Political Science (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}
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}
1996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
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}
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}
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}
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}
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}
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)
2998 [291].
Internship.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Provides supervised work experience in the practical application of political science skills. 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)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of instructor and department Chairperson.
{Fall, Spring}
*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)
*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)
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.
*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)
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.
(3)
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.
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)
The purpose of this course is to help students build a theoretical understanding of American foreign policy. It begins with a discussion of America’s grand strategy informed by the major theoretical traditions in the international relations field. Then it examines the institutional structures of and participants in the foreign policy process. Finally, these theoretical and institutional approaches are used to analyze a variety of important historical and contemporary issues in economic and security policy. (IP)
Prerequisite: 2120.
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; HIST 379; 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.
373.
Politics, Policy and Management in Local Government.
(3)
Study of local government policy, personnel, and implementation. Emphasis is placed on the practical political, management and social equity challenges local governments face when trying to address critical policy problems in their domains.
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.
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)
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study. (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)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of an undergraduate Senior-level thesis. (I)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
499.
Independent Study.
(1-3)
Faculty-supervised individual study in an area of special interest not readily available through conventional course offerings. 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)
{Offered upon demand}
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
511.
Research Seminar in American Government and Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
{Offered upon demand}
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
512.
Topics in Government and Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
520.
Pro-Seminar in Comparative Politics.
(3)
521.
Research Seminar in Comparative Politics.
(3, no limit Δ)
{Offered upon demand}
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
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)
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
541.
Research Seminar in International Relations.
(3, no limit Δ)
{Offered upon demand}
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
551–552.
Problems.
(1-3, no limit Δ; 1-3, no limit Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
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}
599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis.
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.
