Political Science (POLS)
1120 [200].
American National Government [American Politics].
(3)
Survey of American politics, including political behavior of the American electorate, the theory of democracy, the structure and function of American political institutions, and contemporary issues. (C)
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
1140 [110].
The Political World.
(3)
An introduction to politics, with emphasis on the ways people can understand their own political systems and those of others. Students who have already had courses in political science may not count this course toward a major. (I)
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
2110 [220].
Comparative Politics [Politics Around the World].
(3)
Designed to give students the ability to understand and evaluate political regimes by focusing on the political history, socioeconomic structure and contemporary political institutions and behavior. Includes consideration of European and developing systems. (C)
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
2120 [240].
International Relations [International Politics].
(3)
Analyzes significant factors in world politics, including nationalism, “national interest,” ideology, international conflict and collaboration, balance of power, deterrence, international law and international organization. (C)
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
2130 [260].
Political Ideas: Introduction to Political Theory [Political Ideas].
(3)
Introduces many of the enduring political issues in descriptive, analytical and normative terms. Will include discussion of both classical and contemporary political ideas and ideologies. (C)
{Fall, Spring}
2140 [280].
Introduction to Political Analysis.
(3)
Discovery of causal patterns in political behavior, evaluation of the effectiveness of political reforms and campaign techniques, analysis of the logic of scientific research and related topics. No knowledge of statistics, computers or research methods assumed. (C)
{Fall, Spring}
2150 [270].
Public Policy and Administration.
(3)
Introduces public policy and bureaucracy, including decision-making and implementation. (C)
{Fall, Spring}
254.
Introduction to Latin American Society I: Social Sciences.
(3)
(Also offered as GEOG 254, SOC 354)
Introduction to Latin American Studies through the social sciences examines major themes including colonialism, agrarian transformation, urbanization, demographics, family, human rights, inequalities, violence, and social movements. Emphasis given to insights gained from making interdisciplinary connections.
291.
Internship.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Provides supervised work experience in the practical application of political science skills. POLS major or minor students are limited to no more than 3 credit hours. Additional or excess credit hours above these limits may be counted as Arts and Sciences electives. (I)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of instructor and department chairperson.
{Fall, Spring}
2996 [299].
Topics [Introductory Political Topics].
(3, no limit Δ)
Special introductory topics of political science which relate contemporary issues to the discipline. Precise topics will be noted in appropriate class schedules prepared for registration. Political Science major or minor students are limited to no more than 3 credit hours. Additional or excess credit hours above these limits may be counted as Arts and Sciences electives. (I)
*300.
Political Topics.
(3, no limit Δ)
Special topics of political science which relate contemporary issues to the discipline. Precise topics will be noted in appropriate class schedules prepared for registration. (I)
301.
The Government of New Mexico.
(3)
*302.
Comparative State Politics.
(3)
Analysis of the similarities and variations of American state politics with emphasis on policy outputs. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
303.
Law in the Political Community.
(3)
(Also offered as AMST 303)
Introduction to the role of law, legal actors and institutions in politics and society. (I)
{Fall, Spring}
*305.
Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior.
(3)
Public opinion, its content and measurement, and its relation to public policy and electoral behavior. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120 or 2140.
*307.
The Politics of Ethnic Groups.
(3)
The ethnic basis of group politics in the U.S.; its historical, sociological and psychological foundations; the role of white ethnics; traditional and nonconventional strategies and tactics; special emphasis on the politics of regional ethnic minorities. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
*308.
Hispanics in U.S. Politics.
(3)
The status, role and activities of Hispanic/Latino Americans in the U.S. political system. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
309.
Black Politics.
(3)
(Also offered as AFST 309)
Focus will be on political actions and thoughts of Black America. (AP)
*311.
The Legislative Process.
(3)
The recruitment, formal and informal procedure and power structure of legislative bodies; their place in contemporary American government. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
*312.
The American Presidency.
(3)
The constitutional base of the office, its roles and responsibilities and its relations with other political institutions. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
313.
Women and the Law.
(3)
(Also offered as WMST 313)
A survey of legal issues affecting women. Examines the historical development and current law of equal opportunity, sexual harassment, pay equity, sports, family, reproduction and sexual violence. (AP)
Prerequisite: 303.
