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The University of Texas at Dallas
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Course Descriptions

Criminology

CRIM 6300 Proseminar in Criminology (3 semester hours) Introduction to graduate study in criminology through exposure to issues surrounding concepts of crime, criminals and societal response.  Students learn to examine critically the theoretical, methodological and policy issues in criminology and criminal justice. (3-0) Y

CRIM 6303 Etiology of Crime and Criminality (3 semester hours) This course examines the history of criminological thought incorporating the major works of such theorists as Bentham, Beccaria, Marx, Durkheim, Lombroso, Shaw and McKay, Sutherland, Becker, and Merton. (3-0) Y

CRIM 6307 Extent of Crime and Measurement (3 semester hours) This course will address problems in criminology and examine the major data sources available on crimes, criminals who commit them and the limitations of such data.  Topics also include measurement issues and problems concerning research on the nature and extent of criminal behavior. (3-0) R

CRIM 6308 Victimology (3 semester hours) This course examines risks and consequences of crime for its victims.  Issues considered include victim-offender relationships, characteristics of victims, the nature of the injuries they experience, and criminal justice procedures that involve them. (3-0) R

CRIM 6309 Communities and Crime (3 semester hours) This course examines the trends and sources of crime and social disorder across communities.  The course emphasizes fear of crime, neighborhood changes and the resulting affect, responses, relationships, and public policies addressing those factors.  (3-0) R

CRIM 6310 Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (3 semester hours) This course will examine youth crime, child victimization, and juvenile justice.  Students learn the processes by which specific behaviors are identified as delinquent, the historical evolution of the juvenile justice, and current policies and practices. (3-0) R

CRIM 6311 Crime and Justice Policy (3 semester hours) This course will provide an introduction as well as in-depth study into crime and the efforts to control crime through public policy. (3-0) Y

CRIM 6313 Corrections (3 semester hours) This course will examine the history, forms, and functions of correctional philosophies, institutions, programs, and policies.  Topics include the structure and functions of prisons and jails, community corrections, intermediate sanctions, and the growth of correctional control in modern society. (3-0) R

CRIM 6314 Policing (3 semester hours) This course will provide historical, social and political analysis of the roles and functions of policing in America. (3-0) R

CRIM 6315 Violent Crime (3 semester hours) This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the sources and patterns of violent offending across time and space. Topics include conceptions and typologies of violent crimes, offenders, victim offender relations, and efforts to predict and control violent offending. (3-0) R

CRIM 6317 Courts (3 semester hours) This course will address the objectives, institutions and processes involved in the adjudication of offenders.  Topics include the structure and function of the judicial system and principal court actors. (3-0) R

CRIM 6323 Violence and Gun Control (3 semester hours) The primary purpose of this course is the examination of facts surrounding one of the most heated issues of our times: the relationship between guns, violence and gun control. The course provides a comprehensive criminological view of the topic rather than a political or legal one. Students will learn about evaluating evidence, the "stricter gun law" debate, flaws in arguments on both sides of issue, as well as tricks used by advocates to persuade people to agree with their point of view. (3-0) R

CRIM 6324 Correlates of Crime and Justice (3 semester hours) This course is intended to examine the nature, relationships, attributes and indices at the situational and aggregate levels to various forms of crime and systems of justice. (3-0) R

CRIM 6348 Drugs and Crime (3 semester hours) This course provides students with a survey of the historical context of the legislative initiatives that have been attempted to combat the use of drugs, the relationship between drug use/abuse and crime, and the crime and public policy problems surrounding the control of drugs. (3-0) R

CRIM 6390 (PA 6390) Administrative and Leadership in Justice Agencies (3 semester hours) This course focuses on the administrative structures, processes, and behavior in managing criminal justice agencies.  The focus is on human and financial resources, organizational theory, decision-making, productivity, measurement and enhancement, organizational design, and ethics and culture in police, courts, and correctional agencies. (3-0) Y

CRIM 6395 (PA 6365) Contemporary Issues in Justice Administration (3 semester hours) This course explores and surveys classical and recent literature in criminal justice focused on various critical issues confronting the criminal justice system. The course studies the trends, contemporary topics, and reform movements currently prominent in the fields of policing, courts and corrections. Prerequisite: Permission of department (3-0) Y

CRIM 6V90 Thesis Writing Research (1-6 semester hours) Students conduct a master's level research project under the supervision of faculty. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required. ([1-6]-0) R

CRIM 6V96 Master Thesis Research (1-6 semester hours) Students conduct masters level research project under the supervision of faculty. May be repeated for credit (6 hours maximum). [(1-6)-0] R

CRIM 6V98 Analytical Writing Research (1-9 semester hours) Students perform independent research under the supervision of faculty. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) R

CRIM 7300 Advances in Criminology Theory (3 semester hours) This course examines contemporary criminological theories and the degree to which research has provided empirical support for explanations of crime and criminality. (3-0) Y

CRIM 7301 Seminar in Criminology Research and Analysis (3 semester hours) This course examines a variety of quantitative methods and procedures used in criminology research. Students will plan and execute an independent research project.  Need working topic for dissertation and dataset is preferred. Prerequisites: EPPS 6310, EPPS 6313 and EPPS 6316 or equivalent. Permission of instructor required. (3-0) Y

CRIM 7310 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Criminology (3 semester hours) This course is designed to be an extension to CRIM 7301. Quantitative research techniques not covered in 7301 will be addressed in depth as they apply to longitudinal and multilevel criminological research. Topics may include, but are not limited to, structural equation modeling (SEM), multilevel growth curve modeling, growth mixture models, panel regression, propensity score matching, and latent class analysis. Topics may vary by semester and may be tailored to fit students' research needs. Enrollment requirements: All students must have successfully completed CRIM 7301 with a B or better. Students should have a firm understanding of varying regression techniques, etc., prior to enrolling. Prerequisites: CRIM 7301. Permission of instructor required. (3-0) Y

CRIM 7342 Qualitative Criminology (3 semester hours) This course will examine ethnography and other qualitative approaches to studying crime, criminals, and criminal justice, particularly participant observation and informant and respondent interviewing.  Topics include phenomenology, case study, in-depth interviewing, ethnomethodology, conversation analysis, historical methods, gaining access, sampling, data collection and analysis, and legal and ethical concerns. (3-0) R

CRIM 7351 Advanced Criminological Theory Seminar (3 semester hours) Topics will vary from semester to semester on various criminological theories. Prerequisites: Students must complete CRIM 6303 and CRIM 7300 prior to enrolling. Consult with an advisor to determine the appropriateness for one's degree plan and specialty areas of study. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 elective hours maximum). (3-0) R

CRIM 7381 Special Topics in Criminology (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: Consult with an advisor to determine the appropriateness for one's degree plan and specialty areas of study. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 elective hours maximum).  (3-0) R

CRIM 8V01 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for student's individual study of a topic agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor. Student performance is assessed by instructor as pass/fail only. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for elective credit (9 hours maximum for MS students and 12 hours maximum for PhD students). Can be applied for credit additionally at the discretion of the program on a case-by-case basis. ([1-9]-0) R

CRIM 8V99 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's dissertation research.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required. May be repeated as necessary for credit. [(1-9)-0] Y

Economics

ECON 5321 Microeconomic Theory for Applications (3 semester hours) For Master of Science students only.  Modern approaches to the theory of the firm, the theory of the consumer, and formal relationships among the various economic functions developed using dual approaches to the optimization of objectives such as profit maximization, utility maximization, and cost minimization.  Introduction to game theory; and market analysis through classical/neoclassical and game theoretic approaches.  MSAE students who intend to enter the PhD program in ECON should take ECON 6301. (3-0) Y

ECON 5322 Macroeconomic Theory for Applications (3 semester hours) For Master of Science students only.  Development of modern macroeconomic theory, including national income accounts and their relation to input-output tables; classical, Keynesian, and monetarist aggregate models; behavior hypotheses of consumption, investment, and government; properties and the role of money and interest; foreign trade and investment; price rigidity, price flexibility, and employment; wage-price interaction and inflation; unemployment; and ad hoc stabilization models.  MSAE students who intend to enter the PhD program in ECON should take ECON 6302. (3-0) Y

ECON 6109 Econometrics I Lab (1 semester hour) This course uses STATA both as a data analysis tool and a programming language in econometric analysis.  The course parallels ECON 6309, Econometrics I, in the topics covered in econometric data analysis. May be repeated for credit.  Corequisite or prerequisite: ECON 6309. (0-1) R

ECON 6301 Microeconomics Theory I (3 semester hours) Modern approaches to the theory of the firm, the theory of the consumer, and formal relationships among the various economic functions developed using dual approaches to the optimization of objectives such as profit maximization, utility maximization, and cost minimization.  Introduction to game theory; and market analysis through classical/neoclassical and game theoretic approaches.  (3-0) Y

ECON 6302 Macroeconomics Theory I (3 semester hours) This course is the first in a sequence of core graduate macroeconomic theory courses.  The main aim is to introduce students to the methods of deterministic dynamic analyses in economics.  The second aim is to employ those methods in understanding aggregate empirical regularities as they pertain to economic growth with standard modern macroeconomic theory. Therefore, primary course aims include a thorough discussion of non-stochastic dynamics and optimization. Next, using these methods, exogenous and endogenous growth applications that illustrate the applied general equilibrium analyses that comprise modern macroeconomic growth theory are discussed. The course concludes with an introduction to non-stochastic overlapping generations models and discusses the role of dynamic efficiency in macroeconomic theory. (3-0) Y

ECON 6305 Mathematical Economics (3 semester hours) Mathematical tools used in advanced topics model building and in the social and economic analysis of public policy. (3-0) Y

ECON 6306 Applied Econometrics (3 semester hours) This course investigates the consequences of relaxing the classical linear regression model assumptions and explores solutions when the assumptions do not hold. Topics include a review of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) basics (including the assumptions, hypothesis testing, multicolinearity, dummy variables and heteroskedasticity), model specification and selection, GLS, maximum likelihood estimation, binary choice models, simultaneous equation models, instrumental variables, and fixed and random effects models. (3-0) Y

ECON 6309 Econometrics I (3 semester hours) An introduction to econometrics, with a development of background concepts in linear algebra and statistics. The course focuses on estimation, hypothesis testing, and prediction in the classical linear regression model.  Corresponding large sample issues are considered.  General testing principles, such as likelihood ratio, Wald, Lagrange multiplier, and Hausman-type tests are also discussed.  Other topics include model specification and nonlinear estimation issues.  Recommended: ECON/GISC 6311. (3-0) Y

ECON 6311 (GISC 6311) Statistics for Economists (3 semester hours) The course introduces calculus-based statistical analysis and probability theory, providing background for econometrics and economic modeling of simple stochastic processes.  Standard probability distributions are covered, including Bernoulli, binomial, negative binomial, hypergeometric, Poisson, normal, gamma, beta, t and F distributions.  Estimation and hypothesis testing are discussed.  Introductory asymptomatic theory, including the Law(s) of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem, will be covered as well as real-world applications of probability theory as time permits.  (2-3) Y

