University of Texas Arlington

The goal of the political science undergraduate curriculum is to maximize students' capacities to analyze and interpret political events and governmental processes. In addition to acquiring general knowledge about government and political behavior, students also learn the analytical skills relevant to particular political systems (their own and others'), and to problems of most immediate consequence and concern to them.

The four major objectives of the department's curriculum are to:

• Identify and describe political structures, rules, behaviors and environments which shape political action.
  
• Explain and employ statistical and methodological techniques to analyze information.
• Identify, comprehend, and apply comparative, theoretical, or conceptual approaches to actors and their policies.
• Develop the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate political phenomena.

The major courses are designed to present a coherent portrait of the discipline. Students begin with a general introduction to national, state, and local politics followed by required courses in political methodology and political theory. Finally, students are exposed to at least four major areas of the discipline. The department also offers options for students who desire a concentration in pre-law, public policy/administration, or international studies. Students may choose any 18 hours (6 advanced) for a minor. Those who want a specialization may concentrate courses in areas of public law; policy and administration; comparative and international politics; American national government; political parties, group politics, and elections; or political theory.

The political science student is exposed to a multifaceted and highly regarded faculty, many of whom have received regional and national honors for teaching, service, and research. Upon graduation, UT Arlington political science majors are prepared to compete for a wide variety of jobs in both the private and public sectors.

Students should have completed 30 hours of core with 30 hours at UT Arlington, or 40 hours of core with 12 hours at UT Arlington with an overall GPA greater than 2.0. Students may be accepted as pre-political science majors if the above standards are not met.

All students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science must complete the following coursework. In completing this coursework, they will satisfy the University's core curriculum requirements.

English

Six hours (1301 and 1302 or suitable substitutes).

Literature

Six hours of English or modern and classical languages literature at the sophomore level or above.

History

1311, 1312.

Modern and Classical Languages

1441, 1442, 2313, and 2314 or equivalent.

Political Science

2311, 2312.

Mathematics

Six hours (level of college algebra or higher; 1302 and 1308 are recommended).

Science

Eight hours in lab science (biology, chemistry, geology and/or physics).

Fine Arts

Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.

Social/Cultural Studies

Nine hours from any combination of courses from: social or cultural anthropology; archaeology; social/political/cultural geography; economics; criminal justice; psychology; sociology; women's studies courses cross-listed with these departments and/or Introduction to Women's Studies (WOMS 2310). This fulfills the Social/Cultural studies requirement.

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for the degree.

Major

36 hours to include 2311 and 2312; three hours in methodology (3310 or equivalent); three hours in political thought (3313, 4322, 4323, 4327, 4328, or 4329 or equivalent); and at least one course from any four of the five areas listed.

Area I Political Behavior and Processes: 3306, 3311, 3327, 4314, 4316, 4317, 4318, 4319, 4324, 4326, 4330, 4333, 4335.

Area II Comparative Politics: 3304, 3314, 3316, 3317, 3318, 3328, 4313, 4361, 4362, 4371.

Area III International Politics: 3329, 4334, 4336, 4355, 4360, 4365, 4370.

Area IV Public Law: 3330, 3331, 3333, 3334, 3335, 4331, 4332.

Area V Public Administration and Policy Studies: 3303, 3305, 3307, 3312, 4303, 4351, 4352, 4353.

Students majoring in Political Science will pursue this general course of study in the discipline AND they may declare a specific area of concentration by filing a statement of intent with the Political Science Department. The area of concentration will require that the student complete the requirements for the general degree plan while also fulfilling certain requirements for the concentration. All students will receive the B.A. in Political Science. Those completing the selected specialization will also receive recognition of completion.

The purpose of the specializations is to provide the student with a focused, systematic, and in-depth educational experience in the context of a broad liberal arts education. The areas of specialization are:
•Pre-Law: requiring a minimum of 9 hours in the Public Law area of Political Science, plus 9 hours of courses to be chosen from the following: COMM 3310, COMS 3305; CRCJ 4301, 4331; ENGL 4371; HIST 3317, 3318, 3319, 3320, 4350; PHIL 1301, 2311, 3320; SOCI 3313, 3357; BLAW 3311, 3312;
•Policy/Public Administration: requiring a minimum of 12 hours in the Policy/Public Administration area of Political Science
•International Studies: requiring a minimum of 12 hours in any combination of the Comparative Politics and International Politics areas of Political Science
•Political Behavior and Processes: requiring a minimum of 12 hours in the Political Behavior and Processes area of Political Science

Minor

18 hours, at least six of which must be 3000/4000 level.

Total

120 hours, at least 36 of which must be 3000/4000 level.

A minor in political science requires 18 semester hours, at least six of which must be 3000/4000 level.

Political Science classes may be used toward the major requirements or minor requirements (at the discretion of the department offering the minor), but not both.

Students interested in Texas Teacher Certification should consult the College of Education section of this catalog for the most recent changes in requirements regarding admission to Teacher Education, completion of University programs in preparation for certification, and eligibility for certification after graduation.

Students majoring in political science are required to demonstrate computer use and oral communication competencies. Computer use proficiency can be demonstrated by (a) successful completion of POLS 3310; or (b) successful completion of CSE 1301 or INSY 2303; or (c) successful completion of other courses approved by the Undergraduate Assembly; or (d) passing the University computer use competency exam. Oral communication proficiency can be demonstrated by (a) successful completion of specific political science courses approved by the department; or (b) successful completion of COMS 1301, 2305, 3302, or 3315; or© successful completion of other courses approved by the Undergraduate Assembly. Students should discuss these options with their undergraduate advisor who may also provide a list of other courses approved by the University to meet these requirements.

Chair

Professor Deen

Professors

Cichock, Farrar-Myers, Gutierrez, Hekman, Ignagni, Marshall, Story

Associate Professors

Clark, Deen, Knerr, Moon, Moore, Saxe, Simowitz

Assistant Professor

Boyea, Sasley

Professors Emeritus

Butcher, Dawson, Hamlett

View Course Descriptions for:

Political Science (POLS)

COURSES: POLS 2311 and 2312 or equivalent are prerequisites for all advanced courses in political science (3000/4000 level). Exceptions must be approved by the Department of Political Science. There is no distinction between 3000/4000 level courses in political science.