314.
Sex and the State [Women's Contemporary Legal Issues].
(3)
(Also offered as WMST 314)
This course looks at the intersection of sex and law. Topics include Social Contract Theory as a sexual and domestic labor contract, NM rape laws, legal definitions of pornography, and sexual torture: consensual or criminal. (AP)
Prerequisite: 303.
*315.
Constitutional Law: Powers.
(3)
Judicial interpretations of institutional authority, federalism and economic liberties. Also considers role of the Supreme Court in American Politics. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
*316.
Constitutional Law: Liberties.
(3)
Judicial interpretations of incorporation of Bill of Rights, civil liberties (religion, speech, assembly, association, press, expression, privacy) and rights of criminally accused. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
317.
Constitutional Law: Rights.
(3)
Judicial interpretations of the constitutional and statutory bases of equal protection under the law. Also considers the implementation of policies designed to implement equal protection in areas such as voting and representation, education, employment, public accommodations and housing rights. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
*320.
Topics in Comparative Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
Topics will be noted in appropriate class schedules. (CP)
323.
The Politics of Global Development.
(3)
This class aims to explore variation in poverty and development by examining different theories of change, including institutions, geography, culture, and the role of the West.
324.
The Politics of Poverty and Inequality.
(3)
This course explores concepts of inequality and poverty in international and US contexts. It considers causes and consequences of wealth disparities and engages the politics and institutional arrangements behind the creation and execution of policies.
325.
European Politics.
(3)
This course will examine where the modern state came from, what the elements of a democratic political system is, and how states encourage economic development and how they cope with economic depression.
Prerequisite: (1120 or 2150) and (2110 or 2120) and (2130 or 2140) with one additional course from these groups for a total of twelve credit hours.
326.
Comparative Political Economy.
(3)
Political economy is the study of the relationship between states and markets. The class will focus on domestic markets, how states and social actors create, constitute, and reform market institutions.
327.
Qualitative Research Methods.
(3)
Goals are to give students new analytic tools which they can apply to other courses, increase their capacity to pose and answer research questions by themselves, and to give them hands-on experience conducting qualitative research.
329.
Introduction to African Politics.
(3)
(Also offered as AFST 329)
An introductory course in the volatile politics in Africa. The various ideologies that underlie political movements and influence African governments will be explored. (CP)
*340.
Topics in International Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
Selected problems of international politics. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
341.
International Conflict and Cooperation.
(3)
Surveys the political science literature on theories of conflict and cooperation. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
*342.
American Foreign Policy.
(3)
346.
International Political Economy.
(3)
Examines contemporary issues in international political economy, including competition and cooperation among advanced industrial nations, relations between rich and poor nations, international trade, global finance and production, and globalization. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
360.
Latin American Culture and Society.
(3)
(Also offered as GEOG 340; LTAM 360)
This course serves as an introduction to the cultures and societies of Latin America from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course surveys the region using materials drawn from both the humanities and social sciences.
*361.
Ancient and Medieval Political Theory.
(3)
Survey of Political Theory from Greece to medieval times. (PT)
Prerequisite: 2130.
*362.
Modern Political Theory.
(3)
Survey of Political Theory from 1500 to 1900, with a focus on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx and Nietzsche. (PT)
Prerequisite: 2130.
372.
Urban Politics.
(3)
Study of community power, city government structures, elected officials and city managers, political machines, the reform movement, political participation, urban bureaucracy, and racial and ethnic politics in large U.S. cities. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
376.
Health Policy and Politics.
(3)
Analysis of the politics of health care in the U.S. and the development of public health policies. (PP)
377.
Population Policy and Politics.
(3)
(Also offered as WMST 377)
Analysis of U.S. and multinational policies addressing issues of world population growth, including policy tools designed to control population growth. (PP)
*400.
Advanced Political Topics.
(3, no limit Δ)
Special advanced topics of political science which relate contemporary issues to the discipline. Precise topics will be noted in appropriate class schedules prepared for registration. (I)
*410.
U.S. Campaigns and Elections.
(3)
An examination of the general processes of campaigns and elections in the United States, including the national Presidential and Congressional elections and campaigns and elections for state and local offices in New Mexico. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
441.
