Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy

GSTU 3301. Wicked Problems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will consider wicked problems—problems are irreducibly social and cannot be solved merely through scientific approaches. Prerequisite: Junior status.

GSTU 3340. Civic Advocacy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will help students find connections between local, state, and federal governance and their personal and professional lives. Topics include government regulation of particular professions, grassroots advocacy, voting & elections, and others. Students will explore interest groups and other ways to advocate at all levels of government. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305, GOVT 2306, ENGL 1301, and ENGL 1302.

GSTU 3350. Law & Society. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will explore current social issues such as affirmative action, reproductive rights, civil rights, and religious freedom from a legal perspective to understand how laws impact and are impacted by society. Students will consider their own role and that of society in the creation, enforcement, interpretation, and modification of our laws. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305, GOVT 2306, ENGL 1301, and ENGL 1302.

GSTU 3398. Career Skills. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course is the prerequisite to the General Studies Capstone course (GSTU 4398) and focuses on developing core skills to prepare students for their respective future careers. The course will teach interview skills, resume writing, research methods, teamwork skills, personal marketability, and communication skills. Prerequisite: Must be General Studies major.

GSTU 4398. General Studies Capstone Course. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course requires students to integrate and use fundamental concepts learned in previous courses within the students' degree concentrations including research and analysis of real-world phenomena and problems. Students will work in teams, and students will present written reports on their research, supplemented by appropriate internet and multimedia materials, as well as portfolios documenting their research. Prerequisite: Approved degree plan for Bachelor of Science in General Studies program.

GOVT 2305. Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics). 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers the origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.

GOVT 2306. Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics). 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers the origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas.

INTL 3308. International Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course introduces students to concepts and theories of international politics. It covers the evolution of the contemporary nation-state system, the role of international governmental institutions, and conflict and cooperation among states. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

INTL 4075. Study Abroad. 3-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students will participate in a study abroad experience of at least 3 weeks in length. The purpose of a study abroad experience is to observe, document, research, and reflect upon a culture other than the participant's own culture. It will require participants to analyze and evaluate experiences and engage in personal growth. It will also challenge participants to think critically about the host country and the participant's own identity. Student can receive a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status; 2.0 GPA.

INTL 4313. Globalization. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on social processes and social problems as they are contained in the highly interdependent world system. Social change and development stresses historical, comparative, and critical perspectives, and addresses the problem of how and why societies and cultures around the world change and whether those changes promote justice, equity, democracy, and development of human potential. Prerequisites: Junior standing and SOCI 1301, or department head approval.

INTL 4390. International Studies Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course requires students to integrate and use fundamental concepts learned in previous program courses to research and analyze real-world phenomena and issues. Students will conduct research and present a final project that will integrate discipline related methods with developed writing and presentation skills. The project will be coordinated with the minor and will be supervised by faculty in International Studies and the minor.

LEGL 2330. Introduction to Legal Studies. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an introduction to the study of law and the many opportunities available within the legal services industry. Emphasis is placed on the judicial system and its role within the state and federal governments, the importance of judicial opinions including how to read, understand, and summarize case law, an introduction to legal research and writing, and an overview of the ethical obligations, regulations, professional trends, and skills required of those working in this field. This course is a legal specialty. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

LEGL 3331. Legal History. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduction to the Anglo-American legal tradition. Particular attention paid to legal documents such as Magna Carta, The English Bill of Rights, and the Organic Laws of the United States, and jurists such as Blackstone, Marshall, and Holmes. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305, GOVT 2306.

LEGL 3332. Legal Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to expose students to the major ethical problems they may face as part of a legal team. The focus of the course is the ABA Model Code and Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The course also addresses the role of non-lawyers in the delivery of legal services and the various professional codes of ethics which provide guidance to non-lawyers. Emphasis will be placed on related codes of civility, the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine, proper handling of legal fees and client property, as well as the disciplinary process. This course is a legal specialty.

LEGL 3340. Legal Research & Writing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of legal research and writing. After an overview of the various primary and secondary sources, students will invest significant time in hands-on practice using the most common legal sources in print and electronic form. Emphasis will also be placed on properly evaluating, communicating, and attributing findings within the legal genre. This course is a legal specialty. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, LEGL 2330.