ECON 6316 Spatial Econometrics (3 semester hours) The application of econometric techniques to the explicit treatment of space (geography) in social science models.  Covers the specification of spatial regression models, estimation and specification testing.  The emphasis is on the application of spatial econometric methods to an empirical data analysis project. Prerequisite: ECON 6306 or ECON 6309. (3-0) R

ECON 6320 Game Theory for the Social Sciences (3 semester hours) Non-technical survey of game theory and its applications in the social sciences. Introduction to concepts such as dominant strategies, Nash equilibrium, evolutionary stability, repeated games, and games with incomplete information. Applications include collective action, conflict, bargaining, the evolution of altruism and cooperation, and signaling. (3-0) R

ECON 6321 Financial Economics I (3 semester hours) A course in quantitative methods for investment analysis, supplemented with detailed descriptions of the prominent players and the rules of the game which prevail in major U.S. financial markets.  Security valuation, fixed income pricing formulas, and basic portfolio management are covered.  The key concepts and outstanding debates surrounding the efficient market hypothesis are introduced. (3-0) R

ECON 6322 Financial Economics II (3 semester hours) Continuation of Financial Economics I.  It covers core concepts in portfolio theory within the mean-variance framework, focusing on the problem of choosing a point on the efficient set.  Additional topics to be covered include the CAPM model, arbitrage pricing theory, bond analysis, and the basics of the term structure. (3-0) R

ECON 6331 Labor Economics I (3 semester hours) Labor economics is the branch of economics that deals with how labor markets function.  Topics covered will include labor supply, retirement, wage structure, inequality in earnings, discrimination, and labor market frictions.  This course is one of two courses in nonsequential course offerings in graduate labor economics. (3-0) R

ECON 6332 Labor Economics II (3 semester hours) This course continues the study of theoretical and applied research of labor markets from Labor Economics I.  Topics studied include demand for labor, wage setting institutions, wage structure, investment in human capital, and labor mobility.  Labor Economics I is not a prerequisite for Labor Economics II.  (3-0) R

ECON 6335 Health Economics (3 semester hours) Economic analysis of the health care industry to explain the demand for and supply of medical care.  Includes analysis of behavior of consumers, producers, and insurers; and public policies to regulate the industry and to provide services for the various segments of the population. (3-0) R

ECON 6336 Economics of Education (3 semester hours) This seminar examines theoretical and empirical writings relating to educational policy. The issues considered will include the link between educational achievement and earnings, the role of early childhood, assessments of head start and pre-school programs, the effectiveness of compensatory education and tutoring programs, the large and persistent achievement gap between children from minority and low-income families and those from middle-income Asian and white families, a critical examination of educational production functions, the extent and consequences of school segregation, bilingual education programs, special education programs, international comparisons of student achievement and schools, school finance and an examination of various school reform proposals. (3-0) R

ECON 6340 Industrial Organization (3 semester hours) Market structure, firm conduct, and economic performance of business with emphasis on firms' strategic behavior in price and nonprice competition.  Topics include oligopoly pricing and production decisions, strategic entry deterrence, location strategies, product differentiation, advertising, research and development, and the effects of firms' conduct on economic welfare and market structure. (3-0) T

ECON 6343 Economic Regulation of Business (3 semester hours) Studies the rationale for, and the history and political-economic results of, government intervention in markets in the form of (1) direct regulation of prices, quantity, entry and exit, and product quality in industries (utility, communication, and transportation), and (2) indirect intervention through antitrust laws and the regulation of advertising.  Government deregulation and changes in antitrust institutions also are explored.  Prerequisite: ECON 5321 or ECON 6301 or PA 7317 or POEC 7317. (3-0) T

ECON 6344 Transfer Pricing (3 semester hours) The economics of transfer pricing of goods, services, and intellectual property traded among units (divisions or affiliated firms) of a common parent company.  Multidivisional firms and multinational enterprises use transfer pricing for coordination of divisional objectives, allocating internal resources, and maximizing after-tax profits, among other goals.  Governments base firms' tax liability on transfer prices; so their taxing authorities operate to ensure transfer prices adequately reflect the value of goods and services, challenging firms' established transfer pricing if it is deemed necessary.  Legal issues and methods used by private firms and government agencies for establishing transfer prices are explored.  (3-0) T

ECON 6351 Development Economics (3 semester hours) An overview of theories of national economic growth and development in the context of developing countries.  This includes macroeconomic models; the role of financial development, trade, and agriculture; domestic sectoral policy; human resource development; the environment; and poverty. (3-0) R

ECON 6352 (POEC 6360) World Political Economy (3 semester hours) An overview of the major economic, social, political and cultural forces that influence the nature of the international economic and political environment, as well as global economic and political relations.  Topics include: theories of global political economy; economic and political transformation in Eastern Europe, China and the former Soviet Union; democratization and development in the less developed countries; military and non-military approaches to national and international security; environmentally sustainable economic development; and the international implications of technological failure.  (3-0) T

ECON 6355 International Trade (3 semester hours) Provides a broad overview of theory and evidence concerning international trade, direct foreign investment and trade policy.  Topics include scale economies, imperfect competition, and product differentiation, trade dynamics, economic growth, trade policies, and the political process. (3-0) R

ECON 6356 International Finance (3 semester hours) Financial aspects of growth and income determination in open economies.  Specific topics include financial risk in the international setting; money and exchange rate regimes; income determination and macroeconomic policy; history of international monetary arrangements, and current issues in international monetary reform. (3-0) R

ECON 6361 Public Sector Economics (3 semester hours) Examines the economic role of government in a mixed economy.  Surveys why markets may fail and explores governmental strategies of intervention in light of these failures. Expenditure and tax policies are studied with attention to effects on both efficiency and distribution.  (3-0) T

ECON 6362 (POEC 6353)  Industry, Technology, and Science Policy (3 semester hours) Focuses on the impact of social, economic, and political factors on industry as critical units of production, and how these interact with technology and science.  Topics include availability of skilled labor, research and development in industry, business-university relationships, innovation, and international competitiveness of the U.S. economy. (3-0) Y

ECON 6363 Public Economics I (3 semester hours) A study of externalities, public goods, club goods, and related topics. Pass/Fail grade only. Prerequisite: ECON 5321 or ECON 6301. (3-0) R

ECON 6371 (SOC 6341) Urban Economics (3 semester hours) Presents methods and models for understanding urban growth and development processes.  Topics include analysis of urban growth, land use patterns, transportation and local public good delivery systems.  Welfare consequences of various urban policy options are explored.  (3-0) R

ECON 6372 (PA 6342) Local Economic Development (3 semester hours) This class will examine the role of local governments in promoting economic development in the United States, and will analyze the economic development process.  Attention will be given to economic theories of local development and practical implications of those theories.  Topics include local economic development and poverty, tax incentives, infrastructure credits, firm location decisions and effects of government competition for economic activity. (3-0) S

ECON 6380 Experimental Economics I (3 semester hours) Introduction to the methodology of laboratory experimental economics, including principles of experimental design, development of effective protocols, research with human subjects, and statistical analysis of experimental data, designing experiments to test theory, experimental measurement of preferences and attitudes, and market and institutional "wind-tunnel" design.  Prerequisites: ECON 6301 and ECON 6309, or instructor's permission. (3-0) T

ECON 6V00 Tools for Economic Research (2-3 semester hours) First two credit hours examines single and multivariate calculus at a level appropriate for entering PhD and MS students in economics, functional areas of business, and social sciences. Includes optimization theory and matrix algebra. Those enrolled in the optional 3rd credit hour will receive basic instruction in a statistical package (e.g., STATA). Pass/fail only. ([2-3]-0) Y

ECON 6V01 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for student's individual study of a topic agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor.  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). ([1-9]-0) R

ECON 7301 Microeconomics Theory II (3 semester hours) General equilibrium theory of markets and welfare economics; discusses the problems of existence, stability, efficiency, and equity of economic equilibrium; and introduces social choice and the special problems created by public goods, externalities, and uncertainty.  Recommended: ECON 6301. (3-0) Y

ECON 7302 Macroeconomics Theory II (3 semester hours) This course is the second in a sequence of core graduate (doctoral level) macroeconomic theory courses.  The main aim is to introduce students to the methods of stochastic dynamic analyses in economics.  The second aim is to employ those methods in understanding aggregate empirical regularities, for instance as they pertain to business cycles, with standard modern macroeconomic theory.  Therefore, primary course aims include a thorough discussion of stochastic dynamics and optimization.  Next, using these methods, applications that illustrate the applied general equilibrium analyses that comprise: modern macroeconomic business cycle theory, consumption, asset pricing and topics in 'behavioral' macroeconomics are discussed.  Recommended: ECON 6302. (3-0) Y

ECON 7303 Microeconomics Theory III (3 semester hours) Primarily a course on the role of strategic interdependence in economics using game theory.  Topics include noncooperative games, simultaneous-move games and dynamic games with applications from a wide variety of fields in economics.  (3-0) T

ECON 7309 Econometrics II (3 semester hours) This is the second core course in the econometrics sequence of the economics Ph.D. program.  The course extends the topics covered in the first course and covers topics such as serial correlation, unit roots, cointegration, and dynamic models; panel data; simultaneous equation models, maximum likelihood and GMM estimations methods. (3-0) Y

ECON 7311 Special Topics in Econometric and Spatial Analysis (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum).  However, students may not take more than 3 hours of the field requirement from ECON 7311. (3-0) R

ECON 7315 Econometrics III (3 semester hours) This is the third core course in the econometrics sequence of the economics Ph.D. program.  The course extends the topics covered in the first two courses and covers topics such as Bayesian, semiparametric and nonparametric estimation approaches; discrete choice models, limited dependent variable models and duration models; and bootstrap and jackknife methods. Prerequisite: ECON 6310. (3-0) Y

ECON 7316 Game Theory (3 semester hours) Advanced treatment of topics in noncooperative game theory.  May also include a brief survey of cooperative game theory.  Major topics covered include correlated equilibrium, equilibrium refinements, evolutionary stability and dynamics, multi-level selection, revelation principle, strategic substitutes and complements, uniqueness and comparative statics.  Prerequisites: GISC 7310 or EPPS 7316 or ECON 6306 or permission of instructor. (3-0) R

ECON 7321 Special Topics in Labor Economics (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). However, students may not take more than 3 hours of the field requirement from ECON 7321. (3-0) R

ECON 7331 Special Topics in Industrial Organization (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). However, students may not take more than 3 hours of the field requirement from ECON 7331. (3-0) R

ECON 7341 Special Topics in International Development (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum).  However, students may not take more than 3 hours of the field requirement from ECON 7341. (3-0) R

ECON 7351 Special Topics in Public Economics (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). However, students may not take more than 3 hours of the field requirement from ECON 7351. (3-0) R

ECON 7363 Public Economics II (3 semester hours) A study of positive and normative theories of taxation, the effect of taxation on behavior, behavioral public finance and related topics. Pass/Fail grade only. Prerequisite: ECON 6361 or ECON 6363. (3-0) R

