA 3763, or POL 3763.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3783. Democracy and World Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course examines theories of democratization, democracy promotion, and cosmopolitan democracy 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 Eastern Europe and the post-Soviet space; democratic transitions in Latin America; patterns of change in Africa, the Middle East, and south Asia; and the democratizing influence of liberal democracies and international norms. (Same as POL 3783. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 3783 and POL 3783.) (Formerly titled "Comparative Democratization.") Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3833. Global Energy Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course explores the policy and political aspects of the global energy system, with an emphasis on international energy issues at the intersection of human development, social change, global welfare, and environmental sustainability. It builds on theoretical perspectives of public choice, externalities, regulation, and transnationalism. Both international political and policy implications are explored with a focus on the formulation of public responses and the political engagement of citizens. Topics may include the future of fossil fuels, energy security, pipeline diplomacy, renewable energy and green politics, carbon trading, and international energy governance. A variety of case studies, drawn from U.S., European, and local developments, explore the relationship between the energy system and the environment, climate change, resource scarcity, and the emerging hydrogen economy. Course fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3863. Non-State Actors. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
The class provides students with the opportunity to study the role of non-state actors in world politics. This includes non-governmental advocacy groups (NGOs) but may also include multinational enterprises, epistemic communities, and illicit actors. Special attention is given to the practice and theory of non-state actors in terms of what they bring to global governance in areas such as security, global economy, development, and human rights. Course fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 3943. Governments 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.
GLA 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 and reform processes as well as 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. Background in the study of China is not required for this course. (Same as POL 3963. Cannot be earned for both GLA 3963 and POL 3963.).
GLA 4033. Drugs, Crime, and Politics in Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 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 with a focus 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, and counterinsurgency policies, and their impacts on local communities. The course will also critically examine decades of a failed war on drugs in the region. (Same as POL 4033. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 4033 and POL 4033).
GLA 4043. Understanding Democracy and Violence in Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 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 oftentimes 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 the implementation of security sector reforms and transitional justice mechanisms can help avoid major outbreaks of violence. (Same as POL 4043. Credit cannot be earned for both POL 4043 and GLA 4043).
GLA 4053. Strategy, Politics, and Warfare. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. This class examines strategy, warfare, and politics. The class will focus on strategists such as Sun Tzu, Von Clausewitz, Lee, Bismarck, Mao, and Ho Chi Min. The class will also delve into military campaigns and the factors that led to victory and defeat. The course will examine a wide range of conflicts such as the Second Punic War, the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, the Wars of German Unification, the two World Wars, insurgencies, Cold War proxies, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and theorize on future conflicts entailing great powers including new battle spaces such as cyber and space warfare.
GLA 4063. Security and Intelligence in the Asia Pacific. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. US interests in the Pacific region are not new but have become preeminent since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rapid economic and military rise of the People’s Republic of China. US national security attention was seemingly singularly focused on the Middle East following the 9/11/2001 attacks. In the last several years, however, it has become clear that the Asia-Pacific is now the region of the world requiring primary US security focus. This is perhaps best manifested by the 2011 Obama administration announcement of a so-called “Pivot to the Pacific.” Issues today that affect the US include the rise of China, dealing with a nuclear-capable North Korea, a more active Russia, cultivating and developing relationships and alliances with regional partners, and ensuring the free flow of commodities, products, people, and information.
GLA 4073. Cyber Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013 or GLA 1013. Contemporary debates on the 'control' of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and their deployment for civilian and military uses invite participation from state and non-state actors. This course is designed to help students engage with interdisciplinary literature to understand the politics of the development and deployment of digital technologies in cyberspace. It helps them delve into the existing security archives to navigate relationships between technology and society. It traces the history of machine translations and explores problems associated with cyber nationalism and the growing threat of militarization of cyberspace. It encourages students to think about complex ethical and legal approaches to addressing the problems associated with the weaponization of modern-day dual-use technologies. It encourages engagement and reflection necessary beyond the application-based approaches to digital technologies.
GLA 4123. Analytical Methods for National Security and Intelligence Decision-Making. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 4023. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 4123 and POL 4023.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 4133. Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course offers students an opportunity to closely examine the causes, dynamics, and dilemmas associated with conflict on the modern global stage. Issues under discussion may include intra- and interstate conflicts; nationalism and conflict; economic, social, and political costs and implications of conflict; national and international approaches to conflict resolution, reconstruction, and development; human rights principles and questions of international law and justice; debates about humanitarian interventions; population displacements; the range of security concerns and responses by government actors and institutions; and the viability of nation states in protecting individuals, groups, and institutions of governance. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 4163. Model UN. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013. The course introduces students to the United Nations (UN) 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 modeling the UN. This will include hosting a Model UN as well as competing nationally as delegates. As such, the class will solidify substantial knowledge of the UN as well as provide logistical project management skills. (Same as POL 4163. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 4163 and POL 4163.).