LEGL 3350. Professional Practices in Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will continue to develop the professional skills and dispositions necessary for students to be competitive in a changing legal profession. Course topics will include emerging technology, critical interpersonal skills, formation of a professional identity, and the positive role that members of the legal profession have played, and continue to play, in our neighborhoods, towns, and communities. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330.

LEGL 3388. Civil Procedure. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the theory and practical aspects of basic civil litigation, including preliminary investigation, pleadings, motions, discovery, trials, and appeals. Emphasis will be placed on the requirements and restrictions of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure which apply throughout the United States; however, individual distinctions of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure will be raised. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330, ENGL 1302.

LEGL 4084. Paralegal Internship. 3-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides students with an external learning experience. Students will work in law offices, corporations, and other industries involved in the delivery of legal services. Students are required to work approximately forty (40) hours for each credit attempted for a minimum of 120-140 hours per 3-units. This course is a legal specialty. Prerequisites: LEGL 2330, LEGL 3332, LEGL 3340, LEGL 3388 and junior or senior status.

LEGL 4086. Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent reading, research, and discussion. Entry into this course will be arranged with a Legal Studies faculty advisor.

LEGL 4110. Civic Engagement. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

The legal profession is a public service. This course is intended to allow students entering the legal profession to explore the many ways of being civically engaged in their communities, state, and nation. Successful completion of this course makes students eligible for one Applied Learning Experience (ALE) credit. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status.

LEGL 4301. Constitutional Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An introduction to the principles of American constitutionalism, specifically, the prerogatives of American political institutions. The subject is approached by close study of the documents which outline these principles, the four Organic Laws of the United States, Supreme Court cases, and political speeches. Prerequisites: GOVT 2305, HIST 1301, and HIST 1302; or approval of the instructor.

LEGL 4344. Tort Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a comprehensive overview of civil wrongs (torts). Students will learn the three major categories of torts: intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the elements of various civil claims (causes of action) within each category as well as common defenses. Students will also gain practice at legal analysis, the skill of evaluating the evidence to determine what, if any, claims would be supported. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330.

LEGL 4346. Texas Wills, Estates, and Probate. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course deals with transfers of property, including intestate succession, probate administration, execution and revocation of wills, the use of trusts in estate planning, and rules of construction that affect will and trust drafting. The course also will cover community property laws and basic estate tax and gift tax principles. Relevant Texas Estates Code and Uniform Probate Code statutes will be used in addition to a textbook. This course is a legal specialty. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330.

LEGL 4348. Sports and Entertainment Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course deals with an introduction to many fields of law. These are copyright law, publicity and privacy law, First Amendment law, trademark law and contract law. Sports and Entertainment law impacts many different business types such as film, television, music, professional sports, and live theatre. While there are many similarities, the differences can be overwhelming and an introduction to these business types will be covered. Relevant Universal Commercial Code, Title 17 of the United States Code, and the Lanham Act will be used in addition to the textbook. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330.

LEGL 4350. Family Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course introduces students to the procedural and substantive law affecting the family and domestic relations. The law affecting prenuptial agreements, separation, divorce, annulments, spousal support, alimony, spousal abuse, custody, child support, and adoption is also discussed. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of relevant legal documents and procedures for various court filings. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330, LEGL 3340.

LEGL 4352. Agriculture Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an introduction to the diverse areas of law that interconnect with agriculture and agribusiness. Unlike the traditional approach of studying a single area of law (such as contracts or property), students will spend significant time learning to diagnose a particular industry need or problem in order to accurately identify the applicable area of law (property, water use, oil and gas, administrative law, intellectual property, food safety, clean energy, and environmental). The course will also investigate legal career opportunities within the agri-industry. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330 or Junior Status.

LEGL 4382. Virtual Paralegal Internship. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

This course provides students with a series of simulated, experiential learning environments which give students an interactive law office environment suitable for the development and refinement of competencies needed for the real-world legal workplace. The simulation modules are supplemented with exercises and instruction geared toward preparing students for the transition from the academic environment to the workplace. Prerequisite: LEGL 2330, LEGL 3332, LEGL 3340, LEGL 3388.

LEGL 4385. Legal Studies Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Specialized legal studies course on topics such as natural law, legal positivism, or Roman constitutionalism. May be taken more than once as topics will vary. Prerequisite: POLS 3309, LEGL 3330 or permission of program coordinator.