ECON 7381 Special Topics in Experimental and Behavioral Economics (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum).  However, students may not take more than 3 hours of the field requirement from ECON 7381. (3-0) R

ECON 7391 Special Topics in Economics (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum).  (3-0) R

ECON 7V01 Literature Survey/Paper Seminar (3 or 6 semester hours) Students registering for this seminar work towards the completion of their literature survey requirement.  Course includes oral presentations and progress reports. ([3-6]-0) R

ECON 7V02 Research in Economics (3-6 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. ([3-6]-0) R

ECON 7V03 Research Paper Seminar (3-6 semester hours) Students registering for this seminar work towards the completion of their research paper requirement.  Oral presentations and progress reports. ([3-6]-0) T

ECON 8V01 Dissertation Seminar (3-9 semester hours) A seminar for students preparing proposals or writing dissertations.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of qualifying examination or consent of instructor.  May be repeated for credit.  ([3-9]-0) R

ECON 8V02 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's dissertation research.  May be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. ([1-9]-0) Y

ECON 8V97 Internship (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's internship.  Internships must be related to the student's course work.  Internships are mainly intended for terminal MSAE students. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. ([1-9]-0) R

EPPS

EPPS 6310 Research Design I (3 semester hours) This course is the first in a two-course sequence devoted to the research enterprise and the study of data development strategies and techniques to facilitate effective statistical analysis.  Topics generally covered include: (1) issues and techniques in social science research with emphasis on philosophy of science, theory testing, and hypothesis formulation; (2) measurement and data collection strategies, reliability and validity of measures and results, sampling, surveys; and (3) examination of qualitative versus quantitative research techniques, working with observational data, field research issues, and triangulation. (3-0) Y

EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods (3 semester hours) This introductory graduate-level statistics course is geared to the consumption of statistical methods commonly used in social science research. Topics include creating and interpreting graphical and tabular summaries of data, descriptive statistics, basic probability theory, sampling distributions, basic hypothesis testing (t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance), estimation of population parameters, confidence intervals and correlation. An introduction to regression analysis will also be provided. Topics are supported by computer-supported data analyses. (3-0) Y

EPPS 6316 Applied Regression (3 semester hours) This course provides a survey of the bivariate and multiple regression models estimated using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), with an emphasis on using regression models to test social and economic hypotheses. This application-focused course presents examples drawn from economics, political science, public policy and sociology, introduces the basic concepts and interpretation of regression models, and basic methods of inference. Topics are supported by computer-supported data analyses. Prerequisite: EPPS 6313 or EPPS 7313. (3-0) Y

EPPS 6320 Short Courses in Contemporary Social Science Research Methods (3 semester hours) This course is comprised of three short courses that each last two full days over the course of a calendar year.  The classes are each intensive surveys of modern statistical methods that are used in the social sciences.  Typically, these classes are taught all day on Thursday/Friday (sometimes Friday/Saturday).  In order to get credit, the student must attend all three classes (six full days) over the course of the year.  The class will be offered in the spring semester so the student must have attended the class or classes that were offered in the fall semester immediately prior to the semester in which the student is taking the class for credit. Taught pass/fail only. (3-0) Y

EPPS 6324 Data Management for Social Science Research (3 credit hours) Covers the principles and practical techniques of data cleaning, data organization, quality control, and automation of research tasks.  Topics covered will include data types, useful text and math functions, labeling, recoding, data documentation, merging datasets, reshaping, and programming structures such as macros, loops, and branching using Stata and R.  The course will also discuss using LaTeX to automate outputting of results and graphics in publishable formats.  Prerequisite: EPPS 6313 or EPPS 7313 or permission of instructor. (3-0) R

EPPS 6342 Research Design II (3 semester hours) This course is the second in a two-course sequence devoted to the study of data development strategies and techniques to facilitate effective statistical analysis.  Topics generally covered include: the logic of causal inquiry and inference in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the elaboration paradigm and model specification, anticipating and handling threats to internal validity, hierarchies of design structure (experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental): linking design structure to effect estimation strategies and analyzing design elements in published literature.  Students will be required to select a research topic in consultation with the instructor and prepare a written comparative design analysis.  Recommended: EPPS 6310, EPPS 6316 or equivalents recommended. (3-0) Y

EPPS 6346 Qualitative Research Methods (3 semester hours) This course provides an overview of qualitative research in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.  Students will investigate the assumptions underlying qualitative research approaches and critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of such approaches.  Possible topics may include participant observation, ethnographic interviewing, ethnomethodology, conversation analysis, case study, and the analysis of historical documents. (3-0) T

EPPS 6352 Evaluation Research Methods in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (3 semester hours) A review of research methods used in program evaluation, with an emphasis on public and nonprofit social programs.  Issues to be addressed include research design, appropriate performance standards, measurement and selection of individuals, sampling, data collection, and data analysis.  (3-0) Y

EPPS 7304 Cost-Benefit Analysis (3 semester hours) Examines methods for measuring costs and benefits of public projects and policies, and the application of cost-benefit analysis to areas such as economic development, water resources, recreation, transportation, regulation, and the environment. (3-0) R

EPPS 7313 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (3 semester hours) The course provides a thorough introduction to probability and statistics.  Probability topics covered include random variables, expectations, and probability distributions.  The heart of the course is a rigorous introduction to statistical inference: sampling theory, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.  The final section of the course is an introduction to regression analysis, with an emphasis on interpretation of regression results, using examples from recent research. Recommended: one semester of calculus.  (3-0) Y

EPPS 7316 Regression and Multivariate Analysis (3 semester hours) This course provides a detailed examination of the multiple regression models estimated using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), with an emphasis on using regression models to test social and economic hypotheses. Also covered are several special topics in regression analysis, including violations of OLS assumptions, the use of dummy variables, and fixed effects models. The course ends with an introduction to advanced topics in regression analysis, qualitative response models, and non-OLS approaches to estimation. Topics are supported by computer-supported data analyses using application-specific software. Prerequisite: EPPS 7313. (3-0) Y

EPPS 7318 Structural Equation and Multilevel (Hierarchical) Modeling (3 semester hours) An introduction to structural equation modeling (SEM) and multilevel modeling (MLM), sometimes called hierarchical linear or mixed modeling.  SEM represents a general approach to the statistical examination of the fit of a theoretical model to empirical data.  Topics include observed variable (path) analysis, latent variable models (e.g., confirmatory factor analysis), and latent variable SEM analyses.  MLM represents a general approach to handling data that are nested within each other or have random components.  Topics include dealing with two-level data that may be cross-sectional, such as students within classes, or longitudinal, such as repeated observations on individuals, firms or countries.  Recommended: EPPS 7316 or equivalent.  Prerequisite: ECON 6306 or ECON 6309 or EPPS 6316 or permission of instructor.  (3-0) R

EPPS 7344 Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables (3 semester hours) This course examines several types of advanced regression models that are frequently used in policy analysis and social science research.  The key similarity of these models is that they involve dependent variables that violate one or more of the assumptions of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model.  The main models examined in the course are binary logit and probit, multinomial logit, ordinal probit, tobit, and the family of Poisson regression models.  All these models are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE).  The Heckman correction for selection is also addressed. Recommended: EPPS 6316 or the equivalent. (3-0) Y

EPPS 7368 Spatial Epidemiology (3 semester hours) Examines the conceptual and analytic tools used to understand how spatial distributions of exposure impact processes and patterns of disease. Emphasizes the special design, measurement, and analysis issues associated with spatial patterns of diseases.  Contemporary diseases of public health importance are addressed, and the statistical and inferential skills are provided that can be used in understanding how spatial patterns arise and their implications for intervention.  Prerequisite: EPPS 6313 or equivalent. (3-0) R

EPPS 7370 Time Series Analysis (3 semester hours) The course considers several important topics in applied time series analysis including the specification and testing Box-Jenkins models and dynamic regressions.  Other topics may include forecasting, vector autoregression models, unit root inference, cointegration, autoregressive conditional heterogeneity, Bayesian time series, and regime switching models.  Students also learn how to use modern time series software.  Recommended: EPPS 7316 or equivalent. (3-0) R

EPPS 7386 Survey Research (3 semester hours) This course exposes students to the use of survey methods in social science research.  Emphasis is placed on interview and questionnaire techniques and the construction and sequencing of survey questions.  Attention is also devoted to sampling theory, sampling and non-sampling errors, and the use of recent advances in fieldwork to reduce measurement error in surveys. Recommended: EPPS 6313 or equivalent. (3-0) R

EPPS 7390 Bayesian Analysis for Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester hours) This course covers the theory and application of Bayesian statistics for economic, political, and other social science data. Students will learn how maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation are related and how the latter is used to develop decision based inference. Topics include subjective probability, general linear models, posterior simulation methods, model specification and averaging, and sensitivity analysis. Prerequisite: EPPS 7316 or equivalent. (3-0) R

EPPS 7V81 Special Topics in Social Science Research Methodology (1-9 semester hours) May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 hours maximum). (3-0) R

EPPS 7V88 Workshop in Teaching Effectiveness (1-3 credit hours) Workshop will focus on preparing students for positions as teaching assistants, lecturers, and those who expect to teach as a career in the social sciences.  Emphasis will be placed on videotaped student presentations and feedback, guest presentations, student visits to EPPS faculty classes. May be repeated for credit (3 hours maximum). [(1-3)-0] R

EPPS 8V95 Frontiers of Social Science Research Methods (1-6 semester hours) Students working on dissertations or research papers receive feedback and advice on research methods, the discussion of methods in their writing, and presentation of results. (3-0) R

Geospatial Information Sciences

GISC 6301 Geospatial Data Analysis Fundamentals (3 semester hours) Focuses on data handling techniques and applying basic statistical methodology to spatial research questions. Concepts of statistical data analysis including descriptive statistics, exploratory methods, sampling theory, statistical inference and correlation analysis are reviewed from a Geo-Information Sciences perspective.  Regression analysis and basic methods of spatial pattern analysis are introduced.  A prior course in statistics (such as EPPS 3405) is strongly recommended. (3-2) Y

GISC 6311 (ECON 6311) Statistics for Geospatial Science (3 semester hours) The course introduces calculus-based statistical analysis and probability theory, providing background for econometrics and economic modeling of simple stochastic processes.  Standard probability distributions are covered, including Bernoulli, binomial, negative binomial, hypergeometric, Poisson, normal, gamma, beta, t and F distributions.  Estimation and hypothesis testing are discussed.  Introductory asymptomatic theory, including the Law(s) of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem, will be covered as well as real-world applications of probability theory as time permits.  (2-3) Y

GISC 6317 Computer Programming for GIS (3 semester hours) General introduction to Visual Basic and other languages with GIS related applications. Topics covered include fundamental data structures and algorithms, user-interface design, component object model, and data base management. Emphasis on rapid GIS application development with hands-on experiences. Students are expected to design and implement a project. (3-0) Y

GISC 6325 (GEOS 5325) Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 semester hours) Application of airborne and satellite remote sensing for understanding the surface of the earth.  Focus on interpretation of images obtained by passive and active imaging systems using electromagnetic radiation, especially visible, infra-red, and radar.  Laboratory course. (2-3) Y

