Undergraduate Courses in Political Science
Subject course numbers in parentheses at the end of the course description represent the course equivalent in the Texas Common Course Numbering system.
PS 1302 The World of Law (3-0)
This course is designed for students who are interested in preparing for law study or determining whether they are interested in legal careers in professional studies or in legal phases of political systems. No prerequisites. Credit given toward major and minor programs in political science.
PS 2303 The Nature and Functions of Law (3-0)
This is a casebook study to introduce the undergraduate to some of the major fields of law and basic concepts underlying them. It provides early exposure to the thought processes demanded by the case method of study, and it deals with what law does toward the operation of our society.
PS 2304 Environmental Policy and Law (3-0)
A study of major legislation defining environmental policy. Also, a focus on the political, social and economic influences affecting the development, implementation and impact of environmental policy.
PS 2305 Federal Government (3-0)
A required course in United States government. (GOVT 2305)
PS 2306 State Government (3-0)
A required course in Texas government. (GOVT 2306)
PS 2307 Women and the Law (3-0)
The legal status of women at national, state and local levels, with particular emphasis on recent legislation and court cases.
PS 3300 The Study of Politics (3-0)
An introduction to the major concepts that underlie politics. Topics include democracy, political idealogies, and regimes, structures of governments.
PS 3301 Political Parties (3-0)
The development of the party system in the United States, elections, campaigns, political behavior, public opinion, the future of the major parties.
PS 3302 American Constitutional Law (3-0)
A study of the Constitution of the United States judicial processes, and the effect of leading Supreme Court decisions on the meaning of the United States Constitution. Emphasizes relationships between governments and between government and the individual.
PS 3303 Public Policy (3-0)
An introduction to public policy making in the United States. Includes stages of the policy making process and theoretical basis of public policy as well as special focus on selected policies. May be repeated for credit when policy focus varies.
PS 3305 Public Administration (3-0)
The development and role of administration in the governmental process; principles and problems of administrative organization and coordination, financial responsibility and personnel management, problems of administrative control and accountability.
PS 3306 International Relations (3-0)
The theory and practice of international relations with particular attention to the forces and processes contributing to conflict and cooperation among nations.
PS 3307 Contemporary American Foreign Policy (3-0)
This course involves the study of policies and problems in the foreign relations of the United States since World War II. Included are studies in the politics, formulation, conduct and consequences of American foreign policy.
PS 3308 The Presidency (3-0)
This course involves studies in the nature and growth of executive power, the analysis of the many-faceted role of the president, and attention to the types of performances of different men in the office. Also studied are the problems of staffing and advising activities, the decision-making process in foreign policy, domestic issues and budgeting, and the future of the presidency.
PS 3312 State and Local Government (3-0)
A study of the organization, functions and powers of state and county government in the United States, with particular reference to patterns of state and local government in Texas. Comparative focus on the state level. Emphasis may be on "politics" or "administration" or both. May include topics such as home rule, problems in international relations, community power structures, change and reform efforts, politics of education and school districts, local government elites.
PS 3314 Ethnic and Racial Politics (3-0)
A study of the relationship between selected ethnic and racial populations and governmental processes and policies. Attention will be given to the role of ethnic and racial populations in the public policy development process and the impact of public policy on these populations.
PS 3315 Women and Politics (3-0)
Women's roles in politics at national, state and local levels as they reflect the economic, legal and social status of women. Also, an overview of related political issues, important concepts, events and movements.
PS 4302 American Political Thought (3-0)
The development of American democracy including "liberal" and "conservative" contributions to contemporary American political thought.
PS 4303 Comparative Politics and Government(3-0)
Study of the politics and governments of nations other than the United States. Course may be repeated for credit when topic varies.
PS 4308 Readings and Research
Selected readings or research projects to be offered as individual study to meet student needs. May be repeated once for credit with departmental approval.
PS 4309 Classical Political Thought (3-0)
The purpose, functions and structure of political theory, with intensive study of Plato and Aristotle.
PS 4310 Modern Political Thought (3-0)
Intensive study of post-Reformation political thought: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx or selected contemporary political ideologies: democracy, communism, fascism, socialism, liberalism, conservatism.
PS 4311 Special Topics (3-0)
Special courses on topics not included in the regular curriculum. May be repeated for credit with departmental approval.
PS 4312 Field Experience in Political Science (3-0)
In this course, the student is placed in a supervised setting within a government office or an agency with a governmental mission. Approval of department chair is required. May be repeated for credit with departmental approval.
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Sul Ross State University
