A minimum of 26 credit hours; 23 credit hours must be in courses acceptable toward graduation.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on all work.
Completion of Department of Political Science admission course work with grades of "C" or better:
A total of 36 credit hours is required for a major in Political Science. These credit hours must be distributed among the following:
The shared-credit program allows high-achieving Political Science majors to take graduate courses for shared undergraduate credit in their senior year and finish the M.A. in Political Science in one additional year.
Students seeking admission to the shared-credit program should contact the Political Science Graduate Director in the Fall semester of their junior year and apply to the graduate program early in the Spring semester of their junior year. Applicants should have completed 90 credit hours toward the B.A. degree by the end of their junior year and must also meet the following other requirements:
For shared-credit coursework to count toward the M.A. degree, the student must maintain at least a 3.20 GPA in courses taken for graduate credit after admission to the program.
Students enter the program in the Fall semester of their senior year, and will complete the following alongside their undergraduate classes:
In the Spring of their senior year, students must complete the following alongside their remaining undergraduate courses:
These 21 credit hours count towards the upper-division course requirement for the B.A. in Political Science.
In the Fall semester of their "plus-one" year, participants are enrolled as graduate students and take:
Shared-credit coursework will count toward the undergraduate degree whether or not the student gains admission into the M.A. program provided that the student earns a grade of “B” or better in those courses. After meeting the course and GPA requirements, students in the Shared-Credit Degrees Program graduate with the B.A. in Political Science at the end of the Spring semester of their senior year and with the M.A. in Political Science at the end of the Spring semester of their "plus-one" year. Students who choose not to complete the graduate portion of the program are still awarded the undergraduate degree when all undergraduate requirements are met.
A Political Science major may pursue a distributed minor consisting of courses in related disciplines, provided the minor program of courses is approved by the department chairperson.
A total of 24 credit hours, including at least three of the core courses and four courses numbered 300 or above, is required for a minor in Political Science. A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses counted toward the minor. Only 3 credit hours of POLS 2996 are permitted toward the minor. However, students may enroll in additional credit hours of POLS 2996 and count them as electives. No more than a total of 3 credit hours of Internship (291 and/or 491) or Independent Study (499) combined can be counted toward the minor.
Superior sophomore and junior students are invited to apply for admission to the Undergraduate Honors Program, beginning in the junior year. Students participating in this program are eligible to graduate with departmental honors if recommended by the faculty on the basis of outstanding performance. Those enrolled in the honors program are expected to complete the following sequence of courses for a total of 9 credit hours: POLS 495, 496 (or, with prior approval, another 400-level course) and 497.
Courses
POLS 1120. American National Government. (3)
This course explains the role of American national government, its formation and principles of the Constitution; relation of state to the national government; political parties and their relationship to interest groups. This course also explains the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. (C)
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 1140. The Political World. (3)
This course introduces politics with emphasis on the ways people can understand their own political systems and those of others in a greater depth. This course will help in becoming more responsible and effective in the political world. (I)
Students who have already had courses in political science may not count this course toward a major.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 1996. Topics. (1-6, no limit Δ)
POLS 2110. Comparative Politics. (3)
This course introduces comparative politics by examining the political history, social and economic structures, and contemporary political institutions and behavior, with focus on occurrences in countries representing diverse cultures, geographies, and levels of development. (C)
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 2120. International Relations. (3)
This course covers the analysis of significant factors in world politics, including nationalism, national interest, political economy, ideology, international conflict and collaboration, balance of power, deterrence, international law, and international organization. (C)
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 2130. Political Ideas: Introduction to Political Theory. (3)
This course offers an introductory survey of political theory. Emphasis is placed on (1) textual analysis of primary sources and on (2) scholarly analysis of the foundational questions and methods central to the academic study of political ideas. Studying political ideas involves thinking about a) the very definition of political theory itself, b) what one would need to know in order to make evidence- based claims about political theory texts and c) why and how the study of political theory leads political scientists into the exploration of “essentially contested concepts.” More specifically, throughout the semester, we will explore questions relating to 1) what is the definition of political theory; 2) why/how are interpretative disputes at the core of political theory and 3) how have major political theories/ideas—democracy, liberalism, conservatism, socialism, liberation theory, and fascism—changed and developed over time? In sum, this is a survey course on the history of political ideas. (C)
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 2140. Introduction to Political Analysis. (3)