GISC 6326 Geovisualization (3 semester hours) Examines the theoretical concepts and practical applications of cartographic and geographic visualization.  Topics covered in lectures include concepts for geographic data representation, symbolization and map design, and methods for geographic visualization and display.  3D visualization, cartographic animation, and web-based mapping may also be included.  Lab sessions explore the implementation of cartographic and geographic visualization with industry standard GIS software.  Prerequisite: GISC 6381 or equivalent knowledge. (3-0) R

GISC 6379 Special Topics in Geographic Information Sciences (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum).  Consult with adviser to determine appropriateness of topic for degree plan. (3-0) R

GISC 6380 Spatial Concepts and Organization (3 semester hours) Examines the recurring patterns of physical and human objects on the Earth's surface, the flows of circulations among them, and the spatial concepts and theories which have been advanced to help understand and explain these spatial arrangements. Provides a fundamental understanding of spatial processes, concepts, and theories. (3-0) R

GISC 6381 Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals (3 semester hours) Examines the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems and their applications.  Emphasizes the concepts needed to use GIS effectively for manipulating, querying, analyzing, and visualizing spatial-based data. Industry-standard GIS software is used to analyze spatial patterns in social, economic and environmental data, and to generate cartographic output from the analysis.  (3-0) Y

GISC 6382 Applied Geographic Information Systems (3 semester hours) Further develops hands-on skills with industry-standard GIS software for application in a wide variety of areas including urban infrastructure management, marketing and location analysis, environmental management, geologic and geophysical analysis and the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Prerequisite: GISC 6381 or equivalent with instructor's permission. (3-0) Y

GISC 6383 Geographic Information Systems Management and Implementation (3 semester hours) Management strategies for GIS are examined by presenting GIS as an integrated system of people, computer hardware, software, applications and data.  Implementation is examined as a systematic process of user needs assessment, system specification, database design, application development, implementation, operation, and maintenance.  Includes design of implementation plans as case studies to explore various techniques associated with each step of this process. (3-0) Y

GISC 6384 Spatial Analysis and Modeling (3 semester hours) Treatment of more advanced topics in the application of spatial analysis in a GIS environment. Topics covered include raster-based cartographic modeling, 3-D visualization, geostatistics and network analysis.  Student will be acquainted with state-of-the-art software through hands-on laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: GISC 6381. (3-0) Y

GISC 6385 GIS Theories, Models and Issues (3 semester hours) Provides an understanding of the underlying theories, mathematical and geometric tools, and their computational implementations that establish GIS capabilities to handle and analyze geo-referenced information.  Associated issues (such as uncertainty, spatial analysis and spatial data management) highlighted. Prerequisites: GISC 6381 and GISC 6382, or equivalent with instructor's permission. (3-0) Y

GISC 6387 Geographic Information Systems Workshop (3 semester hours) Provides a structured laboratory experience focused on the students' substantive area of interest.  Each participant develops a project which should include aspects of database design and manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic production.  Projects may be designed in coordination with a local government, utility, business, or other entity that uses GIS in its operations and research.  Prerequisites: GISC 6381 and GISC 6382. (3-0) Y

GISC 6388 GIS Application Software Development (3 semester hours) Provides instruction and hands-on experience in specific techniques and languages for developing application systems based on GIS concepts.  Students will learn to use current generation commercial software to design and implement an application.  Prerequisites: GISC 6381 and GISC 6317, or permission of instructor. (3-0) R

GISC 6389 Geospatial Information Sciences Master's Project (3 semester hours) Requires completion of an original GIS project by the student working alone or in a team.  Team efforts must result in products that can be associated uniquely with each student.  Projects normally continue efforts started in GISC 6387 or GISC 6386. (3-0) S

GISC 6V01 Independent Study in GIS (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's individual study of a topic agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) S

GISC 6V98 Master's Thesis (3-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's master's thesis research.  Prerequisite: Consent of GIS Program Head and instructor.  May be repeated for credit. ([3-9]-0) S

GISC 7310 Regression Analysis with Spatial Applications (3 semester hours) The specification, interpretation and properties of the multiple linear regression model including spatial and aspatial regression diagnostics are examined.  Extensions to the logistic and Poisson regression models and spatial heterogeneity are provided. A review of the key concepts of matrix algebra and simulation techniques is given. Practical data analysis for large datasets is exercised by coupling statistical software with GIS environments. Prerequisite: GISC 6301 or GISC 6311 or equivalent. (3-0) Y

GISC 7360 GIS Pattern Analysis (3 semester hours) Examines univariate and multivariate methods for point pattern analysis, geo-statistical surface interpolations, and spatial regression models.  Underlying models and processes leading to spatially clustered and spatially dispersed patterns are discussed.  Course has particular relevance for local and global spatial analyses of crime, disease, or environmental patterns.  Prerequisites: (GISC 6381 or GISC 6311) and (GISC 6301 or equivalent). (3-0) R

GISC 7361 Spatial Statistics (3 semester hours) The application of statistical techniques to the explicit treatment of space (geography) in social science models.  Covers indices of spatial autocorrelation, the specification of autoregressive models (Gaussian, Poisson, binomial/logistic), geostatistical modeling, spatial filtering, Bayesian map analysis, random effects in models, and imputation of missing geocoded data. Recommended: GISC 7360. Prerequisite: GISC 7310 or EPPS 7316 or equivalent. (3-0) R

GISC 7363 Internet Mapping and Information Processing (3 semester hours) Provides a conceptual overview and hands-on experiences in Internet mapping and web-based geospatial information processing with state-of-the-art commercial software.  Topics covered include client/server configuration, distributed data access and display, web-based user interaction and customization. (3-0) T

GISC 7364 Demographic Analysis and Modeling (3 semester hours) Examines key demographic models for population analysis, their underlying theoretical foundations, and extensions into the spatial domain. Incorporates quantitative estimation and projection techniques and their use within a geographic information systems framework.  Provides a solid understanding of spatio-temporal population dynamics, either local or global, which is essential to many disciplines engaged in planning for the public and private service sectors, for transportation networks or for regional development projects.  Prerequisite: EPPS 7313.  (3-0) R

GISC 7365 (GEOS 5326) Remote Sensing Digital Image Processing (3 semester hours) Introduction to remote sensing digital image processing techniques. Topics covered include principles of remote sensing and remote sensors, image visualization and statistics extraction, radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, image classification and change detection.  Innovative image processing approaches will also be introduced.  State-of-the-art commercial image processing software is used for labs and applications development.  Prerequisite: GISC 6325. (3-0) Y

GISC 7366 (GEOS 5329) Applied Remote Sensing (3 semester hours) Focuses on the application of remote sensing techniques to solving real world urban and environmental problems in areas such as urban and suburban landscape, land use and land cover, transportation and communication, vegetation and forestry, biodiversity and ecology, water and water quality control, soils and minerals, geology and geomorphology studies.  The current generation, industry standard software is used for labs and applications development.  Prerequisite: GISC 6325/GEOS 5325. (3-0) Y

GISC 7367 (GEOS 7327) Remote Sensing Workshop (3 semester hours) An independent project is designed and conducted by the student, after instructor approval.  The project develops and demonstrates student's competence in using remote sensing techniques in a substantive application to his/her field of interest.  Projects may be developed in coordination with a local government, utility, business, or other entity, which uses remote sensing in its operations and research.  A formal presentation and a project report are required.  Prerequisites: GISC 6381 and GISC 7365/GEOS 5326. (3-0) Y

GISC 7387 GI Sciences Research Design (3 semester hours) Examines issues relative to the conduct of effective and valid research in geospatial information sciences and related fields. (3-0) Y

GISC 7389 GI Sciences Ph.D.  Research Project Qualifier (3 semester hours) Requires completion, according to uniform guidelines established by the GI Sciences program, of a GI Sciences Research Project and its presentation to a committee of at least three GI Sciences faculty.  May be repeated once in the immediately following semester.  May substitute for GISC 6389 GI Sciences Master's Project.  Pass/Fail only. Prerequisite: completion of 24 hours of coursework in GI Sciences Ph.D. program. (3-0) Y

GISC 8320 Seminar in Spatial Analysis (3 semester hours) Examines selected topics in spatial analysis or GI Science. May be repeated for credit when topics differ. (3-0) R

GISC 8V27 Internship in GIS (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's internship, which must be related to GIS. ([1-9]-0) S

GISC 8V29 Research in GIS (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of research conducted by a student.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([3-9]-0) S

GISC 8V99 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's dissertation research.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) S

International Political Economy

IPEC 6V01 Independent Study (1-6 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for student's individual study of a topic agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor. This course can only be taken Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-6]-0) R

IPEC 6V97 Internship (1-6 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's internship. Internships must be related to the student's coursework. This course can only be taken Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-6]-0) R

Public Affairs

PA 6300 Quality and Productivity Improvement in Government (3 semester hours) Examines the implications and challenges of improving public sector quality and productivity. Provides practical methods for improving government productivity and quality efforts. Provides tools for measuring performance and for managing performance. (3-0) R

PA 6311 Public Management (3 semester hours) The application of ideas and techniques of public management and decision-making to examine the various roles of the general manager in public organizations. Utilizes the case method. (3-0) S

PA 6313 Public Policymaking and Institutions (3 semester hours) Surveys the major institutions associated with policymaking, including Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and interest groups. These institutions are studied by linking them to the decision-making theories of organizations, social choice and incrementalism. (3-0) S

PA 6314 Policy Analysis (3 semester hours) This course introduces students to policy analysis, exploring approaches and providing tools to analyze contemporary policy questions at various levels of governance. (3-0) R

PA 6316 Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Management (3 semester hours) This course will examine the major theories and practices of leadership in public and nonprofit organizations. Effective leaders from public and nonprofit organizations will speak to the class about the challenges of leading in complex environments. (3-0) R

PA 6317 (PSCI 6317) Intergovernmental/Intersectoral Relations and Management (3 semester hours) This course explores the conceptual foundations of federalism that prescribe the relationships among federal and state governments in the U.S. It considers the practice of intergovernmental administration (federal, state, local) and intersectoral management (public, private, nonprofit) including devolution, fiscal federalism, and through a review of current issues in the field. (3-0) Y

PA 6318 Information Systems in Policy Environments (3 semester hours) Overview of the technology, role and management of computer-based information systems in policy environments. Provides the managerial foundation for effective decision-making with respect to information technology implementation in public organizations. (3-0) Y

PA 6319 Topics in Public Affairs (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours. (3-0) S

PA 6320 Organizational Theory (3 semester hours) Focuses on bureaucracy and rationality, formal and informal structures, and the role of the environment. Organizational factors such as technology, power, information, and culture, as well as the implications of organizational theory for public policy are examined. (3-0) T

PA 6321 Government Financial Management and Budgeting (3 semester hours) Management of government finances, including revenue collection and enforcement, cash and debt management, investments, general and special funds, controllership, financial and program audits, purchasing, financial reporting, managerial use of governmental accounting systems, GAO and professional accounting standards. (3-0) S