LEGL 4390. Legal Studies Capstone Course. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course will serve as a culminating experience where students will demonstrate proficiency in legal analysis and expand their repertoire of documents within the legal genre to include more sophisticated and complex documents such as appellate briefs, multi-issue legal office memoranda, and memoranda in support of a motion. This course is a legal specialty. Prerequisites: LEGL 2330, LEGL 3332, LEGL 3340, LEGL 3388.

PHIL 1301. Introduction to Philosophy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the writings of major philosophical authors.

PHIL 1304. Introduction to World Religions. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

PHIL 2303. Introduction to Logic. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will introduce the student to the basic principles and concepts of formal logic, formal and informal fallacies, deductive and inductive reasoning, truth tables, symbolic notation, Venn diagrams, and the logic of scientific method. It will also include consideration of the philosophical foundations of logic.

PHIL 3301. Ethics in the Professions. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will consider both the responsibilities inherent in a profession as such and some of the specific ethical dilemmas that arise in particular professions: business, science, engineering, military, education, medicine, etc. Prerequisite: Junior classification.

PHIL 3304. World Religions: Theory, Origins, & Practices. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the philosophical, ethical, and social dimensions of the religions of the world. Focuses on major religions but lesser known ones may be included. The course will emphasize the diversity of religious experience and traditions. Credit for both PHIL 3304 and RELI 3304 will not be awarded.

PHIL 3309. History of Christianity and Christian Thought to the Reformation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An overview of the history of Christianity and Christian thought from founding to the beginnings of the Reformation with particular attention to major themes, movements, events, leaders, and developments within their social, cultural and political contexts. The course also offers an introduction to the central ideas and debates that have shaped the historical development of Christian theologies, practices, and institutions. Credit for PHIL, RELI, and HIST 3309 will not be awarded.

PHIL 3311. Political Philosophy I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Philosophical ideas concerning basic political problems from the Classical Period through the Renaissance. Credit for both PHIL 3311 and POLS 3311 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: PHIL 1301 or GOVT 2305 or POLS 2304 or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 3312. Political Philosophy II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Philosophical ideas concerning basic political problems since the Early Modern period. Credit for both PHIL 3311 and POLS 3312 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: PHIL 1301 or GOVT 2305 or POLS 2304 or approval of the instructor.

PHIL 4086. Problems in Philosophy. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-3 Hours).

Independent reading, research, and discussion. Entry into this course will be arranged with the instructor and department head.

PHIL 4305. Environmental Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An inquiry into how humans ought to relate to nature, including questions about the moral standing of animals and other non-human beings, environmental justice, and what we may owe to future generations. In addition to exploring universal ethical issues concerning our relationships with the environment, the course will also consider exemplary American and Texan nature writers.

PHIL 4385. Philosophy Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of major philosophical issues and theories. May be repeated for credit as topic varies. Prerequisite: Junior classification or approval of department head.

POLS 2304. Introduction to Political Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the discipline of political science, with particular emphasis devoted to its development in the modern era. Topics include degree concentrations available in the program, types of political institutions, uses of political science, participation by political scientists in public affairs and public policy, an introduction to research and writing in the discipline, political theory and other discipline theories, and career options available to political science majors. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 and sophomore standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3301. Political Economy of Globalization. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This class introduces students to the political system that manages the global economy. The class looks at theoretical approaches to economic conflict and cooperation, global trade, and global finance. Students will also study problems associated with the global economic system including poverty, inequality, and environmental externalities. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2306 or POLS 2304 or ECON 1301 or ECON 2301 or ECON 2302 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3302. Elections and Political Parties. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the electoral process in American national, state, and local political systems. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of the structure and functions of political parties, interest groups, the news media, and other participants in the electoral process. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3303. Comparative State and Local Government and Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Variations and similarities in the practice of politics and in the administration of government in the states. Particular attention is given to local government and state-national relations. Prerequisite: GOVT 2306 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3304. The Executive. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the organization of executive power in American national, state, and local systems. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of the structure and functions of the Presidency of the United States and national, state, and local bureaucracies, and the role of parties, legislatures, courts, interest groups, and other participants in the executive process. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3305. Legislation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the legislative process in American national, state, and local political systems. Emphasis will placed on the evolution of the structure and functions of the Congress and the state legislatures, and the role of executives, courts, parties, interest groups, and other participants in the legislative process. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3307. Public Administration. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the concepts and practices of American public administration. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3308. International Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course introduces students to concepts and theories of international politics. It covers the evolution of the contemporary nation-state system, the role of international governmental institutions, and conflict and cooperation among states. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3309. The Judiciary. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the organization of the judiciary in American national, state, and local systems. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and function of the courts, plus the roles of the executive and legislative branches in selecting judges and checking the power of the courts, and the roles played by interest groups and others in influencing the courts. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3310. Environmental Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An introduction to the politics of environmental protection in America. The focus of the course is upon domestic environmental policy with particular attention paid to traditional media - air, water, and hazardous waste. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305.

