DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CORE COURSES
POL 562 Seminar in Political Theory. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. The course may be repeated for credit when the announced topics vary. Credit 3.
POL 577 The Scope and Methods of Political Science. This is a study of the discipline of modern political science and an inquiry into the literature, scope, and techniques of research with particular emphasis upon the mathematical and quantitative methods of empirical research. Credit 3.
AMERICAN POLITICS
POL 530 American Political Institutions. This course offers an overview of American national political institutions: Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary. The course covers classics in the literature of the sub-fields as well as current research questions and controversies. Students will engage in research and writing. Credit 3.
POL 531 American Political Behavior. This course is designed to provide an overview of the scholarship in the field of American Political Behavior. The course explores political ideology, attitudes and beliefs, public opinion, voting behavior, political parties, interest groups, and mass movements. Students will engage in research and writing. Credit 3.
POL 560 Seminar in America Politics. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. The course may be repeated for credit when the announced topics vary. Credit 3.
COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
POL 567 Seminar in International Relations. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. The course may be repeated for credit when the announced topics vary. Credit 3.
POL 571 Comparative Political Analysis. A comprehensive overview of the theories, concepts, and methods of comparative analysis. The techniques of comparing political systems are examined, as are the major concepts of comparative politics, such as political elites, institutions, public policy, development and modernization, elections and political behavior, mass movements, and revolution and political violence. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. Credit 3.
POL 572 Seminar in Comparative Politics. The seminar will focus on such topics as political development, sustainability, comparative institutions, comparative public policy, transitions to democracy, and opinions and behavior. The seminar may also focus on one or more regions or individual countries. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. The course may be repeated for credit when the announced topics differ. Credit 3.
POL 573 Theory and Method of International Relations. This study places emphasis on the attempts to construct a general theory of international relations and the evolution of international relations methodology. Attention is also given to such techniques as systems analysis, decision-making, conflict resolution, and field theory. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. Credit 3.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY
POL 538 Victims Politics and Policies. The course explores the political environment in which victims' rights policies are formulated. The course offers future victim service providers a framework for understanding how political institutions and policies affect victim services provision. The course will lead to knowledge of the appropriate literature and student engagement in research or professional practice. Credit 3.
POL 582 Seminar in Public Administration. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. The course may be repeated for credit when the announced topics vary. Credit 3.
POL 585 Public Policy. This course involves the consideration of the process of public policy formulation, governmental planning, and administrative decision-making. Attention is given to the public administrator as a policy-maker and as one responsible for policy implementation. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. Credit 3.
POL 730 Public Policy and the School District. Examines school districts as systems of governance in American communities and the problems associated with governance, with particular emphasis upon educational issues. Topics may include democratic theory, local political systems, intergovernmental relations, relationships with citizens, and political accountability. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research. Credit 3.
GENERAL COURSES
POL 578 Problems and Internships in Political Science. This course is designed for topics in which the subject cuts across two or more areas of concentration. The course may be taken on an individual basis with the permission of the Political Science Department Chair. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research and/or professional practice. May be repeated when topic varies. Credit 3.
POL 579 Workshop: Teaching Political Science. Developed specifically for public school teachers, the course will offer a variety of topics useful to classroom teaching. Topics will vary according to need and the instructor but may include Texas politics, constitutional issues, current elections, and using technology in the class classroom. The course covers the relevant literature and engages students in appropriate research and/or professional practice. The course may be repeated for credit when the announced topics differ. Credit 3.
POL 698, 699 Thesis. Students will make use of appropriate literature and research techniques in the development of the thesis. Credit 3.
* POL/PA 595 Internship and Work Experience in Public Services. This course is useful for students who desire substantive work experience in a governmental or non-governmental organization. This course will allow students to take a 6 hour, 12 month internship. The internship is required for the MPA degree and fulfils a requirement by its accrediting agency NASPAA, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. Enrollment is by permission of the Director of Graduate Studies. The course engages students in appropriate professional practice. Credit 1-3.