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Bachelor of Science-Political Science
Political Science at A&M-Texarkana emphasizes student engagement and success by providing academic excellence, a mixture of face-to-face and online classes, and student organizations. We offer classes in Political Theory, American (U.S.) Politics, Constitutional Law, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Administration.
Political Science involves the study of political theory, institutions, and behavior in order to gain a deeper understanding of citizenship, resource distribution, and power. It is a discipline distinguished by its relevance to the modern world. Political Science develops students’ critical thinking and communication skills, and prepares them for careers in public administration, law, politics, teaching, and research.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science requires a Minor. Both the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and College of Business, Engineering and Technology offer a variety of minors. Please visit each colleges section of the catalog to review the available minors and their requirements.
Degree Requirements
Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit in their Web for Students account for more information regarding their degree requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| General Education Requirements | 42 | |
| PSCI 2301 | American Government I: Federal & Texas Constitutions 1 | 3 |
| PSCI 2302 | American Government II: Federal & Texas Political Behavior 1 | 3 |
| Select 9 semester credit hours from PSCI Behavior Coursework: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Political Documentaries | ||
| Active Citizen Engagement (EL) | ||
| Public Opinion | ||
| Politics and Gender | ||
| Political Behavior | ||
| Politics and Religion | ||
| Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Violent Politics | ||
| Cyber-crime, Cyber-terror, and Hacktivism | ||
| Select 9 semester credit hours from PSCI Institutions coursework: | 9 | |
| Washington DC Civic Engagement Field Study | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration and Leadership | ||
| Intergovernmental Politics | ||
| Comparative Political Conflict | ||
| Disputes in International Relations | ||
| Congress | ||
| The Executive | ||
| Political Science Internship (EL) | ||
| Select 9 semester credit hours from Theory & Methods coursework: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Ideologies | ||
| Introduction to Constitutional Law | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Methods of Political Science Research | ||
| American Political Theory | ||
| Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | ||
| Public Law (EL) | ||
| Upper Division Political Science Electives | 3 | |
| A grade of 'C' or higher is required on all Political Science Major courses. | ||
| Minor Requirements | ||
| Minimum 18 semester credit hours | 18 | |
| Electives (as needed to satisfy degree requirements including 48 semester credit hours of upper division course work) 2 | ||
| Minimum Hours for Degree | 120 | |
- 1
Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement.
- 2
A minimum of 48 upper division hours (300 and 400 level courses) are required for this degree, including courses in the major, minor, and electives. Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in three areas of graduation: Overall GPA, Institutional GPA, and Major GPA.
Bachelor of Science-Political Science 4 Year Plan
First Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| HIST 1301 | United States History I Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| IS 1100 | University Foundations Mandatory for FTIC students | 1 |
| Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | United States History II Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| COMM 1307 | Introduction to Mass Communication Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| or SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | |
| Creative Arts Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Component Area Option B of the Core Curriculum | 3 | |
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total First Year Semester Credit Hours | 31-32 | |
Second Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| PSCI 2301 | American Government I: Federal & Texas Constitutions minimum grade of 'C' required; satisfies core curriculum | 3 |
| Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course | 3 | |
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| PSCI 2302 | American Government II: Federal & Texas Political Behavior minimum grade of 'C' required; satisfies core curriculum | 3 |
| Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Behavior Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Documentaries | ||
| Active Citizen Engagement (EL) | ||
| Public Opinion | ||
| Politics and Gender | ||
| Political Behavior | ||
| Politics and Religion | ||
| Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Violent Politics | ||
| Cyber-crime, Cyber-terror, and Hacktivism | ||
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Second Year Semester Credit Hours | 32 | |
Third Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Behavior Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Documentaries | ||
| Active Citizen Engagement (EL) | ||
| Public Opinion | ||
| Politics and Gender | ||
| Political Behavior | ||
| Politics and Religion | ||
| Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Violent Politics | ||
| Cyber-crime, Cyber-terror, and Hacktivism | ||
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Institutions Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Washington DC Civic Engagement Field Study | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration and Leadership | ||
| Intergovernmental Politics | ||
| Comparative Political Conflict | ||
| Disputes in International Relations | ||
| Congress | ||
| The Executive | ||
| Political Science Internship (EL) | ||
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Upper Division Political Science Elective | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Behavior Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Documentaries | ||
| Active Citizen Engagement (EL) | ||
| Public Opinion | ||
| Politics and Gender | ||
| Political Behavior | ||
| Politics and Religion | ||
| Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Violent Politics | ||
| Cyber-crime, Cyber-terror, and Hacktivism | ||
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Institutions Courseework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Washington DC Civic Engagement Field Study | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration and Leadership | ||
| Intergovernmental Politics | ||
| Comparative Political Conflict | ||
| Disputes in International Relations | ||
| Congress | ||
| The Executive | ||
| Political Science Internship (EL) | ||
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Theory & Methods Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Ideologies | ||
| Introduction to Constitutional Law | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Methods of Political Science Research | ||
| American Political Theory | ||
| Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | ||
| Public Law (EL) | ||
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Third Year Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
Fourth Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Institutions Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Washington DC Civic Engagement Field Study | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration and Leadership | ||
| Intergovernmental Politics | ||
| Comparative Political Conflict | ||
| Disputes in International Relations | ||
| Congress | ||
| The Executive | ||
| Political Science Internship (EL) | ||
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Theory & Methods Coursework: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Ideologies | ||
| Introduction to Constitutional Law | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Methods of Political Science Research | ||
| American Political Theory | ||
| Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | ||
| Public Law (EL) | ||
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following for Political Science Theory & Methods: minimum grade of 'C' required | 3 | |
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Ideologies | ||
| Introduction to Constitutional Law | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Methods of Political Science Research | ||
| American Political Theory | ||
| Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | ||
| Public Law (EL) | ||
| Electives as needed to satisfy minimum degree requirements including 48 semester credit hours of upper division coursework or total semester credit hours | ||
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
| Minimum Required for Degree | 120 | |
NOTE: A minimum of 48 upper division hours (300 and 400 level courses) are required for this degree. Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in three areas for graduation: Overall GPA, Institutional GPA, and Major GPA.