PA 6324 Community Planning (3 semester hours) This course examines local issues involving growth and development on the local level of government. Specifically, it examines land use planning, zoning, subdivision regulations, and the processes that are involved with these issues. (3-0) R

PA 6326 Decision Tools for Managers (3 semester hours) This course introduces students to the variety of analytical and mathematical tools intended to improve management decision-making.  Cognitive failures in decision-making and remedies are also explored.  Tools range from systems analysis to techniques of management science.  Uses available software for management science studies.  (3-0) Y

PA 6327 Land Use Law and Ethics (3 semester hours) This course covers two key elements of the planning profession: ethics and law as they relate to plan implementation.  Community planning actions and decisions can impact the social and economic welfare of people, neighborhoods, cities, and regions in nontrivial ways.  Ethics play an important role in guiding the planner, telling us what we should do. (3-0) Y

PA 6328 Management Process and Analysis (3 semester hours) This course examines rigorous methods for analyzing management processes and decision-making.  Focuses on the examination, critique and design of management systems.  (3-0) T

PA 6330 Basics of Land Development (3 semester hours) Land development is the conversion of land from one use to another. This course emphasizes key concepts of land use practices utilized by local governments in the Dallas metroplex. Land use planning includes use for residential, commercial, industrial, as well as recreational, educational, social, and cultural activities. (3-0) Y

PA 6335 Resource Development for Nonprofit Organizations (3 semester hours) This course examines sources of revenue for nonprofit organizations. Specific topics include fundraising, grant writing, and donor dynamics.  The course is designed to prepare the student to work effectively as a member of a fundraising team - either as staff or volunteer board member. (3-0) R

PA 6337 Capital Budgeting (3 semester hours) This course analyzes capital planning and budgeting as central features to economic development, transportation, communication, and to the delivery of other essential services. The course details the steps needed to provide the physical structure of local government, from selecting capital projects to planning how to pay for those projects to structuring and selling debt. (3-0) R

PA 6342 (ECON 6372) Local Economic Development (3 semester hours) This class will examine the role of local governments in promoting economic development in the United States, and will analyze the economic development process.  Attention will be given to economic theories of local development and practical implications of those theories.  Topics include local economic development and poverty, tax incentives, infrastructure credits, firm location decisions and effects of government competition for economic activity. (3-0) S

PA 6344 Local Government Management (3 semester hours) This course examines structure of local governments, the roles of key elected and appointed officials, and numerous issues and problems that local government managers and policymakers face.  It also presents for discussion and study some of the best management practices that local government managers use in achieving effective and efficient delivery of services.  There is a focus on local government management in the Dallas metro area through interaction with elected and appointed officials. (3-0) T

PA 6345 Human Resources Management (3 semester hours) Examines theories, principles, and practices of human resources management in public organizations. Explores implications of social and administrative values as expressed in current human resource policies. (3-0) S

PA 6348 Navigating the Government Workplace (3 semester hours) The governmental workplace is often a complicated work environment with numerous stakeholders. This practical course explores the challenges that public managers face at all levels of government in having successful careers. (3-0) Y

PA 6351 Introduction to Homeland Security (3 semester hours) This course provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of Homeland Security, its origins and developing trends and challenges. Selected material from Congress, FEMA, Department of Justice, local, state, and other government and non-government agencies will be studied.  Examines both historical and contemporary Homeland Defense and Security issues. (3-0) R

PA 6353 Emergency Management (3 semester hours) This course examines issues related to the management of emergencies including discussion of emergency preparedness, emergency mitigation, and emergency response.  The course will also discuss the interplay of local, state, and federal actors in emergency response as well as the role of government, private, and nonprofit organizations in emergency response. (3-0) T

PA 6354 Transportation Planning (3 semester hours) Transportation planning is the process of making useful information available to decision-makers at the organizational level to better understand the characteristics and constraints of transportation systems. This class explores transportation planning processes, the characteristics of urban travel, as well as management and analytical techniques that deal with the dynamics of urbanization and land use. (3-0) R

PA 6369 Grant Writing and Management (3 semester hours) This course provides the skills and knowledge to seek, solicit, and receive grant awards from foundation and government sources to support public and nonprofit programs and projects. Also covered are the skill sets necessary to manage grants effectively to provide the greatest value to your organization and to the granting agency. (3-0) Y

PA 6370 Project and Contract Management (3 semester hours) This course examines issues related to the management of large projects with particular attention to the management of contracts and grants to third parties. This course will discuss the justifications for contracting out public work, methods of oversight of contracts, and the steps in planning these large projects. The course will also discuss the implications of project planning for grant writing. (3-0) T

PA 6371 Pre-emptive Strategies and Tactics for Homeland Security (3 semester hours) Provides a comprehensive study of formulating pre-emptive strategies and tactics related to terrorist attacks and certain man-made disasters, such as chemical plant explosions.  This course is a field-based application.  Explores current published pre-emptive strategies and tactics, means and methods for improving current plans and explores new pre-emptive strategies and tactics driven by new intelligence assessments. (3-0) T

PA 6374 Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations (3 semester hours) This course introduces the basic concepts of third sector financial literacy.  Curriculum includes financial planning and budgeting, monitoring of contracts and grants and reporting mechanisms. (3-0) R

PA 6380 (SOC 6380) Nonprofit Organizations (3 semester hours) This course examines issues related to the rise, scope, development, and impact of nonprofit organizations. The course explores both the unique missions of nonprofit organizations and the management challenges posed by this expanding sector. (3-0) T

PA 6382 (SOC 6381) Nonprofit Management (3 semester hours) This course examines issues, strategies, and techniques related to executive leadership and management in nonprofit organizations.  (3-0) R

PA 6390 (CRIM 6390) Administration and Leadership in Justice Agencies (3 semester hours) This course focuses on the administrative structures, processes, and behavior in managing criminal justice agencies.  The focus is on human and financial resources, organizational theory, decision-making, productivity, measurement and enhancement, organizational design, and ethics and culture in police, courts, and correctional agencies. (3-0) Y

PA 6395 (CRIM 6365) Contemporary Issues in Justice Administration (3 semester hours) This course explores and surveys classical and recent literature in criminal justice focused on various critical issues confronting the criminal justice system. The course studies the trends, contemporary topics, and reform movements currently prominent in the fields of policing, courts and corrections. Prerequisite: Permission of department (3-0) Y

PA 6399 Capstone in Public Affairs (3 semester hours) The capstone in public affairs is the culminating experience for graduating MPA students. Students integrate knowledge from across the MPA curriculum in a faculty-directed semester-long applied research project. (3-0) Y

PA 7305 Leadership and Change in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3 semester hours) Examines the range of contemporary theories of leadership and change in public/nonprofit settings. Examines the set of actions and behaviors requisite for leading contemporary organizations and provides applied tools for enacting change and adapting models of change to varied organizational settings. (3-0) Y

PA 7307 Information Sharing and Communication for Homeland Security (3 semester hours) Provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of network, organizational and group information sharing and communication.  Focuses include new theories and applications to information sharing and communication and intelligence gathering techniques of state and local fusion centers. (3-0) R

PA 7308 Social Networks and Intelligence Led Policing (3 semester hours) Provides a comprehensive study of concepts and methods for adopting intelligence as a foundation of law enforcement business operations for sound decision-making.  Exploiting social networks is a primary means for preventing terrorism and crime.  The course explores how intelligence led policing depends on creating strong community social networks to enhance policing of criminal networks. (3-0) R

PA 7309 Protecting Critical Resources and Infrastructure (3 semester hours) Includes a comprehensive study of the current plans and policies in place for protecting critical resources and infrastructure, both public and private.  The class will consist of a thorough review of the current literature pertaining to critical infrastructure protection policies, methods, plans, and identify new technology driven critical infrastructures. (3-0) R

PA 7314 Advanced Policy Process, Implementation and Evaluation (3 semester hours) This advanced seminar provides in-depth introduction to central theories of the policy process, implementation and evaluation, reviews classic and contemporary literature in the field, and introduces students to key approaches to public policy research. (3-0) Y

PA 7317 (POEC 7317) Economics for Public Policy (3 semester hours) Introduces students to the use of economic methods of the analysis of public policy. The primary theoretical framework for the course is microeconomics, but the course may also include macroeconomics at the discretion of the instructor. A variety of public policy topics are covered in the course such as education, employment and the labor market, taxes and redistribution, access to health care, poverty and inequality, and public assistance programs. (3-0) S

PA 7318 Ethics, Culture and Public Responsibility (3 semester hours) This course provides a general consideration of traditions of ethical thought, the interactions between personal behavior and cultural groups/norms and the implementation of public responsibility.  Topics to be considered will include tensions between personal and collective goals, the nature and limits of tolerance, and the role of institutions such as the family, government, business, churches and interest groups. (3-0) S

PA 7320 Advanced Human Capital Research and Theory (3 semester hours) This advanced seminar reviews the classic and contemporary literature on human resources management and related issues, presents key theories and explores key approaches to human capital research and analysis, and explores contemporary issues of human capital development in the public/nonprofit sectors. (3-0) Y

PA 7322 Negotiations for Effective Management (3 semester hours) Students in this course will learn about negotiations, principally in the public sector, and will develop and practice skills to become more proficient negotiators and more effective managers.  The course will be a combination of learning about negotiations and participating in exercises and simulated negotiations.  The exercises and simulations reinforce theories about the role of negotiations in effective management and enable students to develop their own negotiation skills. (3-0) Y

PA 7325 Survey of Public Affairs (3 semester hours) This class examines current issues and challenges in the field of public affairs, with emphasis on the four fields that comprise the PhD program: leadership, change and conflict resolution; social policy and development; decision-making; and management and organizational analysis.  The concept and practice of action research will also be explored within the context of public affairs.  Open only to PhD students in Public Affairs. (3-0) Y

PA 7328 Economic Theory for Public Affairs (3 semester hours) This course examines concepts and analytical tools of economics and demonstrates how these concepts are used in analyzing public policy problems and designing appropriate responses.  Following an exposition of the basic theoretical and analytical concepts in a public policy context, the course examines the role and limitations of economics in public policy making. (3-0) R

PA 7330 Research Design in Public Affairs (3 semester hours) Includes a variety of applied research techniques aimed at enhancing analysis of intra-organizational and extra-organizational settings.  Both qualitative and quantitative techniques will be explored and applied.  Techniques range from ethnographic analysis of organizational and social cultures to development of survey research methods for needs assessment, environmental sensing and marketing.  Prerequisite: EPPS 6313 or equivalent.  (3-0) Y

PA 7340 (PSCI 7340) Intergovernmental and Intersectoral Relations (3 semester hours) This course explores the conceptual foundations of federalism that prescribe the relationships among federal and state governments in the U.S. It considers the practice of intergovernmental administration (federal, state, local) and intersectoral management (public, private, nonprofit) including devolution, fiscal federalism, and through a review of current issues in the field. (3-0) Y