What makes the field of political science a science? What are the variety of research methods and tools for analysis employed by scholars? The goal of this course is to introduce students to the scientific process by political scientists. The interpretation and analysis of data is also essential for almost any career that a political science major might pursue. Lawyers and lobbyists, politicians and professors all need to be able to read and understand reports in which numerical summaries of data (i.e., statistics) are used as evidence to support an argument or point of view. These professionals need to ascertain whether these statistics are being used appropriately. In addition, many of these professionals need to do their own statistical analysis. This course introduces students to statistics and the scientific study of politics. Students will learn why statistics are useful, how to interpret a variety of statistics, how to analyze data to generate their own statistics, and how to tell whether their statistics support their own argument. Students will also learn how to apply the scientific research process to their own research questions by completing a research design project. (C)
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 2150. Public Policy and Administration. (3)
The objective of this introductory course in public policy and public administration is to provide students with a basic understanding of the ways that government deals with problems affecting society. We will explore the political tools used to address public policy problems, as well as the political environment in which public policies are formed. Additionally, several specific public policy problems will be discussed during the semester. For each topic, we will try to understand the goals that the government and society seem to be seeking, alternative means for achieving those goals, the costs and benefits of the various alternatives, and the impact of politics on those goals. We will primarily examine policymaking at the national level, but we will also look at some examples at the state and local level. (C)
{Fall, Spring}
POLS 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.
POLS 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}
POLS 2996. Topics. (3, no limit Δ)
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)
POLS *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)
POLS 301. The Government of New Mexico. (3)
POLS *302. Comparative State Politics. (3)
Analysis of the similarities and variations of American state politics with emphasis on policy outputs. (AP)
Prerequisite: 1120.
POLS 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}
POLS *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.
POLS *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.
POLS *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.
POLS 309. Black Politics. (3)
(Also offered as AFST 309)
Focus will be on political actions and thoughts of Black America. (AP)
POLS *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.
POLS *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.
POLS 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.
POLS 314. Sex and the State. (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.
POLS *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.
POLS *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.
POLS 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.
POLS *320. Topics in Comparative Politics. (3, no limit Δ)
Topics will be noted in appropriate class schedules. (CP)
POLS 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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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)
POLS *340. Topics in International Politics. (3, no limit Δ)
Selected problems of international politics. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
POLS 341. International Conflict and Cooperation. (3)
Surveys the political science literature on theories of conflict and cooperation. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
POLS *342. American Foreign Policy. (3)
POLS 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.
POLS 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.
POLS *361. Ancient and Medieval Political Theory. (3)
Survey of Political Theory from Greece to medieval times. (PT)
Prerequisite: 2130.
POLS *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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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)
POLS 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)
POLS *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)
POLS *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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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.
POLS 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)
POLS *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)
POLS 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}
POLS 495. Junior Honors Seminar. (3)
(I)
Pre- or corequisite: 2140.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
POLS 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.
POLS 497. Senior Thesis. (3)
(I)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
POLS 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.
POLS 510. Pro-Seminar in American Government and Politics. (3)
POLS 511. Research Seminar in American Government and Politics. (3, no limit Δ)
POLS 512. Topics in Government and Politics. (3, no limit Δ)
POLS 520. Pro-Seminar in Comparative Politics. (3)
POLS 521. Research Seminar in Comparative Politics. (3, no limit Δ)
POLS 525. Pro-Seminar in Latin American Politics. (3)
Prior course work in Latin American politics required; reading knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable.
POLS 540. Pro-Seminar in International Relations. (3)
POLS 541. Research Seminar in International Relations. (3, no limit Δ)
POLS 551–552. Problems. (1-3, no limit Δ; 1-3, no limit Δ)
POLS 570. Pro-Seminar in Public Policy. (3)
Review of representative theories of public policy, including policy formation, implementation and impact analysis.
{Offered upon demand}
POLS 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}
POLS 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}
POLS 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}
POLS 584. Interdisciplinary Seminar on Problems of Modernization in Latin America. (3, no limit Δ)
(Also offered as ECON, SOC 584; HIST 689)
POLS 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.
POLS 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
POLS 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}
POLS 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