GLA 4213. The Intelligence Community in World Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or 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 POL 4213. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 4213 and POL 4213. Formerly GLA 4013 and POL 4013.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 4243. Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 1013 or POL 1013.
This course examines the issues of contemporary terrorism and counter-terrorism. It provides an overview of domestic and international terrorism as well as an analysis of some of the underlying ideological and non-ideological factors promoting this form of violence. The course also evaluates State responses to acts of terrorist violence and explores the various strategies developed to preempt and prevent them. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 4853. Study Abroad: Global Affairs. (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.
GLA 4856. Study Abroad: Global Affairs. (6-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
A seminar course associated with a study abroad program exploring global perspectives on politics, geography, and governance. Involves international travel and field trips. May be repeated for credit depending on host country/destination. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $36.96.
GLA 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and 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.
GLA 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and 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.
GLA 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and 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.
GLA 4933. Internship in Global Affairs. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and consent of the internship coordinator and Department Chair.
Supervised experience relevant to global affairs within selected community and national organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 4936. Internship in Global Affairs. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and consent of the internship coordinator and Department Chair.
Supervised experience relevant to global affairs within selected community and national organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $36.96.
GLA 4953. Special Studies in Global Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: GLA 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: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 4973. Senior Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and POL 2693.
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, up to an additional 3 credits. Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors majoring in Global Affairs. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
GLA 4983. Research Practicum. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: GLA 1013 and 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 global affairs. Students participate in hands-on research experience on the issue in a collective research environment. Potential research may be related to the Social Research Lab or Study Abroad programs. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
GLA 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: 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.
Latin American Studies (LAS) Courses
LAS 2013. Latin American Foundations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is designed as an introduction to important debates about Latin American history, politics, society and culture. In this course, we will analyze general and specific questions regarding pre-Hispanic cultures, colonial legacies, cultural heritages, political developments and societal challenges facing the region. The structure of this course is primarily chronological but also thematic and inter-disciplinary, involving anthropological, historical, cultural, and political studies about Latin America. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
LAS 4933. Internship in Latin American Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator and Department Chair.
Supervised experience relevant to Latin American studies within selected community organizations. May be repeated for credit. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
LAS 4953. Topics in Latin American Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. 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: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
Political Science (POL) Courses
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.
Politics and Law (PAL) Courses
PAL 2013. Introduction to Legal Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An introduction to legal studies from an interdisciplinary perspective, exploring historical and contemporary aspects of the content, operations, and effects of law in societies. (Formerly LGS 2013. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 2013 and LGS 2013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 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 POL 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.
PAL 3003. Environmental Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
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.
PAL 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 POL 3013. Credit cannot be earned for PAL 3013 and POL 3013.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 3023. Legal Research and Writing. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Provides students with the opportunity to explore the modes and sources of legal research, both traditional and electronic. (Formerly LGS 3013. Credit cannot be earned for both LGS 3013 and PAL 3023.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 3113. Minorities and the Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course examines the litigation, case law, legislation, and legal literature associated with African Americans and Mexican Americans in the United States. (Formerly LGS 3113. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3113 and LGS 3113.) Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 3213. Law School Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Basic introduction to the primary subject areas covered in American law schools. Topics generally include Property, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Family Law, Constitutional Law, and Professional Ethics. Topic coverage may extend to corporations, oil and gas, tax, or other more specialized topics. The course will better prepare students for the anticipated coursework and subject matter for the transition to law school. (Formerly LGS 3213. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3213 and LGS 3213.) Generally offered: Summer. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 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 POL 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.
PAL 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 POL 3313. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3313 and POL 3313.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 3343. Constitutional Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An analysis of constitutional cases with close attention to alternative modes of interpretation and the role of precedent in judicial decision-making. Students will learn how to brief cases and will be expected to answer questions about assigned cases in class. (Formerly LGS 3323 and PAL 3323. Credit can only be earned for one course: PAL 3343, PAL 3323 or LGS 3323.) Generally offered: Summer. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 3413. Regulatory Law and Enterprise. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course examines federal, state, and local administrative and regulatory engagement with Texan, American, and international enterprise. Students have the opportunity to explore law and policies affecting economic development, property, oil and gas, international trade, the Internet, and the environment. (Formerly LGS 3413. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3413 and LGS 3413.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 3513. Trial and Appellate Advocacy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Cultivates the practice of deliberative rhetoric with particular emphasis on its use in legal argumentation. Primary activity will be preparation for and participation in moot court, a simulation that involves arguing constitutional cases before the Supreme Court. Entails intensive study of case law. Course may be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 3533. State Courts: Judicial Decision-Making Practice and Procedure. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course will examine American trial courts and specifically the role of the Judge in dispensing and insuring justice in both civil and criminal matters. A constitutional analysis of judicial authority will be studied, including the court’s powers and limitations. A review of the role of the various instrumental components in the administration of justice will be studied from legal counsel, prosecutors, and probation officers and the impact each has in the outcome of cases before the court. Additionally, constitutional protections will be surveyed to provide an in-depth understanding of due process and equal protection under the law and the procedure of litigants and defendants during the trial process. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 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. (Same as POL 3583. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3583 and POL 3583.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 3723. Moot Court/Mock Trial Competition I. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013. An introduction to experiential learning course designed to establish trial and appellate advocacy skills for intercollegiate mock trials and moot court competitions. This class will examine the essential skills necessary to present opening and closing statements, oral arguments, questioning of witnesses, assessing facts, and the study of case law, rules of procedure, and evidence.