PA 7350 Advanced Organizational Theory and Behavior (3 semester hours) This advanced seminar provides in-depth examination of key theories of organizational behavior and change, reviews classic and contemporary literature in the field, and introduces students to common approaches to organizational research. (3-0) Y

PA 7360 Advanced Fiscal and Budgetary Policy (3 semester hours) This advanced seminar reviews central theories of public budgeting and finance, reviews essential literature in the field, and provides a foundation for evaluating and analyzing organizational budgets. (3-0) Y

PA 7375 Nonprofit Organizations: Theory and Practice (3 semester hours) This class explores the leading theories of nonprofit organizations.  Examines the unique elements of nonprofit organizations and the academic and practical challenges produced by these distinctive elements.  Examines how theory is applied to the practice of management in nonprofit organizations. (3-0) Y

PA 7381 Special Topics in Public Affairs (3 semester hours) Topics vary semester to semester and are rotated typically among the major fields within the program.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (3-0) R

PA 7V62 Policy Research Workshop in Public Affairs (3-9 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project.  May be repeated for credit (12 hours maximum).  MPA or doctoral students may not take more than 3 hours of their concentration requirement from policy research workshops and POEC 7376.) ([3-9]-0) R

PA 8340 Dissertation Seminar in Public Affairs (3 semester hours) Students will explore current issues in public affairs of relevance to their field experiences.  The course will focus on the identification of these current issues as sources and challenges for ongoing research in public affairs. May be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director.  (3-0) S

PA 8V01 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Students will work with a faculty member to develop an individualized course of study relevant to public affairs.  May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) S

PA 8V97 Internship (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's internship.  Internships must be related to the student's course work.  May be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. ([1-9]-0) S

PA 8V99 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) May be repeated.  Total hours may not exceed 18 semester hours.  Students will design and implement an improvement effort within an organization in their chosen field of specialization.  The goal of this course is to provide students an applied experience dealing with the challenges of institutional and organizational change.  Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director. ([1-9]-0) Y

Political Science

PSCI 5306 The American Legal System and the Practice of Law (3 semester hours) The American legal system will be examined through seminar presentations by speakers experienced in judging and in legal practice. (3-0) Y

PSCI 5307 Legal Reasoning and Writing (3 semester hours) The process of reaching legal decisions by relying on precedent, history, policy concerns, and tradition will be studied.  Additionally, techniques for researching and citing case law and statures will be examined. (3-0) Y

PSCI 5308 Immigration Law (3 semester hours) This course will cover the core body of immigration law and regulation in the United States, with a special emphasis on asylum law. (3-0) T

PSCI 5V83 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of student's individual study of a topic that is directly relevant to the student's Master's degree program and is agreed on by the student and the faculty supervisor.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). ([1-9]-0) R

PSCI 6300 Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations (3 semester hours) Studies major theories of democracy, democratization, and globalization, relationships between democratization and globalization, and their implications for citizen politics, government performance, and regime legitimacy. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6301 Constitutional Law (3 semester hours) This class addresses the evolution of the American Constitution. The course will examine major constitutional concepts that are important to an understanding of American government. Additionally, major interpretations of the Constitution and the role of courts in the American legal system will be explored. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6304 Internship in Constitutional Law Studies (3 semester hours) Students will gain practical legal experience by working as an intern in a law office, court, or in the office of a legal organization such as a district attorney's or public defender's office. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6305 Workshop in Constitutional Law Studies (3 semester hours) Students will undertake a major research topic on a law-related matter which will develop skills in legal research and writing, quantitative research, or field research. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6306 Human Rights and International Law (3 semester hours) This course explores international agreements and their effects on individual rights in a variety of contexts such as international conflicts, civil wars, and oppressive political regimes. (3-0) R

PSCI 6309 International Political Economy (3 semester hours) An integration of the insights of international relations and international economics.  Explores the politics of international trade and finance, or economic globalization; investigates the simultaneous pursuit of wealth and power in states and other international actors. (3-0) T

PSCI 6311 Proseminar in Law and Courts (3 semester hours) The purpose of this graduate seminar is to survey the different areas of empirical/quantitative research in the subfield of judicial politics. The course will assess the courts as political institutions and examine the interactions between the judiciary and other institutions. We will address the core theoretical debates and assess key methodological issues concerning judicial decision-making in the U.S. context. We will also place these debates within the growing body of comparative judicial behavior literature. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6314 Policy Processes, Implementation and Evaluation (3 semester hours) Applies models of the policy system to the analysis of legislative, administrative and judicial processes at different points in the policy cycle.  Uses case studies, empirical analysis, direct observation, and group projects.  Prerequisite: PSCI 6313 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6316 International Organizations (3 semester hours) An analysis of international intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Union.  Topics include their historical development, internal political processes, and consequences for the international political system. (3-0) T

PSCI 6317 (PA 6317) Intergovernmental/Intersectoral Relations and Management (3 semester hours) This course explores the conceptual foundations of federalism that prescribe the relationships among federal and state governments in the U.S. It considers the practice of intergovernmental administration (federal, state, local) and intersectoral management (public, private, nonprofit) including devolution, fiscal federalism, and through a review of current issues in the field. (3-0) Y

PSCI 6318 Judicial Selection (3 semester hours) This is a course that focuses on the ways in which political systems place judges on courts. We will focus primarily on American courts, with our time split evenly between the appointive systems used by the federal government and some states and the elective systems used by most other states. We will also discuss the methods used in other countries for the selection of judges. (3-0) R

PSCI 6323 Public Choice (3 semester hours) This course covers the application of economic reasoning to non-market decision-making in situations involving collective choice.  Topics include market and government failure, collective action, properties of different voting rules, design of constitutions, and the behavior of candidates, elected officials, bureaucrats, and voters. Recommended: POEC/PA 7317 or equivalent. (3-0) R

PSCI 6324 Local and State Government and Politics (3 semester hours) Examines public policy institutions and processes at the local and state levels in the United States, with particular attention to developments in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the State of Texas.  Addresses issues of policy convergence, divergence, and representation. (3-0) R

PSCI 6325 Decision Theory (3 semester hours) Explores the development of decision-making models and theories across organizational and institutional environments.  Includes details analysis of decision-making under conditions of certainty, risk and uncertainty.  (3-0) T

PSCI 6330 Campaigns and Elections (3 semester hours) This course surveys the state of the art research on campaigns and elections in American politics with a focus on Congressional and Presidential elections. (3-0) T

PSCI 6331 Executives, Legislatures and Public Policy (3 semester hours) An investigation of the role played by executives and legislatures in shaping public policy in the United States. (3-0) T

PSCI 6332 The U.S.  Congress (3 semester hours) This course examines the most recent research on the legislative branch of the United States.  We examine the role of parties, incumbency, elections, and organized interests on who gets elected to Congress, how Congress organizes itself, and how Congress makes public policy. (3-0) T

PSCI 6333 Political and Civic Organizations (3 semester hours) An institutional perspective on political parties, interest groups, and other organizations such as labor unions and nonprofit organizations that are important actors in political and civic affairs.  The emphasis is on internal operations of organizations, their strategic behavior, and interactions with government, including both regulation by the state and attempts to influence public decision makers. (3-0) T

PSCI 6335 (POEC 6335) Institutions and Development (3 semester hours) An overview of leading theories, institutional perspectives, issues and policy debates concerning urban, regional, national and global development.  Topics may include economic growth, technology and innovation, shifts in industrial structure, spatially imbalanced change, and their welfare consequences.  (3-0) T

PSCI 6337 Comparative Institutions (3 semester hours) A comparative analysis of political and economic institutions in different settings.  Includes a consideration of different theoretical approaches to the comparative study and design of institutions in the United States and elsewhere.  (3-0) T

PSCI 6339 Election Law and Electoral Systems (3 semester hours) An examination of election law in America from redistricting to ballot access to campaign finance.  We also spend time looking at different electoral systems in the U.S. and around the world. (3-0) R

PSCI 6340 Texas Legislative Affairs Workshop (3 semester hours) The Texas Legislative workshop is a course offered during semesters when the Texas Legislature is in session.  This course is designed to afford students the opportunity to explore the working of the Texas Legislature up close with sessions held in both Dallas and Austin.  Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to interact with members of the Texas Legislature and their staff as they examine the current public policy issues confronting Texas. (3-0) T

PSCI 6341 Texas Legislative Process (3 semester hours) This course examines the legislative process in the Texas Legislature.  Students will learn the intricacies of passing legislation by examining the constitutional rules of Texas' lawmaking and the evolution of each chamber's parliamentary rules. This course also offers a practical element as specific case studies are examined to illustrate the importance of legislative process in Texas. (3-0) T

PSCI 6342 Comparative Courts and Law (3 semester hours) The purpose of this graduate seminar is to survey the growing body of comparative research on courts, law and justice issues. The course will examine a selection of topics within this broadly defined field. The course will examine both qualitative and quantitative work.  These examinations will span comparative politics, international relations, and the broader sub-field of public law. (3-0) R

PSCI 6343 Law and The Policy Process (3 semester hours) Provides the legal perspective on public policy and emphasizes the role of the judicial system in the recent evolution of public policy in selected problem areas. (3-0) T

PSCI 6347 (POEC 6347) Proseminar in Political Institutions and American Politics (3 semester hours) Surveys the scholarly literature on major institutions associated with policymaking in the United States, including Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and interest groups. (3-0) S

PSCI 6350 Logic, Methodology, and Scope of Political Science (3 semester hours) Promotes understanding of how and why research projects are conducted, and when and why research programs cease to contribute to knowledge production. Attention also is paid to major modes of analysis in political science, the state of the discipline, and future directions in field-specific, cross-field, and cross-disciplinary research. (3-0) T

PSCI 6352 Empirical Democratic Theory (3 semester hours) Encourages critical and constructive thinking about complex and simple, as well as stable and variable, developments in citizenship, government and politics.  Additional consideration is given to formal, game-theoretic, and other approaches to individual action, institutional design, and individual-institutional interactions. (3-0) T

PSCI 6353 Mathematical Models in Political and Social Science (3 semester hours) Introduces students to a variety of models in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, including primarily rational choice approaches but also some computational work. The course will allow students to understand and compose rudimentary models, including prisoner's dilemma, assurance games, and strategic voting. (3-0) T

PSCI 6357 (POEC 6357) Political Economy of Latin America (3 semester hours) Addresses historical and contemporary issues in Latin American political economy.  Uses case studies and cross-regional comparisons to assess competing explanations.  Analyzes the current political and economic situation facing Latin America in its quest for economic growth and development.  The emphasis is to understand the broad patterns of development and change in the region and the physical, historical, social and economic constraints which have affected development, broadly understood. (3-0) R

PSCI 6358 Refugee and Migration Policy (3 semester hours) This course will examine core policy issues related to refugees, migration, trafficking, forced migration, and internally displaced persons. The course will survey relevant political and social science literature and seek to understand these issues in the context of theories within international relations, comparative politics, and international law. (3-0) T

