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 2006-2007 Catalog

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  Political Science Department

Political Science Department

Division of Social Sciences

Professor Eric A. Selbin, PhD, Chair

Professor Timothy J. O’Neill, PhD

Professor Robert S. Snyder, PhD

Assistant Professor Teena Gabrielson, PhD

Assistant Professor Alisa Gaunder, PhD

Visiting Assistant Professor Jennifer Suchland, PhD

Visiting Assistant Professor Christina Suthammanont, PhD

Assistant Professor Gilbert St. Clair, PhD (part-time)

Political Science is deeply grounded in the liberal arts tradition, drawing upon anthropology, economics, history, philosophy, psychology, statistics and sociology to study politics and endeavor to illuminate the various political, social and cultural arrangements of people’s lives. The goal is to interpret the past(s), explain the present(s) and even dare to predict the future(s). To this end, political scientists study power, authority, conflict, economic relationships, culture, laws, policy, values, ethics, justice, equality, rights, legitimacy and representation, to name only a few. Using these and other concepts, they analyze the political impacts of social issues such as war, peace, poverty, crime, education, the environment, race, gender and globalization. While most people associate political science with the study of governments and other political actors, as a field of study it relies on various levels of analysis and focuses on a wide array of topics. These range from the history of political philosophy and the character of contemporary political concepts to the problems of development, from the role of congressional committees, the presidency, or the judiciary in the United States to the role of various groups in and out of the mainstream political process in the United States, from the intricacies of government in states at various stages of development to the interaction of peoples and states in the international arena. Political Science is a broad and diverse field and the department’s commitment is to help students develop as active participants in the world and to prepare themselves should they choose to go on to graduate or professional programs, into politics, government, non-governmental organizations, journalism, public relations, banking, teaching or myriad other areas in which those who are conscious of the major problems of human society are interested in bringing the best constructive critical thinking to bear.

Course offerings in Political Science are divided into four broad categories: (1) American politics (32-113, 313, 323, 333, 343, 514, 524, 534, 713; (2) political theory (32-233, 363, 373, 564, 574, 733); (3) comparative politics (32-143, 413, 423, 433, 614, 624, 634, 753, 764); and (4) international relations (32-283, 443, 463, 473, 483, 493, 664, 773). The array of courses students are expected to take are described below, but the program of each student majoring in political science is worked out in consultation with members of the department to ensure proper balance of courses in each category.

Students may major or minor in Political Science. A major consists of 33 semester hours of work in the department with at least 27 semester hours at the advanced level. A minor consists of 19 semester hours with 13 semester hours at the advanced level. It is also possible to complete a 51-hour program in International Studies that pairs a major in Political Science with an additional “concentration” of four courses on either East Asia, Europe, or Latin America plus two courses at the 300 level or above in an appropriate language and a semester or longer study abroad experience. See the International Studies Program for further details.

American Politics (32-113) is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in the American category. Comparative Politics (32-143) is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in comparative and international politics. Either Political Science 32-113 or 32-143 is a prerequisite for all political theory courses. Graduating seniors must take Senior Seminar (32-964) during the fall or spring semester of the senior year. This will satisfy the capstone requirement for the Political Science major. Students may offer a completed Honors project or Independent Study in lieu of the Senior Seminar with prior departmental approval.

Independent Study (32-951, 952, 953, and 954) and Texas Politics Internships (32-513) are open to students with three semester hours of credit in Political Science. Internships normally are open to juniors and seniors.

Credit may be obtained for American government (equivalent to Political Science 32-113) by scoring 55 or better on the CLEP subject examination in the area, provided prior approval has been secured from the Department Chair.

Major in Political Science: 33 semester hours, including Political Science 32-113, 143, 964 (Capstone); three 200-400 level courses; two 500-600 level courses; six additional hours of Political Science above the introductory level.

Minor in Political Science: 19 semester hours, including Political Science 32-113, 143; one 200-400 level course; one 500-600 level course; six additional hours of Political Science above the introductory level.

See the Education Department for information regarding teacher certification in Political Science.

