Political Science
Curriculum
Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information.
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32-001 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-002 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-003 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-004 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-114 AMERICAN POLITICSAn introduction to political analysis through a study of the origin and development of the American political system, federalism with special reference to the Constitution of the State of Texas, citizenship and civil rights, and political parties and interest groups. This course has an evening exam(...
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32-144 COMPARATIVE POLITICSAn introductory survey of major political systems, representing both Western and non-Western countries. No single political system will be studied in depth. This course provides the tools for such study in the future. (ScS)
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32-234 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORYThis introductory course examines political theory, while also practicing the critical methods of political theory. The Western canon of political theory is engaged, from Plato to Foucault, to analyze foundational political concepts such as justice, equality, sovereignty, obligation and freedom. The...
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32-284 INTERNATIONAL POLITICSAn introductory study of the theory and practice of international politics. The course examines both the origins and the consequences of the political organization of the modern world. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (International relations)
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32-301 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-302 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-303 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-304 SELECTED TOPICSMay be repeated with change in topic.
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32-314 RELIGION AND POLITICS IN AMERICAAn exploration of the tension between religious and political impulses and values in America. The approach is both theological and political, analyzing the changes and continuity in religious and political beliefs and structures. Topics include how religion encourages political action (disputes over...
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32-324 LAW AND POLITICSA discussion of the nature of law as a political process, investigating such topics as the functions of the police, the role and powers of the legal profession, and the contributions of judges, juries and prisons to the attainment of justice and order. This course has an evening exam(s). Prerequisit...
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32-334 PUBLIC POLICYAn introduction to the discipline of policy analysis. Explores who is responsible for making public policies, how choices are made, what kind of tools are at the disposal of policy makers and how their effectiveness can be enhanced. The course also explores theories about how bureaucracies operate a...
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32-344 TEXAS POLITICS INTERNSHIPSAn opportunity to compare political theory and practical politics in a work environment, under supervision of department faculty. In alternate spring semesters the internships will be at the State Capitol and in Williamson County. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-114. Open to students in good disc...
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32-354 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCYThis course explores the development of the presidential office, the institution of the presidency and the elements of presidential leadership through an examination of American political history. The course proceeds on three different planes: that of primary sources from particular presidencies, po...
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32-364 AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHTThis course analyzes the ideas and ideals of America, as they have been imagined, cultivated and practiced. The idea of “American exceptionalism,” the role that nature has played in shaping the self-understanding and politics of the nation, and the theory and practice of democracy in America are...
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32-374 POLITICAL IDEOLOGIESAn introduction to the systems of ideas, ideals and beliefs through which people view and act in the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the argumentative structure and the political and psychological functions of ideologies; on their historical origin(s) and development; and on their respective...
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32-414 EUROPEAN POLITICSThis course provides an in-depth analysis of the political cultures, structures, processes and policies of selected systems in Europe. In addition, the nature and function of the European Union is considered. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (Comparative politics)
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32-424 MIDDLE EAST POLITICSA survey of the comparative and international politics of the Middle East, focusing on major Arab states, Israel and Iran. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (Comparative politics) (IP)
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32-434 WOMEN AND POLITICSA study of women and politics from a comparative perspective. Explores the role ideology, institutions, culture and social movements play in creating opportunities and constraints for women in the political realm. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (Comparative politics)
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32-444 GENDER AND POLITICAL THEORYThis course analyzes the politics of gender as well as the gender of political theory. Drawing from feminist political theory, masculinity studies and queer theory, the subject of political theory in light of these different ways of thinking about gender and sexuality is reexamined. Also Feminist St...
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32-454 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICAL THEORYThis course critically explores the many discourses of contemporary environmentalism, from reformist approaches to radical green politics, as well as ecological theories. We look at the politics at work in these theories and analyze how different conceptions of “nature” and the “natural” pro...
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32-474 FILM, LITERATURE AND THE COLD WARThis course examines how selected Western writers and filmmakers portrayed the Cold War. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (International relations)
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32-484 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONAn examination of the ways by which states and non-state actors seek to handle increasing interdependence in the world. Particular attention is given to the United Nations, the European Union and multinational corporations. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (International relations)
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32-494 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMYA seminar that examines how changes in the international political economy have affected international politics and international relations theory. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144 and 32-284, or permission of instructor. (International relations)
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32-514 ISSUES IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAWAn intensive analysis of the constitutional values, policy issues and philosophical principles in judicial debates about the meaning of the American Constitution. Possible topics include the powers of the national government, judicial review, civil rights and liberties, and due process in the crimin...