PSCI 6361 (POEC 6361) Political Violence and Terrorism (3 semester hours) In this discussion-based seminar, we will cover the topics of terrorism, political violence, and civil war.  We will examine concepts, causes, and consequences of different types of political violence.  Additionally, we will discuss topics relevant to research, including discussions of different approaches (quantitative, qualitative, and formal) and a perusal of different data sources.  We will take advantage of literature from multiple disciplines. (3-0) T

PSCI 6362 (POEC 6362) Political Development (3 semester hours) This course surveys different perspectives on and theories of political development. Topics covered include the role of the state, democratization, political stability, civil society and environmental concerns.  (3-0) R

PSCI 6363 (POEC 6363) Conflict and Development (3 semester hours) This module will explore the nexus between violent intrastate conflict and development. It will examine some of the key conceptual frameworks advanced to understand conflict and will explore specific themes that have occupied researchers and policy practitioners in recent years.  In addition to assessing the economic costs of the conflicts, this course will also examine the traditional factors that have been purported to explain the prevalence of insurgency. (3-0) R

PSCI 6364 Public Opinion and Survey Research (3 semester hours) Introduces students to the principles and practices of survey research. Topics include the selection of an appropriate survey method, questionnaire design and testing, response problems, interviews and surveys, and the analysis of survey data, including those on political attitudes and public opinion dynamics. Also examines how these data are used in developing successful political campaign strategies (3-0) T

PSCI 6V42 Legislative Affairs Internship (1-6 semester hours) Students will work with the professor to identify with a relevant government office approved by the professor. Students will be asked to participate in the daily operations of that office and learn the intricacies of staffing from a first-hand perspective. ([1-6]-0) S

PSCI 7320 (POEC 7320) International Negotiations (3 semester hours) This course examines both the substance and the process of international negotiations.  Students study the theory and analysis of negotiations and identify issues, interests and positions of the parties.  The course covers the substantive areas of arms control, trade, and environmental negotiations. The course moves from the analysis of simple, bilateral negotiations with only a few issues in contention to complex multilateral negotiations.  (3-0) R

PSCI 7330 Contemporary International Security (3 semester hours) An examination of current research on security and interstate conflict, with emphasis on social-scientific explanations for why wars occur and how they can be prevented. The course begins with theories of war and models of crisis bargaining, then proceeds to empirical analysis of how war-making is affected by such factors as regime type, domestic audiences, economic interdependence, multinational production, balances of power, environmental and demographic pressures, intergovernmental organizations, American hegemony, international hierarchies, and social networks. (3-0) T

PSCI 7340 (PA 7340) Intergovernmental and Intersectoral Relations (3 semester hours) This course explores the conceptual foundations of federalism that prescribe the relationships among federal and state governments in the U.S. It considers the practice of intergovernmental administration (federal, state, local) and intersectoral management (public, private, nonprofit) including devolution, fiscal federalism, and through a review of current issues in the field. (3-0) Y

PSCI 7350 Institutions and Citizen Behavior (3 semester hours) Examines the major theories, concepts and models associated with relationships between public institutions and citizen behavior, particularly how such institutions as elections, interest groups, political parties and social movements mobilize behavior and how behavior, in turn, influences institutional processes and outcomes. (3-0) T

PSCI 7352 Choice and Decision Making (3 semester hours) This course integrates theories of political choice with models of decision-making in the fields of social cognition, economics, and consumer behavior. (3-0) T

PSCI 7372 Game Theory for Political Scientists (3 semester hours) An introduction to formal models with more than one decision-maker, this course will cover basic solution concepts in game theory.  The course will pay particular attention to applications in political science, rather than the foundational models in economics. (3-0) T

PSCI 7381 Special Topics in Political Science (3 semester hours) Topics vary semester to semester and are rotated typically among the three fields of the program.  May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (3-0) R

PSCI 7V83 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of student's individual study of a topic that is directly relevant to dissertation or practicum research and is agreed on by the student and the faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) R

PSCI 8381 Research Seminar in Political Science (3 semester hours) Promotes faculty-student research collaboration and students' dissertation or practicum and professional development. May be repeated for credit. (3-0) Y

PSCI 8V99 Dissertation or Practicum (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's dissertation research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) S

Public Policy and Political Economy

POEC 6301 Political-Economic Theories (3 semester hours) A critical analysis of theories of politics and economy.  Focuses on such thinkers as Smith, Marx, and Keynes, and on bodies of theory about political and economic systems. Explores the controversies that have shaped the development of political economy and their implications for interdisciplinary policy analysis. (3-0) Y

POEC 6319 Political Economy of MNCs (3 semester hours) The Political Economy of Multinational Corporations will approach the rise of international firms and their behavior from a social scientific approach, utilizing research in economics, political science, and other disciplines.  In addition to the historical rise of international firms, the course covers the economic theory of the firm, MNCs as political actors, the dynamics of foreign direct investment, and the relationship of MNCs to developing countries.  The aim of the course is to understand the causes and effects of the behavior of transnational corporations, particularly in regard to economic policy. (3-0) R

POEC 6329 Ethics, Culture, and Public Policy  (3 semester hours) This course considers the principal schools of ethical thought in the world's major cultural traditions and their implications for law and public policy. Topics to be considered include tensions between personal and collective interests, the conflict between democratic and authoritarian theories and systems of law and government, the relation between morality and law, the way law itself differs in different cultural regions, and the ethical role of institutions such as the family, government, business, religion, and interest groups.  (3-0) Y

POEC 6335 (PSCI 6335) Institutions and Development (3 semester hours) An overview of leading theories, institutional perspectives, issues and policy debates concerning urban, regional, national and global development.  Topics may include economic growth, technology and innovation, shifts in industrial structure, spatially imbalanced change, and their welfare consequences.  (3-0) T

POEC 6347 (PSCI 6347) Proseminar in Political Institutions and American Politics (3 semester hours) Surveys the scholarly literature on major institutions associated with policymaking in the United States, including Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and interest groups. (3-0) S

POEC 6353 (ECON 6362)  Industry, Technology, and Science Policy (3 semester hours) Focuses on the impact of social, economic, and political factors on industry as critical units of production, and how these interact with technology and science.  Topics include availability of skilled labor, research and development in industry, business-university relationships, innovation, and international competitiveness of the U.S. economy. (3-0) Y

POEC 6354 Theories and Issues of Development (3 semester hours) In approaching development, there is an important interaction between theories and issues, each to some extent defining the other.  This course will review a number of prominent instances in which we see this interaction - where theory has shaped the way people defined and approached practical problems and also where pressing practical problems have sometimes demanded new theoretical developments.  Specific theories and issues discussed vary.  Possible theories of interest include arguments for and against slavery, mercantilism, the idea of economic "takeoff," central planning versus pluralism, and the role of democracy and human rights.  Issues include labor conditions, urban living conditions, population growth and population quality, environmental pollution and sustainability, and governmental ineffectiveness and corruption. (3-0) Y

POEC 6355 Political Economy of the Middle East (3 semester hours) Analysis of the interplay of cultures and conflicts in the Middle East.  The course will examine ancient cultures, Islam and the Ottoman Empire, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the rise of the Oil Kingdoms, the Kurds, the Gulf wars, and terrorism in the name of Islam.  The course will also focus on U.S. relations with a number of Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Israel.  (3-0) R

POEC 6357 (PSCI 6357) Political Economy of Latin America (3 semester hours) Addresses historical and contemporary issues in Latin American political economy.  Uses case studies and cross-regional comparisons to assess competing explanations.  Analyzes the current political and economic situation facing Latin America in its quest for economic growth and development.  The emphasis is to understand the broad patterns of development and change in the region and the physical, historical, social and economic constraints which have affected development, broadly understood. (3-0) R

POEC 6358 Political Economy of South and Southeast Asia (3 semester hours) Political Economy of South and Southeast Asia. South Asia is the Indian peninsula.  Southeast Asia is the great swath of countries from Burma and Thailand through Malaysia to Indonesia and Australia. This is a region of great cultural, political, economic, religious, and historical diversity.  This course surveys the political economy of the region by selectively examining key countries and their mutual interactions.  The major countries, all of which are rising military and economic powers, are Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.  Additional countries, which will be included according to interest and available material, include Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and New Zealand. (3-0) R

POEC 6359 Political Economy of Panama (3 semester hours) This is a graduate course in International Political Economy that focuses upon the Republic of Panama. Panama is a very diverse country, with political and economic structures that developed from colonial times, when Panama was under the control of Spain, to its incorporation into Colombia, to an independent nation. While Panama has, since its discovery, been used for transportation, given the narrowness of the Isthmus of Panama and the development of the Panama Canal, it is very diverse; with cultures ranging from the  cosmopolitan City of Panama to the more traditional cultures of sparsely populated vast regions in the Province of Darien. The importance of Panama to international political economy is of high magnitude to the "funnel for world commerce," the Panama Canal. This course will trace the development of politics and economics in Panama over the course of this period to develop a critical understanding of this country, which is of great importance both regionally and geographically. (3-0) R

POEC 6360 (ECON 6352) World Political Economy (3 semester hours) An overview of the major economic, social, political and cultural forces that influence the nature of the international economic and political environment, as well as global economic and political relations.  Topics include: theories of global political economy; economic and political transformation in Eastern Europe, China and the former Soviet Union; democratization and development in the less developed countries; military and non-military approaches to national and international security; environmentally sustainable economic development; and the international implications of technological failure.  (3-0) T

POEC 6361 (PSCI 6361) Political Violence and Terrorism (3 semester hours) In this discussion-based seminar, we will cover the topics of terrorism, political violence, and civil war.  We will examine concepts, causes, and consequences of different types of political violence.  Additionally, we will discuss topics relevant to research, including discussions of different approaches (quantitative, qualitative, and formal) and a perusal of different data sources.  We will take advantage of literature from multiple disciplines. (3-0) T

POEC 6362 (PSCI 6362) Political Development (3 semester hours) This course will survey different perspectives and theories of political development. Topics covered include the role of the state, democratization, political stability, civil society and environmental concerns, among others.  (3-0) R

POEC 6363 (PSCI 6363) Conflict and Development (3 semester hours) This module will explore the nexus between violent intrastate conflict and development. It will examine some of the key conceptual frameworks advanced to understand conflict and will explore specific themes that have occupied researchers and policy practitioners in recent years.  In addition to assessing the economic costs of the conflicts, this course will also examine the traditional factors that have been purported to explain the prevalence of insurgency. (3-0) R

POEC 6364 Development  Economics (3 semester hours) An overview of theories of national economic growth and development, with emphasis on economy-wide modeling, application of micro-economic theories, and domestic sectoral policy. (3-0) T

POEC 6366 International Economics (3 semester hours) This course focuses on international trade theory and the ongoing process of regional integration in the Americas, with particular emphasis on the North American Free Trade Agreement. (3-0) R

POEC 6367 Topical Issues in Conflict and Conflict Resolution (3 semester hours) This course will examine in detail three recent international or ethnic conflicts and the national and international efforts to resolve the conflicts and/or mitigate their efforts.  The course will examine theories of conflict including ethnic conflict and just war theory.  It will examine the historical sources of the conflicts, the regional and international dimensions, the precipitating causes and the intensification of the conflicts.  Examples of conflicts that could be used include: the former Yugoslavia, India/Pakistan, Iraq and Kuwait, North Korea, Israel/Palestine and Sudan. (3-0) T

