Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Political Science Department

Curriculum

Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information.

  • 32-001 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-002 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-003 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-004 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-113 AMERICAN 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, p...
  • 32-283 INTERNATIONAL 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.
  • 32-301 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-302 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-303 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-304 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 32-313 RELIGION 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...
  • 32-323 LAW 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.
  • 32-333 PUBLIC 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 ...
  • 32-343 TEXAS 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.
  • 32-363 AMERICAN 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 a...
  • 32-373 POLITICAL 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...
  • 32-413 EUROPEAN 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. (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...
  • 32-463 U
    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.
  • 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.
  • 32-483 INTERNATIONAL 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.
  • 32-493 INTERNATIONAL 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.
  • 32-514 ISSUES 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 crimin...
  • 32-524 LEGISLATIVE 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...
  • 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, po...
  • 32-574 CONTEMPORARY 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 wri...
  • 32-614 LATIN 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. Prerequisi...
  • 32-624 THE 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.
  • 32-634 CONTENTIOUS 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: Politi...
  • 32-664 INTERNATIONAL 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, t...
  • 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.
  • 32-733 TOPICS 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.
  • 32-753 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS
    An in-depth investigation into selected topics in comparative politics. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143.
  • 32-764 ADVANCED 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,...
  • 32-773 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
    An in-depth investigation into selected topics in international relations. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Political Science 32-143.
  • 32-794 RESEARCH 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.
  • 32-901 TUTORIAL
  • 32-902 TUTORIAL
  • 32-903 TUTORIAL
  • 32-904 TUTORIAL
  • 32-941 ACADEMIC 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.
  • 32-942 ACADEMIC 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.
  • 32-943 ACADEMIC 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.
  • 32-944 ACADEMIC 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.
  • 32-946 ACADEMIC 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 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    Must be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content.
  • 32-952 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    Must be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content.
  • 32-953 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    Must be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content.
  • 32-954 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    Must be arranged with departmental faculty and requires permission of instructor. May be repeated with changed content.
  • 32-964 SENIOR SEMINAR
    This course fulfills the capstone requirement for the major. Requires permission of instructor.
  • 32-984 HONORS
    By invitation only.