NOTE: A grade of "C" or higher is required on all Political Science major courses.
Undergraduate Courses in Political Science
PSCI 189. Individual Study. 1 Hour.
This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
PSCI 2107. Federal & Texas Constitutions. 1 Hour.
A study of the United States and state constitutions, with special emphasis on Texas. Prerequisite: Instructor permission only. Enrollment limited to students who have already completed a minimum of 6 SCH of GOVT courses but have not satisfied the statutory requirement for study of the federal and state constitutions.
PSCI 2301. American Government I: Federal & Texas Constitutions. 3 Hours.
This course and PSCI 2302 comprise an introduction to the study of politics and government in the United States and Texas. This course examines the development and application of U.S. and Texas constitutional governments. Topics discussed include political theory, U.S. and Texas constitutions, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, different branches of government, and policy-making.
PSCI 2302. American Government II: Federal & Texas Political Behavior. 3 Hours.
This course and PSCI 2301 comprise an introduction to the study of politics and government in the United States and Texas. This course examines the evolution and current state of political behavior. Topics include an examination of political culture, public opinion, the media, political participation, voting, campaigns, elections, political parties, and groups.
PSCI 2305. U.S. Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to the origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, political participation, the election process, and public policy.
PSCI 2306. State and Local Government. 3 Hours.
This course familiarizes students with the politics, government, and administration of state and local government in the United States, with special emphasis on Texas.
PSCI 289. Individual Study. 1 Hour.
This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
PSCI 300. Introduction to Political Theory. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to the history of Western political theory that surveys the work of major political thinkers from ancient Greece to the present. Along with introducing students to the classic literature of political thought, the course provides a vehicle for understanding political concepts such as justice, power, liberty, and equality.
PSCI 305. Introduction to Political Ideologies. 3 Hours.
This course is an introductory survey of selected ideologies. Topics may include liberalism, classical Marxism, communism, fascism, democratic socialism, conservatism, authoritarianism, African-American political thought, and gender ideologies. Ideologies' assumptions, justifications, and implications for political life will also be discussed.
PSCI 310. Introduction to Political Documentaries. 3 Hours.
This course provides an introduction to political documentaries. These research-based films address citizenship and power. Students will review and analyze political documentary films.
PSCI 315. Washington DC Civic Engagement Field Study. 3 Hours.
This course explores civic engagement and public service in the United States through visits in Washington DC to national civic organizations and representative institutions, and meetings with national elected public officials and civic organization leaders.
PSCI 320. Introduction to Constitutional Law. 3 Hours.
This introductory course provides an overview of civil society and constitutional law in United States. The course will cover the founding, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, as well as the development of law in areas such as speech, press, religion, privacy, search and seizure, and punishment.
PSCI 331. Introduction to Public Administration and Leadership. 3 Hours.
This course introduces and assesses public administration concepts and scholarship.
PSCI 340. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 3 Hours.
This course familiarizes students with the field of comparative politics, its key concepts and major theoretical approaches. The bulk of the course is a broad introduction to the major types of political systems in the modern world, including advanced industrial democracies of the West, transitional systems of Communist and post-Communist countries, and economically less developed nations.
PSCI 350. Introduction to International Relations. 3 Hours.
An examination of changes in the nature of the international community from the Treaty of Westphalia to the present, this course emphasizes the forces that produce cooperation and conflict among nations.