POLS 3311. Political Philosophy I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Philosophical ideas concerning basic political problems from the Classical period to the Renaissance. Credit for both PHIL 3311 and POLS 3311 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: PHIL 1301 or GOVT 2305 or POLS 2304 or approval of instructor.

POLS 3312. Political Philosophy II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Philosophical ideas concerning basic political problems since the Early Modern period. Credit for both PHIL 3312 and POLS 3312 will not be awarded. Prerequisite: PHIL 1301 or GOVT 2305 or POLS 2304 or approval of instructor.

POLS 3314. Comparative Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course introduces students to the politics of several nations in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle east. The course focuses on the analysis of major political developments in the post- World War II era leading to the present. Topics discussed include: the legacy of the past, governing structures and processes, and contemporary political debates. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3315. Sustainability. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explore the varied perspectives of sustainability and analyze factors that contribute to or decrease system sustainability. Investigation of the social, economic, and environmental barriers to achieving sustainable systems and options for overcoming these barriers. Credit will be awarded only for POLS 3315, ENVS 3315, or WSES 3315. Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2306 or POLS 2304 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 3316. Political Science Research Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course introduces students to the process of conducting research in the social sciences. Material will focus on developing research questions and extrapolating hypotheses from them, correctly and accurately reviewing prior relevant literature and how/when to cite it, applying qualitative and quantitative methods, finding sources of data and developing a case study, understanding the IRB process. Prerequisites: POLS 2304.

POLS 3323. Political Communication. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Analysis of political campaigns in modern society, including history, design and effects of campaigns. Students will study the uses of different media for campaign purposes, working in teams to achieve common goals.

POLS 4084. Internship. 3-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 16-30 Hours).

Application and integration of academic study and development of skills in a field setting. Field projects include direction of a political campaign, internship in a city or county administrative office, or in a not-for-profit organization for analyzing or carrying out governmental policy. Minimum of 200 hours of work required for 3 hours of credit. Prerequisites: 2.5 overall grade point average, advanced standing, and approval of department head. Field experience fee $50.

POLS 4086. Problems. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-3 Hours).

Independent reading, research and discussion. Entry into this course will be arranged with the political science counselor.

POLS 4301. Constitutional Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An introduction to the principles of American constitutionalism, specifically, the prerogatives of American political institutions. The subject is approached by close study of the documents which outline these principles, the four Organic Laws of the United States, Supreme Court cases, and political speeches. Prerequisites: GOVT 2305, HIST 1301, and HIST 1302; or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4302. Constitutional Law II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

The origin and development of constitutional prohibitions as shown by leading U.S. Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, contracts, due process, economic regulation, eminent domain, labor relations, obscenity, political utterance, and religion. Prerequisite: POLS 4301.

POLS 4306. European Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Comparative examination of European politics and government, with particular attention to the European Union and policy processes at the nation-state and EU levels. This course may be conducted either as a regular seminar on campus or as part of a study-abroad opportunity. Students who take the course on campus may repeat it once for credit as a study-abroad opportunity, or vice versa. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4307. Nationalism. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examination of theories of nationalism and national identity, origins of ethno-centric conflict, and impacts of national identity on political issues. Prerequisite: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4308. Politics of Latin America. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an analysis of contemporary political issues, economic development, militarism, and democratization in Latin America. In attempting to explain these phenomena, the course will focus on the shaping influences of such key factors as religion, gender, race, ethnicity, and the impact of external powers in shaping political events in the region. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4309. Politics of the Middle East. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the history and politics of the Middle East in the 20th century. Specifically, this course will analyze such critical political, social, intellectual, and economic themes as colonialism, Arab nationalism, secular modernism, military conflict, the rise of political Islam, the status of women, and the oil revolution. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4310. International Environmental Issues. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An introduction to environmental politics and policy at the international level. The focus of this course is upon global environmental policy with particular attention paid to the processes that create and shape global environmental policy. Prerequisite: POLS 2304 or GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2306.

