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Government and Politics Course
Descriptions
GOVT 2301 (GOVT 2301) Constitutional Foundations and Political Behavior in the U.S. and
Texas (3 semester hours)
This course examines the evolution and current state of political behavior
and public policy making in the U.S. and Texas. Topics discussed
will include the constitutions, federalism, intergovernmental relations,
voting, elections, political parties, public opinion, and interest
groups. (3-0) S
GOVT 2302 (GOVT 2302) Political Institutions in the U.S.
and Texas (3 semester hours) This course explores the primary
institutions of U.S. and Texas government. It examines the bureaucracy
as well as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government
at the state and federal level. (3-0) S
GOVT 3301 Political Theory (3 semester
hours) An examination of perennial issues in political thought through
a study of the work and research methods of selected theorists in the
history of political thought. (3-0) Y
GOVT 3303 Civil Liberties (3 semester
hours) An examination of the development of constitutional law in the
area of civil liberties. (3-0) T
GOVT 3306 Political Economy (3 semester
hours) Investigates various conceptual perspectives for understanding
the relationship between economic processes and political institutions.
Focuses particular attention on the normative and policy debates separating
conservative, liberal, and radical schools of thought. (3-0) R
GOVT 3310 Public Administration
(3 semester hours) Overview of management responsibilities, functions,
and activities in government agencies within the framework of political
values and organizational dynamics. (Same as PA 3310) (3-0) Y
GOVT 3322 Constitutional Law (3
semester hours) Students will examine the methods used in legal research,
the evolution of the Constitution of the United States, and the role
of the Supreme Court of the United States in the development of the
American constitutional system. Prerequisite: GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302
or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
GOVT 3323 American Federalism (3
semester hours) An examination of how local, state, and national governments
share power in such important areas as education, environmental regulation,
public finance, welfare, housing and community development, and criminal
justice. There will also be discussions of recent innovations, such
as judicial supervision and deregulation. (3-0) R
GOVT 3325 American Public Policy
(3 semester hours) This course examines the making of public policy
in the U.S. political system. Students will examine the various public
policy models and case studies related to specific policy areas. All
students are required to write a policy related term paper to fulfill
the University's writing requirement. Prerequisite: GOVT 2301 and GOVT
2302 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
GOVT 3326 Politics and Business
(3 semester hours) An investigation of the role played by business in
American politics. Particular attention will be focused on the regulatory
process and the changing relationship between business and government
in it. (3-0) T
GOVT 3327 American Foreign Policy
(3 semester hours) Examines the way in which the policy making process
structures the premises, concepts, and objectives of U.S. policy and
the U.S. role in international politics. (3-0) R
GOVT 3328 International Relations
(3 semester hours) This course explores the power relationships among
national actors and organizations. Topics may include origins of the
state system, international security, globalization, north-south relations,
ecological security, and the implications of world demographic patterns.
(3-0) R
GOVT 3333 Political Behavior (3
semester hours) This course addresses the questions of why some people
vote but others do not, how individuals make political choices, and
how people participate in other ways. It examines the behavioral approach
to the study of government and politics, the major theories of political
behavior, and the effects of long-term changes, socialization processes,
media use and political attitudes and institutions. (3-0) Y
GOVT 3340 Film and Politics (3 semester
hours) This course examines the role of one form of media in shaping
political discourse. It examines the role of documentaries, drama, and
comedy in shaping, exposing, and reflecting public political sentiments
of the day. (Same as SOC 3340) (3-0) R
GOVT 3350 Comparative Politics (3
semester hours) An analysis of political life in different cultural
and national settings. Considers different theoretical approaches to
comparative politics, and differences and similarities in types of political
culture, political participation, political institutions, and citizen
well-being and government effectiveness. (3-0) T
GOVT 3351 Comparative Courts and Law
(3 semester hours) Examines the roles of constitutions and law across
a wide range of countries. Relatedly considers theoretical approaches
and research methodologies used to advance understanding of the courts.