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32-524 LEGISLATIVE POLITICSAn exploration of the roles played by interest groups, electoral campaigns, money and personalities in legislative decision making. Policy areas treated are civil rights legislation, the politics of budgets and taxes, and congressional involvement in foreign policy. Prerequisite: Political Science 3...
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32-564 MODERN POLITICAL THEORYThis course explores different perspectives on the value of science, rationality and the ideals of the Enlightenment. With a focus on unique texts by canonical thinkers that illuminate how modern ideas and values shape everyday life, the optimistic, Promethian dreams of key Enlightenment theorists, ...
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32-574 CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRATIC THEORYWhat does it mean to be democratic and what kinds of citizens define a democracy? Drawing from the works of contemporary political theorists, this course analyzes the contested boundaries of the concept of “democracy” and explores how individuals can best negotiate collective life together, give...
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32-584 US. FOREIGN POLICY. A survey of American foreign policy with particular focus on the Cold War and the post-Cold War period. Societal, ideological and governmental sources of American foreign policy are examined. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144; and Political Science 32-234 or permission of ins...
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32-614 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICSThis introduction to contemporary Latin American and Caribbean politics also allows students with previous knowledge about the region to further their interests. The course is built around some of the key issues which confront Latin America and the Caribbean. Substantial writing required. Also Socio...
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32-624 CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE POLITICSThis course explores the historical and cultural context of contemporary Japanese politics, the political institutions of “the 1955 system,” the policy-making process in post-war Japan, and the effects of the 1994 political reforms. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144; and Political Science 3...
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32-634 CONTENTIOUS POLITICSThis seminar is designed to explore both the concept as well as various manifestations of “contentious” politics, primarily focused on collective actions such as social movements, cycles of protest, rebellion and revolution. There is a substantial research and writing component. Prerequisite: Po...
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32-644 THE CHINESE CULTURAL REVOLUTIONThis seminar explores the causes of the Cultural Revolution, the role of Mao and Mao Zedong thought, the experiences of various groups in society during the Cultural Revolution, and the effects of the Cultural Revolution on contemporary China. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144; and Political Sc...
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32-664 INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND VIOLENCEAn exploration of issues concerning the characteristics, causes and justifications of occurrences of international peace and violence. The focus is primarily on post-Cold War era state terrorism (internal and external), low intensity conflict, internal conflict resistance, rebellion and revolution, ...
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32-684 CRITICAL SOCIAL THEORYThis course explores the critical social theory of the group of unorthodox 20th-century Marxists known as the “Frankfurt Circle.” Drawing on the works of Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin and Herbert Marcuse, their unique critique of the “damaged” and “one-dimensional” qual...
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32-714 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICSAn in-depth investigation into selected topics of contemporary interest in American politics. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-114. (American politics)
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32-734 TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORYAn in-depth investigation into selected topics in political theory. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-114 or 32-144. (Political theory)
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32-754 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICSAn in-depth investigation into selected topics in comparative politics. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (Comparative politics)
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32-764 ADVANCED RESEARCH SEMINAR IN LATIN AMERICAN POLITICSThis course examines and considers various sociopolitical aspects extant in Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on collective action and behavior. The course focus varies; previous topics have included resistance, rebellion and revolution, social movements, and the institutionalization and ...
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32-774 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICSAn in-depth investigation into selected topics in international relations. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-144. (International relations)
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32-901 TUTORIAL
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32-902 TUTORIAL
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32-903 TUTORIAL
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32-904 TUTORIAL
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32-951 INDEPENDENT STUDYMust be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content. Prerequisite: Open to students with at least eight credits in Political Science.
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32-952 INDEPENDENT STUDYMust be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content. Prerequisite: Open to students with at least eight credits in Political Science.
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32-953 INDEPENDENT STUDYMust be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content. Prerequisite: Open to students with at least eight credits in Political Science.
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32-954 INDEPENDENT STUDYMust be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content. Prerequisite: Open to students with at least eight credits in Political Science.
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32-964 SENIOR SEMINARThis course fulfills the capstone requirement for the major. Requires permission of instructor.
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32-984 HONORSBy invitation only.