Political Science (PSC)

32-113AMERICAN POLITICS. An introduction to political analysis through a study of the origin and development of the American political system, federalism with special reference to the Constitution of the State of Texas, citizenship and civil rights, and political parties and interest groups. (ScS)
32-143 COMPARATIVE POLITICS. An introductory survey of major political systems, representing both Western and non-Western countries. No single political system will be studied in depth. This course provides the tools for such study in the future. (ScS)
32-233 BASIC CONCEPTS IN POLITICAL THEORY. This course is designed to introduce the student to several primary concepts in the study of political theory through the works of a few major political theorists. Through selected authors from both ancient and modern times, we will contemplate different understandings of concepts such as justice, political obligations, freedom and authority. This course is recommended as an introductory course in the study of political theory. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. (ScS)
32-283INTERNATIONAL POLITICS. An introductory study of the theory and practice of international politics. The course examines both the origins and the consequences of the political organization of the world. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-313RELIGION AND POLITICS IN AMERICA. An exploration of the tension between religious and political impulses and values in America. The approach is both theological and political, analyzing the changes and continuity in religious and political beliefs and structures. Topics include how religion encourages political action (disputes over abolitionism, prohibition, abortion and nuclear arms), how politics affects religion (religious pluralism, the development of black churches, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses), and how the American nation is affected by both. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-323LAW AND POLITICS. A discussion of the nature of law as a political process, investigating such topics as the functions of the police, the role and powers of the legal profession, and the contributions of judges, juries, and prisons to the attainment of justice and order. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-333PUBLIC POLICY. An introduction to the discipline of policy analysis. Explores who is responsible for making public policies, how choices are made, what kind of tools are at the disposal of policy-makers and how their effectiveness can be enhanced. Also, the course explores theories about how bureaucracies operate and how they ought to operate. Theories and concepts are illustrated by investigating current policy efforts in such areas as environmental protection, the Internet or the development and justification of nuclear deterrence. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. Also Environmental Studies 49-593. (ScS)
32-343TEXAS POLITICS INTERNSHIPS. An opportunity to compare political theory and practical politics in a work environment, under supervision of department faculty. In alternate spring semesters the internships will be at the state capitol and in Williamson County. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-363AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT. This course introduces students to some of the primary themes of the American political tradition through the writings of statesmen, scholars, activists and essayists from the American Founding through the present. The course will consider how Americans have thought about religious, racial, ethnic and gender differences as they related to politics and how Americans have conceptualized a common identity throughout our history. Basic Concepts in Political Theory is recommended, but not required, as a prerequisite. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. (ScS)
32-373POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES. An introduction to the systems of ideas, ideals and beliefs through which people view and act in the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the argumentative structure and the political and psychological functions of ideologies; on their historical origin(s) and development; and on their respective conceptions of freedom and democracy. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. (ScS)
32-413EUROPEAN POLITICS. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the political cultures, structures, processes, and policies of selected systems in Europe. In addition, the nature and function of the European Union is considered. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-423 MIDDLE EAST POLITICS. A survey of the comparative and international politics of the Middle East, focusing on major Arab states, Israel and Iran. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-433 CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE POLITICS. This course explores the historical and cultural context of contemporary Japanese politics, the political institutions of “the 1955 system,” the policy making process in post-war Japan, and the effects of the 1994 political reforms. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS) (IP)
32-443 WOMEN AND POLITICS. A study of women and politics situated within a comparative perspective. Explores the connection between feminist theory and practice and examines (and illuminates) the structural and attitudinal conditions that influence public policy and that limit or facilitate change in the life options of women. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. Also Feminist Studies 04-403. (ScS)
32-463U.S. FOREIGN POLICY. A survey of American foreign policy with particular focus on the Cold War period and the post-Cold War period. Societal, ideological, and governmental sources of American foreign policy are examined. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-473 FILM, LITERATURE, AND THE COLD WAR. This course examines how selected Western writers and filmmakers portrayed the Cold War. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-483INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION. An examination of the ways by which states and non-state actors seek to handle increasing interdependence in the world. Particular attention is given to the United Nations, the European Union, and multinational corporations. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-493INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY. A seminar that examines how changes in the international political economy have affected international politics and international relations theory. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143 and 283, or permission of instructor. (ScS)
