Political Science
POLS 2301 (3-3-0) American National Government
A study of the organizations and functions of the American national government with a particular emphasis on the responsibilities and duties Christians hold in the public arena. The course places emphasis on what it means to be politically active and civic minded. Finally, the course encourages students to analyze public service and the public sector from a Christian worldview.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.
POLS 2302 (3-3-0) State and Local Governments
A study of the structure, functions, and processes of state, county, and municipal governments. The Texas Constitution is reviewed in detail.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
POLS 2303 (3-3-0) Statistics for the Social Sciences
(MATH 2301, PYSC 2301, SOCI 2303)
Introductory course including elements of probability to support statistical theory. Topics include theoretical distributions, discrete and continuous variables, and tests of hypotheses. Suggested for majors in the social and behavioral sciences. TI-83/84 Plus graphing calculator required.
Requisites: MATH 1301, 1303, 1307, or 1405. This course may not be used to satisfy any general studies requirements for Social Sciences.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.
POLS 2304 (3-3-0) Fundamentals of Criminal Law
(CRJS 2304)
A study of the legal system of the United States as it applies to criminal procedure and due process of law; emphasis on Supreme Court interpretations of constitutional rights and protection of an individual accused of a crime. This course may not be used to satisfy any general studies requirements for Social Sciences.
Requisites: POLS 2301 or CRJS 1301 or CRJS 1302 (S-L).
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
POLS 3305 (3-3-0) Constitutional Law
(CRJS 3305)
A study of the United States Constitution and the U.S. Supreme Court with special attention given to judicial review, theories of constitutional interpretation, federalism, separation of powers, and civil rights and liberties.
Requisites: 3 hours in political science or criminal justice.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
POLS 3307 (3-3-0) A Christian Worldview of Business, Politics, and the Law
(LED 3307, MANA 3307)
This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of a Christian worldview and how that worldview interacts with their role in business, politics, law, and other civic engagement. Students will learn how to connect their faith with the roles at home, work, and in the community.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Spring.
POLS 3308 (3-3-0) Government and Business
A study of government regulation of the economic sectors and the administrative process of regulatory agencies.
Requisites: 3 hours in political science.
Offered: Periodically.
POLS 3313 (3-3-0) Internship in Political Science (S-L)
A supervised field placement with a government agency or private political office. This course provides the student with an opportunity of integrating theory and classroom learning with actual field experience. This course contains a field-based service-learning component.
Requisites: 3 hours in political science.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
POLS 4302 (3-3-0) Comparative Government
A study and application of theories and concepts related to the scope of comparative politics and methods of comparing various aspects of political systems. The principles, structure, and operation of three selected contemporary governmental systems will be compared to each other and to the government of the United States.
Requisites: 6 hours in political science.
Offered: Spring, odd-numbered years.
POLS 4305 (3-3-0) American Political Tradition
(POLS 5318)
A study of American political ideas from colonial times to the present with special emphasis placed on the political thought of the nation’s founders, the political party system, and contemporary ideological debates.
Requisites: 6 hours in political science.
Offered: Spring, even-numbered years.
POLS 4306 (3-3-0) Religion and Politics in the United States
(POLS 5313)
A study of the interaction of religion and politics in the United States. Historical developments and contemporary issues, including major U.S. Supreme Court decisions, will be examined.
Requisites: 6 hours in political science.
Offered: Fall, even-numbered years.
POLS 4309 (3-3-0) American Foreign Policy
(HIST 4308/5304, POLS 5304)
A study of the events and personalities that have contributed to the development of American foreign policy since 1898 and a study of the factors and agencies involved in the formulation of American foreign policy.
Requisites: HIST 1301 and 1302, or 6 hours in political science.
Offered: Fall, Online.
POLS 4310 (3-3-0) Fundamentals of International Relations (S-L)
(POLS 5314)
A study of the conduct of relations between nations, factors influencing national power, objectives and techniques of international politics, and concepts of international organization. This course contains a field-based service-learning component.
Requisites: 6 hours in political science.
Offered: Spring, odd-numbered years.
POLS 4311 (3-3-0) Municipal Government
(SOCI 4311, POLS 5315)
A study of the development of cities, their organization, functions, problems, and nature of municipal politics. May be taken for criminal justice credit with permission.
Requisites: 6 hours in political science or sociology.
Offered: Fall, odd-numbered years.
POLS 4312 (3-3-0) Introduction to Public Administration
(POLS 5316)
A study of the theory and basic principles of administrative organization, communication, personnel management, the budgetary process, and the politics of administration.
Requisites: 6 hours in political science.
Offered: Periodically.
POLS 4315 (3-3-0) Political Communication
(COMA 4315, POLS 5311)
A study of new-style American political campaign tactics with an emphasis on how political consultants inform and persuade voters.
Requisites: 6 hours in Political Science or Communication.
Offered: Fall, even-numbered years.