Civil Wars.
(3)
This course tries to answer four central questions about civil wars: 1) Why do they occur? 2) How are they fought? 3) How do they end? 4) What are their long-term consequences? (IP)
Prerequisite: 2110 or 2120.
442.
International Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution.
(3)
Examines the increasingly important role of multilateral peacekeeping operations in the post-Cold War world. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
443.
International Politics of Climate Change.
(3)
This course examines the international politics of climate change, focusing on the question of whether and how countries around the world can cooperate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
453.
Asian Studies Thesis.
(3)
(Also offered as COMP, HIST, PHIL, RELG 453)
Supervised research in one or more disciplines leading to an undergraduate thesis for the major in Asian Studies. (CP)
*478.
Seminar in International Studies.
(3)
(Also offered as ECON *478)
Designed to provide seniors from any discipline an opportunity to apply an international perspective to their undergraduate training. Each student will present a term project drawing upon his particular background and relating it to international matters. Open only to seniors. (IP)
491.
Internship.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Provides supervised work experience in the practical application of political science skills. POLS major students are limited to 6 credit hours, minor students to 3 credit hours in aggregate. Additional or excess credit hours above these limits may be counted as Arts and Sciences electives. (I)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall, Spring}
495.
Junior Honors Seminar.
(3)
(I)
Pre- or corequisite: 2140.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
496.
Undergraduate Seminar.
(3, no limit Δ)
One section of this course is offered in conjunction with each graduate pro-seminar (510, 520, 525, 540, 560, 570). Open to undergraduate majors with 3.30 GPA and others with permission of instructor. (I)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
497.
Senior Thesis.
(3)
(I)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
499.
Independent Study.
(1-3)
Open to majors and minors with 3.30 GPA and permission of instructor. Political Science major students are limited to 6 credit hours, minor students to 3 credit hours in aggregate. Additional or excess credit hours above these limits may be counted as Arts and Sciences electives. (I)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
510.
Pro-Seminar in American Government and Politics.
(3)
511.
Research Seminar in American Government and Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
512.
Topics in Government and Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
520.
Pro-Seminar in Comparative Politics.
(3)
521.
Research Seminar in Comparative Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
525.
Pro-Seminar in Latin American Politics.
(3)
Prior course work in Latin American politics required; reading knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable.
540.
Pro-Seminar in International Relations.
(3)
541.
Research Seminar in International Relations.
(3, no limit Δ)
551–552.
Problems.
(1-3, no limit Δ; 1-3, no limit Δ)
570.
Pro-Seminar in Public Policy.
(3)
Review of representative theories of public policy, including policy formation, implementation and impact analysis.
{Offered upon demand}
580.
Introduction to Empirical Research.
(3)
Provides a systematic examination of the scope and methods of inquiry in the discipline of political science, including the philosophy of science, subfields, intellectual approaches, methodological strategies, research design and ethics of professional conduct. Required of M.A. and Ph.D. students.
{Fall}
581.
Statistics for Social Research.
(4)
Provides intensive experience and lab instruction in quantitative techniques employed in political science research, including descriptive statistics, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, measures of central tendency, crosstabulation, differences between means, bivariate regression, correlation and multivariate analysis. Required of M.A. and Ph.D. students.
{Fall}
582.
Survey of Political Science as a Discipline and a Profession.
(1)
Required of all graduate students in political science and recommended to undergraduate majors.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
{Fall}
584.
Interdisciplinary Seminar on Problems of Modernization in Latin America.
(3, no limit Δ)
(Also offered as ECON, SOC 584; HIST 689)
585.
Introduction to Game Theory Research in Political Science.
(3)
Provides an introduction to game theory, its basic solution concepts, and its use and applicability throughout the discipline. Covers expected utility theory, Nash equilibria, Nash bargaining, subgame perfection, incomplete information, repeated games, and spatial modeling.
599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
681.
Advanced Statistical Analysis for Social Science Research.
(3)
Focuses on a variety of advanced econometric methods. Beginning with a review of matrix algebra and math for the social sciences, the course provides an in-depth examination of multiple regression and more advanced econometric models. Required for Ph.D. students.
Prerequisite: 581 or equivalent.
{Spring}
699.
Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