POEC 6368 Population and Development (3 semester hours) Examines the relations among population, resources, economic development, and the environment in light of conflicting Malthusian and anti-Malthusian paradigms.  Topics include fertility, mortality, public health, human capital, use of resources, and environmental impacts at local, regional, and global scales. (3-0) R

POEC 6369 National and International Security Strategies and Policies (3 semester hours) With the end of the decades-long Cold War, the US has become the world's only superpower.  But the problem of national and international security continue to be a dominant concern of national and international political and economic life, just as it has been for more than sixty years. Many nations continue to maintain high levels of military expenditure as a mainstay of their security policy.  Yet, there has been a profound change in the nature of the threats to security since the Cold War.  Some, like the threat of intentional full-scale global nuclear war, have receded.  Others, like the threat posed by nuclear proliferation and the terrorism of mass destruction, have increased.  From acute hot spots to longer-term questions of restructuring power and security arrangements in a post-Cold War world, understanding the deeper issues of national and international security is critical to understanding what lies behind the headlines -- and what strategies are likely to be effective in achieving real security.  Topics include: the nature and meaning of security; security and military force; terrorism, accidents and accidental war; nuclear proliferation; the international arms trade; the experience of war; the economics of security policy; social and psychological factors; and strategies for achieving security by nonmilitary means. (3-0) T

POEC 6379 Special Topics in Development Studies (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (3-0) R

POEC 6390 Innovation and Public Policy (3 semester hours) This course examines the phenomenon of innovation, including the role of innovation in theories of economic growth and the relationship between the aggregate macro economy and the micro domain of entrepreneurs and firms. (3-0) Y

POEC 6391 The Political Economy of Technology and Innovation (3 semester hours)  An exploration of the relationships among technological advances, markets, and societal contexts, drawing on the social sciences (especially economics and sociology), engineering, and management.  The economic impacts of both established and emerging technologies on firms and industries (profit and productivity), the macroeconomy, and society (employment  and earnings). Special emphasis will be devoted to how advanced technologies transform both the work of ¿ and work in ¿ industries throughout the economy, even as they blur the distinctions among them. (3-0) T

POEC 6392 Management and Practice of International Development (3 semester hours)  This course focuses on the management of international development processes, including the role of context  in development, various conceptualizations of poverty, development actors and institutions,  and the challenges of development interventions in difficult environments. (3-0) T

POEC 6V81 Special Topics in Political Economy (1-9 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester.  May be repeated for credit as topics vary. ([1-9]-0) S

POEC 6V91 Evaluation Research (3-6 semester hours) Individual or group project in evaluation research performed for a public or private community organization under faculty supervision.  Students will normally enroll in this course for two consecutive semesters.  The first semester of enrollment will culminate in the completion of a formal evaluation research proposal; the second will end with a final research report based on conclusions of the proposed research.  Permission of the program coordinator required.  May be repeated for a total of six semester credit hours.  ([3-6]-0)  Y

POEC 7306 Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (3 semester hours) Studies various schools of macroeconomic theory, their political and economic implications and the policies that flow from them.  Discusses the design and implementation of policies related to inflation, unemployment, business fluctuations and long-term economic growth.  (3-0) R

POEC 7317 (PA 7317) Economics for Public Policy (3 semester hours) Introduces students to the use of economic methods of the analysis of public policy. The primary theoretical framework for the course is microeconomics, but the course may include macroeconomics at the discretion of the instructor. A variety of public policy topics are covered including education, employment and the labor market, taxes and redistribution, access to health care, poverty and inequality, and public assistance programs. (3-0) S

POEC 7319 Economics of Education (3 semester hours) This seminar examines educational policy issues from an economic perspective. The issues considered include the link between educational achievement and earnings, the role of early childhood, assessments of head start and pre-school programs, the effectiveness of compensatory education and tutoring programs, the achievement gap for poor and minority children, educational production functions, the extent and consequences of school segregation, bilingual education programs, special education programs, international comparisons of student achievement and schools, school finance, and an examination of various school reform proposals. (3-0) R

POEC 7320 (PSCI 7320) International Negotiations (3 semester hours) This course examines both the substance and the process of international negotiations. Students study the theory and analysis of negotiations and identify issues, interests and positions of the parties.  The course covers the substantive areas of arms control, trade, and environmental negotiations. The course moves from the analysis of simple, bilateral negotiations with only a few issues in contention to complex multilateral negotiations. (3-0) R

POEC 7321 Seminar on Business and Government (3 semester hours) Examines the interactions between markets and the state from a comparative and public policy perspective.  Special emphasis will be placed on issues involving industry regulation/deregulation, antitrust/competition, innovation/industrial policy, infrastructure investment, intellectual property, social regulation, and global trade/investment. (3-0) Y

POEC 7327 Innovation Dynamics and Economic Change (3 semester hours) Examines the convergence of the information technology and telecom industries. Explores the role of technological innovation together with economic, institutional, and legal-regulatory issues shaping the new IT-Telecom industry within both domestic and geopolitical contexts.  (3-0) T

POEC 7329 Special Topics in Industry and Public Policy (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (3-0) R

POEC 7341 Health Policy (3 semester hours) The history and political economy of the U.S. health care system and a review of major governmental programs to expand access to appropriate services, control rising costs, ensure the quality of care, and promote health through prevention.  Analysis of current and recent proposals for reform of health care policy.  (3-0) R

POEC 7359 Special Topics in Policy Methods (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (3-0) R

POEC 7V26 Policy Research Workshop in Institutions and Processes (3-9 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project on the political economy of public policy decisions in the context of institutional settings, such as legislatures, executive or administrative agencies, courts, or metropolitan systems. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum).  ([3-9]-0) R

POEC 7V47 Policy Research Workshop in Health Care Policy (3-9 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). ([3-9]-0) R

POEC 7V62 Policy Research Workshop in Social Policy (3-9 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). ([3-9]-0) R

POEC 7V64 Policy Research Workshop in Poverty Research and Policy (3-9 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). ([3-9]-0) R

POEC 7V76 Policy Research Workshop in Development Studies (3-9 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project. Topics vary from semester to semester. However, students may substitute an individual Field Research Project for this workshop; the project must be approved by the faculty of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). Prerequisites: POEC 6341, POEC 6364, and an additional course in the concentration. ([3-9]-0) R

POEC 8398 Dissertation Seminar (3 semester hours) A seminar for students preparing proposals or writing dissertations.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of qualifying examination or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (3-0) S

POEC 8V01 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for student's individual study of a topic agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) R

POEC 8V97 Internship (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's internship.  Internships must be related to the student's coursework.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) R

POEC 8V99 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's dissertation research.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) S

Applied Sociology

SOC 5V91 Independent Study in Applied Sociology (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for student's individual study of a topic agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) R

SOC 5V92 Internship in Applied Sociology (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student's internship. Internships must be related to the student's course work. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) R

SOC 6312 Social-Economic Theories (3 semester hours) A critical analysis of early and modern social and economic theories. Select classical works of Smith, Marx, and Weber are explored, as they pertain to Western capitalist development, along with more contemporary perspectives related to the accumulation and exchange value of human, social and cultural capital. Emphasis is placed on understanding how social relations and social institutions influence economic exchanges. (3-0) Y

SOC 6340 Domestic Social Policy (3 semester hours) Overview of governmental and non-governmental programs, policies, and institutions dealing with those who cannot function self-sufficiently within the American market economy, including low-income families, the elderly, the unemployed, and people with disabilities.  Analyzes how social policy in the United States reflects the political economy and culture, as well as social and demographic trends. (3-0) Y

SOC 6341 (ECON 6371) Urban Economics (3 semester hours) Presents methods and models for understanding urban and development processes. Topics include analysis of urban growth, land use patterns, transportation and local public good delivery systems.  Welfare consequences of various urban policy options are explored. (3-0) R

SOC 6344 Gender and Policy (3 semester hours) Explores issues of gender and public policy in the U.S.  Topics include poverty, politics, and workplace and family issues. (3-0) R

SOC 6348  Immigration Policy (3 semester hours) This course examines immigration policy, focusing on U.S. immigration law, within the context of changing U.S. social institutions and society.   The course gives special attention to immigration policy centered on immigrants arriving after 1965. (3-0) R

SOC 6350 Social Stratification (3 semester hours) This seminar will examine the major theories and lines of research on social stratification, defined as the hierarchical ranking of groups based on the unequal distribution of societal resources and positions.  Focusing primarily on the U.S. class system, topics covered include: class reproduction and mobility, the educational system and policy, empirical definitions, the implications of race and gender for social class, and forms of legitimation. (3-0) Y

SOC 6355 Race, Ethnicity, and Community (3 semester hours) Considers cultural and social behavior in multiracial and multiethnic societies.  Issues include the formation and maintenance of individual and group identity, patterns of socioeconomic achievement, intergroup conflict, and the causes and consequences of public policy. (3-0) R

SOC 6356 Health and Illness (3 semester hours) A review of medical sociology and related fields, including social epidemiology and the social demography of health and illness; health and illness behavior; health institutions and professions; economic factors and trends in health care; and health policies and programs. (3-0) R

SOC 6357 Health Policy (3 semester hours) The history and political economy of the U.S. health care system and a review of major governmental programs to expand access to appropriate services, control rising costs, ensure the quality of care, and promote health through prevention.  Analysis of current and recent proposals for reform of health care policy. (3-0) Y

SOC 6370 Special Topics in Applied Sociology (3 semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit. (9 hours maximum) (3-0) T

SOC 6380 (PA 6380) Nonprofit Organizations (3 semester hours) This course examines issues related to the rise, scope, development and impact of nonprofit organizations.  The course explores both the unique missions of nonprofit organizations and the management challenges posed by this expanding sector of the organizational environment.  (3-0) T

SOC 6381 (PA 6382) Nonprofit Management (3 semester hours) This course examines issues, strategies, and techniques related to executive leadership and management in nonprofit organizations.  (3-0) R

SOC 6V91 Evaluation Research (3-6 semester hours) Individual or group project in evaluation research performed for a public or private community organization under faculty supervision.  Students will normally enroll in this course for two consecutive fall/spring semesters.  The first semester of enrollment will culminate in the completion of a formal evaluation research proposal; the second will end with a final research report based on conclusions of the proposed research.  Students also are expected to participate in a weekly seminar on topics in evaluation research featuring faculty and student presentations, guest speakers, and group discussion. Permission of the program coordinator required.  May be repeated for a total of six semester credit hours. ([3-6]-0) Y

SOC 6V92 Research Workshop in Applied Sociology (3-6 semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project. May be repeated for credit. (6 hours maximum) ([3-6]-0) T

SOC 6V98 Master's Thesis (3-6 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision of a student's master's thesis research. Completion of all, or concurrent enrollment in, major requirements. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator. May be repeated for credit (6 hours maximum). ([3-6]-0) R

Last Updated: July 18, 2012