PSCI 390. Active Citizen Engagement (EL). 3 Hours.
This course provides a foundation for students to develop their civic participation skills by learning how to successfully improve society through the governmental process and working together to address existing political or social problems. This course integrates the principles of Experiential Learning (EL) and meets the criteria for undergraduate research.
PSCI 395. Methods of Political Science Research. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to the discipline of political science, including an examination of the development of political science and the methods and approaches used by contemporary political scientists to describe, explain, predict, and evaluate political phenomena.
PSCI 410. American Political Theory. 3 Hours.
This course provides an analysis of American political thought from colonial times to the present.
PSCI 426. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. 3 Hours.
This course contributes to the student's understanding of U.S. citizens' constitutional civil rights and civil liberties.
PSCI 427. Public Law (EL). 3 Hours.
This course addresses and evaluates the establishment, justification, and development of U.S. constitutional law. This course integrates the principles of Experiential Learning (EL), and meets the criteria for undergraduate research.
PSCI 428. Intergovernmental Politics. 3 Hours.
This course addresses how the different levels of government (federal, state, and local) interact and accomplish practical goals, and how people participate in our intergovernmental political system.
PSCI 440. Comparative Political Conflict. 3 Hours.
This course examines political conflicts worldwide; focusing mainly upon contemporary issues, the course also explores the history and development of conflict and its scientific study. It is recommended PSCI 340 and PSCI 395 be taken before enrolling in this course. Prerequisite: None.
PSCI 442. Disputes in International Relations. 3 Hours.
This course examines modern issues in International Relations focusing on nation/state disputes, their origins, resolution processes, and theoretical methodologies explaining them. This course is reading and writing intensive; therefore, students must have college-level competency in written and spoken English, and PSCI 350 is recommended. Prerequisite: None.
PSCI 445. Public Opinion. 3 Hours.
This course is an accounting of the role of public opinion in the democratic politics of the United States.
PSCI 450. Politics and Gender. 3 Hours.
This course is meant to acquaint students with the core concepts, processes, and issues of politics and gender. The first portion of the course explores essential concepts: the actors, how gender politics are made, and the distribution of political power. The remaining sections of the course examine contemporary and future issues in the politics of gender. This is not a course in current events, although some reference will be made to current events in discussing the theories and topics covered in the course.
PSCI 455. Political Behavior. 3 Hours.
This course examines key aspects of American electoral politics and democracy.
PSCI 456. Politics and Religion. 3 Hours.
This is an introduction to a hotly debated topic in many political systems: the interaction between religion and politics. During the course, the student will examine the attempts by religious groups, movements, and interests to influence politics through agenda setting, lobbying, demonstrations, and electoral activities.
PSCI 460. Political Parties and Elections. 3 Hours.
This course provides a comprehensive review of American political parties and elections. Students will examine the historical development and contemporary nature of the major political parties. Exploration of the presidential election system will cover the different phases of the process, influences of money, the media, third parties, and possible reforms.
PSCI 464. Congress. 3 Hours.
This course provides an examination of the U.S. Congress. Areas of consideration will include the development of the legislative branch, congressional elections, representation, legislative structures and processes, leadership, and the making of public policy.
PSCI 465. The Executive. 3 Hours.
This course is a review of the executive branch of the United States, including the historical development, primary responsibilities, and decision making processes of the office, as well as contemporary relationships with the public, Congress, and policy making and implementation.
PSCI 480. Violent Politics. 3 Hours.
This course is an examination of historic and current trends in violent civil disruption from domestic and international sources.
PSCI 481. Cyber-crime, Cyber-terror, and Hacktivism. 3 Hours.
This course will provide the student with an overview of how digital crime and digital terrorism are framed within the network of our society. Our society has become so dependent of the virtual world that it has lent itself to be both the target and gateway for criminals, terrorists, and pranksters. The course will give the student an empirical examination into the politics on all sides of these issues.
PSCI 489. Individual Study. 3 Hours.
This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.
PSCI 490. Political Science Internship (EL). 3-6 Hours.
The political science internship course is designed to offer students an opportunity to work in the offices of local, state, or federal governments. Students will learn the kinds of services provided by the offices, expectations the electorate has of their public officials, and activities that occur in these offices. Students will be engaged in meaningful assignments that contribute to their understanding of democratic government. Prerequisite: To qualify for the internship program, a student must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher, be currently enrolled in a degree program at A&M-Texarkana, and complete the internship application process. This course integrates the principles of Experiential Learning (EL) and meets the criteria for internship. The student also needs to have successfully completed PSCI 320, PSCI 331, PSCI 426, PSCI 427, or PSCI 428.
PSCI 497. Special Topics. 3 Hours.
Instructors will provide an organized class designed to cover areas of specific interest. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.