(3-0) R
GOVT 3353 Law and Gender (3 semester
hours) Examines how laws and legal institutions reflect and reproduce
cultural notions of gender. Focuses on how legal equality and sex discrimination
have been defined and challenged. Topics include rape law, reproductive
issues, marriage and divorce, pornography, workplace regulations, and,
generally, how gender and race ideologies interact in legal decision
making. (Same as SOC 3353) (3-0) R
GOVT 3354 Gender, Society, and Politics
(3 semester hours) Addresses the influence of gender on the distribution
of public goods and the way gender, interacting with race and class,
shapes social, political, and economic institutions. Introduces students
to traditional notions of rights and citizenship as conceptual underpinnings
for contemporary political and legal debates (on welfare, reproductive
rights, childcare, job segregation, women in the military, prostitution).
(Same as GST 3303 and SOC 3354) (3-0) Y
GOVT 3362 American Political Institutions
(3 semester hours) This course examines the constitutional foundations
and historical development of the congress, the presidency, the executive,
and the courts. Attention will be paid to both the interactions of these
institutions, research methodologies employed in examining these institutions,
and the internal workings of each. Prerequisite: GOVT 2301 and GOVT
2302 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
GOVT 3364 Campaigns and Elections
(3 semester hours) An examination of the electoral process and the changing
role that political parties have played in the development of American
political institutions and public policy. (3-0) T
GOVT 4305 Introduction
to Research MethodologyPolitical Research
(3 semester hours) Introduces students to the
fundamentals of research methodology in the political and social sciences.
Specifically discusses the design of research projects, the development
of models, the testing of hypotheses, and the making of inferences.
Students work on a faculty-directed research project or develop their
own project. Recommended for those considering professional careers
that require conducting and interpreting researchhow to develop
and answer interesting questions about citizenship, governance, and
politics. Covers basic research skills and their application to real
world political questions and problems. Course is recommended for students
pursuing independent study or theses in the political and the social
sciences, or those considering law and professional programs. Prerequisite:
SOCS 3305, or equivalent.
(3-0) Y
GOVT 4326 Political Parties and Interest
Groups (3 semester hours) Studies the development and organization
of political parties and interest groups, and their activities in campaigns
and policy making and implementation, in the United States. Political
and legal issues in the regulation of nominating processes, campaign
finance, lobbying, redistricting, and related areas are addressed. (3-0)
R
GOVT 4329 Global Politics (3 semester
hours) This course will introduce students to the study of global politics.
It will explore the teachings from comparative politics and international
relations in examining changing global relationships and power structures,
and the research methodologies used in this analysis. (3-0) Y
GOVT 4330 The Bible and Politics
(3 semester hours) An investigation of the Bible as a political text.
Includes discussion of the political context and themes of the Bible
and analysis of political theories based upon biblical perspectives.