32-514ISSUES IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW. An intensive analysis of the constitutional values, policy issues and philosophical principles in judicial debates about the meaning of the American Constitution. Possible topics include the powers of the national government, judicial review, civil rights and liberties, and due process in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-524LEGISLATIVE POLITICS. An exploration of the roles played by interest groups, electoral campaigns, money and personalities in legislative decision-making. Policy areas treated are civil rights legislation, the politics of budgets and taxes and congressional involvement in foreign policy. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-534 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY. This course explores the development of the presidential office, the institution of the presidency and the elements of presidential leadership through an examination of American political history. The course proceeds on three different planes: that of primary sources from particular presidencies, political histories and secondary scholarly works that focus on particular problems in the study of the presidency. Together, these three lines of intellectual inquiry should provide students with a strong foundation in modern presidential history and the analytical tools necessary to engage in thoughtful study of the American presidency. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-564NATURE’S NATION: CONCEPTIONS OF NATURE AND WILDERNESS IN AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT. The aim of this seminar is to examine some of the political and philosophical understandings of nature and wilderness in American political thought, and to reflect on how these conceptions have influenced and shaped our thinking on other matters such as national identity, gender relations and public policy. The course begins with the early republic and concludes with a few contemporary readings. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. Also Environmental Studies 49-604. (ScS)
32-574CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRATIC THEORY. This seminar surveys contemporary theories of democracy, beginning with core texts from the liberal and republican traditions and continuing into contemporary debates. Course focus varies semester to semester including themes of justice, inclusion and pluralism. The course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143, and 233. (ScS)
32-614LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS. This introduction to contemporary Latin American and Caribbean politics also allows students with previous knowledge about the region to further their interests. The course is built around some of the key issues which confront Latin America and the Caribbean. Substantial writing required. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. Also Sociology 34-614. (ScS)
32-624THE CHINESE CULTURAL REVOLUTION. This seminar explores the causes of the Cultural Revolution, the role of Mao and Mao Zedong thought, the experiences of various groups in society during the Cultural Revolution, and the effects of the Cultural Revolution on contemporary China. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-634CONTENTIOUS POLITICS. This seminar is designed to explore both the concept as well as various manifestations of “contentious” politics, primarily focused on collective actions such as social movements, cycles of protest, rebellion and revolution. There is a substantial research and writing component. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-664INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND VIOLENCE. An exploration of issues concerning the characteristics, causes and justifications of occurrences of international peace and violence. The focus is primarily on post-nuclear era state terrorism (internal and external), low intensity conflict, internal conflict resistance, rebellion and revolution, terrorism and peace. Substantial writing required. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-713 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS. An in-depth investigation into selected topics of contemporary interest in American politics. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113. (ScS)
32-733TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY. An in-depth investigation into selected topics in political theory. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. (ScS)
32-753TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS. An in-depth investigation into selected topics in comparative politics. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-764ADVANCED RESEARCH SEMINAR IN LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS. Run on the model of a graduate seminar, this course examines and considers various sociopolitical aspects extant in Latin America and the Caribbean with a particular focus on collective action and behavior. The course focus varies; previous topics have included resistance, rebellion, and revolution, social movements, and the institutionalization and consolidation of democracy. There is a substantial research and writing component to this course which may include working with primary documents and in-depth interviewing. Prerequisites: Political Science 32-143 and 614. Also Sociology 34-764 and Anthropology 35-764. (ScS)
32-773TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS. An in-depth investigation into selected topics in international relations. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143. (ScS)
32-794RESEARCH THEORY AND METHODOLOGY. Theory and design of research problems, studies and experiments in political science, and evaluation of research methodology using examples from current literature. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are considered. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-113 or 143. (ScS)

32-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
32-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
32-901, 902, 903, 904 TUTORIAL.
32-941, 942, 943, 944ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP. May be arranged through the department. These internships require a minimum of 120 semester hours of work supervised by a member of the departmental faculty and a substantial written component. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
32-951, 952, 953, 954INDEPENDENT STUDY. Must be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content.
32-964SENIOR SEMINAR. This course fulfills the capstone requirement for the major. Requires permission of instructor. (ScS)
32-984 HONORS. By invitation only.