PAL 3733. Moot Court/Mock Trial Competition II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013. An advanced experiential learning course designed to enhance trial and appellate advocacy skills for intercollegiate mock trials and moot court competitions. This class will further apply the essential skills necessary to present opening and closing statements, oral arguments, questioning of witnesses, assessing facts, and the study of case law, rules of procedure, and evidence.
PAL 3813. Politics of Federal Justice Policy. (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 POL 3813. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3813 and POL 3813.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 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 POL 3843. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3843 and POL 3843.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 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 POL 3853. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 3853 and POL 3853.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 3863. Contracts. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An introduction to contract law, including topics such as offer and acceptance, consideration, contracts enforceable without consideration, defenses to enforcement of contracts, terms of contracts and their interpretation, performance and breach of contracts, remedies for breach, third-party beneficiaries, and assignments. (Formerly LGS 3868. Credit cannot be earned for both LGS 3863 and PAL 3863.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4013. Issues in Law and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PAL 2013 or POL 1013.
Provides students with the opportunity to conduct research on selected issues associated with the law and society. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, with permission of the Director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs. (Formerly LGS 4013. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4013 and LGS 4013.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4123. Legal and Philosophical Reasoning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
An intensive analysis of selected philosophical texts focusing on law and justice. Students are challenged to develop critical reading and thinking skills by studying the texts of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Dworkin, Hart, and/or others who outline difficult arguments and unfamiliar ideas. Emphasis is placed on drawing reasoned conclusions, advocating positions, and expressing oneself in oral and written forms. (Formerly LGS 4123 and POL 4123. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4123 and POL 4123 or LGS 4123.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4133. Legal Analysis and Argumentation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop and master techniques of focused reading, analytical reasoning, logic, argumentation, and the drawing of reasoned conclusions, placed in the context and modes of questioning appropriate to law school admission and education. Skills learned are relevant not only to law school, but also to developing and accessing arguments throughout college, career, and life. (Formerly LGS 4133. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4133 and LGS 4133). Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4153. 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. (Formerly Law and Literature.) (Same as POL 4133. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4153 and POL 4133.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4213. Great Controversies in Politics and Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: POL 1013 and PAL 2623.
This course will examine a legal and political controversy of great importance, either current or historical. Topics vary and are chosen by the instructor. Examples may include Slavery, Abolition, and Reconstruction; Framing and Ratification of the Constitution; Religious Free Exercise; Civil Rights and Civil Disobedience; Presidential War Powers and Congress. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4223. Torts through the Case Method. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
This course provides students with the opportunity to analyze American tort law. Topics may include negligence, intentional torts, affirmative defenses, and legal damages, as well as vicarious products and strict liability. Students should be prepared to read, brief, and discuss case law. (Formerly LGS 4223. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4223 and LGS 4223.) Generally offered: Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4233. Federal Courts. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: POL 1013.
Legal principles and rules are taught in law school through “casebooks” that include court opinions and explanatory or supplemental case notes. Students are expected to learn about “the law” in a particular subject area through the study of cases. This course uses a law school textbook on Torts. The method of study is useful for students aiming to attend law school or for students interested legal system practices apart from attending law school. (Formerly Federal Courts.) (Formerly LGS 4233. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4233 and LGS 4233.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 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 POL 4323. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4323 and POL 4323.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 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.
PAL 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
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.
PAL 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
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.
PAL 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
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. (Formerly LGS 4913. Credit cannot be earned for both PAL 4913 and LGS 4913.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4933. Internship in Politics and Law. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: POL 1013 and consent of internship coordinator.
Supervised experience relevant to legal studies within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through the internship. A maximum of 3 semester credit hours may be applied to the minor. (Formerly LGS 4933. Credit cannot be earned for both LGS 4933 and PAL 4933.) Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4953. Special Studies in Politics and Law. (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: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.
PAL 4973. Senior Seminar in Politics and Law. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: POL 1013, POL 2693, and 15 semester credit hours in PAL or POL coursework, or consent of instructor.
Course involves guided, intensive study of a selected topic. Primary emphasis is on supervised research on various aspects of the topic. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Enrollment is limited to juniors and seniors majoring in Politics and Law or Political Science. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.
PAL 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. Enrollment limited to candidates during the last two semesters. To enroll, contact the Department Undergraduate Advisor of Record for additional information. May be repeated once with advisor’s approval. Course Fees: LRLF $10.27; STLF $18.48.