(3-0) R
GOVT 4331 Mexican Politics (3 semester
hours) This course explores the changing face of the Mexican political
economy. Topics will include the evolution and decline of the PRI, the
revolt in Chiapas, NAFTA, Mexico’s role in Latin America, and
the changing nature of its relations with the U.S. (3-0) T
GOVT 4332 Latin American Politics
(3 semester hours) After a brief review of the region’s history
from conquest and independence up to the 20th century, the course will
include discussions of current issues confronting the region. These
issues may include U.S./Latin American relations including NAFTA, demographic
changes, religion, guerilla groups, revolution, and the transition from
authoritarianism to democracy. (3-0) T
GOVT 4334 Gay and Lesbian Politics
(3 semester hours) This course examines the rise of the Gay Movement
in the United States. It examines the origins of the movement, the shift
towards militancy and the current issues facing gays and lesbians in
the United States. Specific topics include Stonewall, gays in the military,
AIDS, and the Gay Rights struggle in litigation. (Same as SOC 4334)
(3-0) R
GOVT 4335 Immigrants, Immigration, and American
Society (3 semester hours) An examination of immigrants and
immigration policy in relation to the U.S. labor market, industry, and
economy, as well as American politics and political culture. Also examined
are the processes of occupational and settlement adaptation, becoming
legal, and attaining citizenship. (Same as SOC 4335) (3-0) R
GOVT 4341 Politics of the Judicial Process
(3 semester hours) The study of judicial decision making, the political
impact of court decisions, and the role of lawyers and judges at the
local, regional, and national levels. (3-0) T
GOVT 4342 Legislative Decision Making
(3 semester hours) This course examines the politics of the Texas Legislature
in detail. It is offered only during legislative sessions and uses the
session as a backdrop to examine policy making and politics in this
branch of state government. (3-0) T
GOVT 4343 Congress and Public Policy
(3 semester hours) This course explores the history and development
of both the place of Congress in the Constitutional order and the internal
structures and behaviors of the legislative process. Topics include
congressional-presidential relations, elections, representation, committees,
parties and leadership, collective action and coalition building, and
Congress’s capacity to deliberate and make public policy in “the
public interest.” (3-0) T
GOVT 4344 Race and Redistricting
(3 semester hours) Examines the politics and process of redrawing congressional
and state legislative district lines, notably how this process is influenced
by politics as well as by important principles and laws. Reviews the
history of redistricting in the U.S. House of Representatives and considers
recent redistricting and the role of race in this process. (3-0) R
GOVT 4345 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
(3 semester hours) This course will introduce students to the theory
and practice of negotiations in the public sector. Students will learn
to analyze the parties, issues, and strategies in negotiations and will
take part in many negotiation simulations to develop their skills in
issues identification and problem resolution. The course will begin
with the study of two-party negotiations and progress to multi-party,
multi-issue negotiations. (Same as PA 4345) (3-0) T
GOVT 4346 War and Peace (3 semester
hours) This course examines the processes of conflict resolution and
peacemaking in the modern world by analyzing emerging trends and patterns
in global conflict, and the prospects for peace in an evolving world
order. The course will consider the roles of the individual; social
movements and institutions; culture and values; and state, regional
and international institutions in making war and peace. In addition,
it will examine the causes and prevention of war, ethnic conflict, terrorism,
and security issues. (3-0) T
GOVT 4347 The War on Drugs (3 semester
hours) This course examines the war on drugs within the context of democratic
stability. Alternative state responses to the drug trade will be covered,
with attention to the consequences of those policies on democratic stability.
Substantively, we will deal with these questions within the context
of individual democracies in Latin America and in other regions. (3-0)
T
GOVT 4348 Terrorism (3 semester
hours) This course, focusing on cases of domestic terrorism, examines
terrorism within the context of democratic stability. Alternative state
responses to these crises will also be covered, with attention to the
consequences of those policies on democratic stability. Substantively,
we will deal with these questions within the context of individual democracies
in Latin America and in other regions of the world. (3-0) T
GOVT 4349 The Politics of the Bureaucratic Process
(3 semester hours) This course analyzes the role of administrative agencies
in democratic policy making. Discusses the internal, procedural determinants
of policy decision making as well as the interactions between administrative
agencies and other branches of government. Topics may include the development
of the contemporary administrative state, administrative rule making,
and control of administrative processes by Congress, the president,
and the Judiciary. (3-0)R
GOVT 4354 Contemporary Political Thought
(3 semester hours) Investigates the moral and political controversies
shaping contemporary political thought. Considers such issues as legitimacy,
justice, distribution, and representation. (3-0) R
GOVT 4356 International Political Economy
(3 semester hours) Focuses on the interaction of global politics and
economics, including international trade, the underpinnings of international
currency exchange, multinational corporations, globalization, and other
topics. Prerequisite: GOVT 3328 or GOVT 4329, or undergraduate coursework
in international economics. (3-0) R
GOVT 4357 Human Rights and the Rule of Law
(3 semester hours) This course focuses on the development of norms involving
international human rights and law as well as major and competing theories
that sometimes weight against the development of universal human rights.
Also examines the effectiveness of the courts and law, including international
courts and truth commissions, in the area of human rights. (3-0) R
GOVT 4358 Social Movements (3 semester
hours) The structure, causes and consequences of change-oriented social
movements. Historical and contemporary case studies, including the American
labor movement, the civil rights movement, and the feminist movement.
(Same as SOC 4355) (3-0) R
GOVT 4361 Law and Society (3 semester
hours) Analyzes laws and legal institutions as forms of regulation and
social control. Explores the links between legal decision making, social
structure, and cultural knowledge systems. Theoretical perspectives
on law and society, law and ideology, the relation of law to public
policy, and legal change as a strategy of social reform are explored.
(Same as SOC 4361) (3-0) R
GOVT 4364 Civil Rights Law and Society
(3 semester hours) Examines the development of civil rights law, and
how social ideologies are reflected and reproduced in race and sex discrimination
law. Explores how power is exercised through law, and how legal change
is pursued as a strategy for social reform. Topics include antislavery
and the judicial process, the Reconstruction Amendments, the role of
the Supreme Court in U.S. society, school segregation cases, and hate
speech. (Same as SOC 4364) (3-0) Y
GOVT 4365 Law and Medicine (3 semester
hours) Examines the relationship between law and medical ethics. Emphasis
is placed on court cases involving reproductive privacy, wrongful life,
informed consent, the right to treatment, and the right to refuse treatment.
(3-0) T
GOVT 4367 Moot Court (3 semester
hours). Course examines a hypothetical case which contains two constitutional
issues. Based on approximately 20 actual precedents, students are expected
to prepare arguments supporting both the petitioner and respondents
on each constitutional issue. Students compete in tournaments against
advocates from other universities. May be repeated for credit (6 hours
maximum). Consent of instructor required. ([1-6]-0) S
GOVT 4368 Leadership (3 semester
hours over 2 semesters). This course examines the topic of political
leadership. Students examine traditional and contemporary theories of
political leadership and interact with current political leaders through
seminar discussions. Consent of instructor required. ([1-6]-0) S
GOVT 4370 The Politics of the Policymaking
Process (3 semester hours) A multidisciplinary exploration
of the history, ideas, and institutions that set the stage for politics.
This course is part of the Archer Program and is restricted to Archer
Fellows. Prerequisite: Consent of Director of Archer Program required.
(3-0) R
GOVT 4372 Advocacy in Applied Settings
(3 semester hours) This is a course on communication and advocacy. Students
examine how people make cases for their needs in organizations, especially
governmental and political ones. This course is part of the Archer Program
and is restricted to Archer Fellows. Prerequisite: Consent of Director
of Archer Program required. (3-0) R
GOVT 4373 Beyond Congress and The
White House (3 semester hours) This course explores the sources
and use of power in Washington. It focuses attention upon such issues
as the constitutional and technological limits to power, power and the
media, and the struggle for control over national memory and language.
This course is part of the Archer Program and is restricted to Archer
Fellows. Prerequisite: Consent of Director of Archer Program required.
(3-0) R
GOVT 4V76 Archer Center Washington Internship (3 semester
hours) This course is part of the Archer Program and is restricted to
Archer Fellows. Prerequisite: Consent of Director of Archer Program
required. (3-0) R
GOVT 4V96 Selected Topics in Government and Politics
(3 semester hours) Subject will vary from semester to semester. May
be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (3 0) R
GOVT 4V97 Independent Study in Government
and Politics (1-6 semester hours) Independent study under a
faculty member’s direction. May be repeated for credit (6 hours
maximum). Consent of instructor required. ([1-6] 0) S
GOVT 4V98 Internship (1-6 semester
hours) May be repeated for credit (6 hours maximum). Consent of instructor
required. ([1-6] 0) S
GOVT 4V99 Senior Honors in Government and
Politics (1-6 semester hours) For students conducting independent
research for honors theses or projects. May be repeated for credit (6
hours maximum) ([1-6] 0) S
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