POLS 4311. Environmental Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This class focuses on US environmental law and regulations including US administrative law and common law. Major laws will be examined including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the National Environmental Protection Act. Last, the class highlights the importance of citizen participation in the legal process. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2306 or POLS 2304 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4312. Religion and Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An examination of the major theories of the relationship of religion and politics and a survey of this relationship in the United States with a focus on religious liberty, church-state relations, and religious advocacy. Additional focus on Christian-majority states in Europe and the Americas and Muslim-majority states and the relationship of Islam and government, as well as critical contemporary issues. Students cannot receive credit for both POLS 4312 and RELI 4312. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or PHIL 3304 or RELI 3304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4313. East and South Asian Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Government organization and functions, political processes, and major developments in the political systems of Japan, China, Korea, India, Pakistan, and other states in East and South Asia from the 20th century to the present. Prerequisites: POLS 2304 or Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4314. African Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course introduces students to the major political issues and dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, including traditional political systems, the effects of colonialism, political culture, public policy, the role of the military, domestic conflict, corruption, institutionalization, democratization, development, foreign aid, and regional integration. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status or POLS 2304.

POLS 4315. Foreign Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of America's role in the modern world. Particular emphasis is placed on the policy makers, for example, the President, Congress, the State Department, and the Department of Defense, and on external factors such as other nations. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or POLS 3308 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4318. US-Mexico Relations. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will address the main contemporary issues of US-Mexico Relations such as immigration, drug trafficking, commerce, security, border relations. Its purpose is to offer an overview on the major issues of the bilateral relations, and discuss critically the literature assigned. Its main goal is to explain the nature of the bilateral relations and the major challenges currently being faced. The course does not presume significant prior knowledge of Mexico, the United States, or bilateral relations, but some knowledge on Mexican and American history would be useful. This course would be of interest to history, political science, and sociology students. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305, HIST 1301.

POLS 4340. US Public Policy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides an overview of the development of public policy in the United States and offers students the opportunity to understand this process in relation to their research interests. A major research project on a specific policy issue is developed over the course of the term. Credit will not be awarded for both POLS 4340 and POLS 5340. Prerequisite: GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor.

POLS 4350. Political Science Research Design. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Building on the material in Political Science Research Methods (POLS 3316), this course will focus on finalizing a plan for students to research their chosen question. By the end of the course, students will have produced a research proposal in preparation for the Capstone course (POLS 4390) where students will conduct their research and write up the results. Prerequisites: POLS 2304, POLS 3316, and junior status.

POLS 4385. Political Science Seminar. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent reading, research, discussion, and paper writing, under personal direction of instructor. Prerequisite: POLS 2304 or GOVT 2305 or approval of the instructor. May be taken more than once for credit.

POLS 4390. Political Science Capstone Course. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course requires students to integrate and use fundamental concepts learned in previous political science courses to research and analyze real-world political phenomena and problems. Students will present oral and written reports on their research, supplemented by appropriate internet and multimedia materials, as well as portfolios documenting their research. Prerequisite: POLS 3316 and POLS 4350.

RELI 1301. Survey of the Old Testament. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the historical background and basic teachings of the Old Testament and its influence in the ancient world.

RELI 1302. Survey of the New Testament. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the historical background and basic teachings of the New Testament and its influence in the ancient world.

RELI 3304. World Religions: Theory, Origins, & Practices. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the philosophical, ethical, and social dimensions of the religions of the world. Focuses on major religions but lesser known ones may be included. The course will emphasize the diversity of religious experience and traditions. Credit for both PHIL 3304 and RELI 3304 will not be awarded.

RELI 3309. History of Christianity and Christian Thought to the Reformation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An overview of the history of Christianity and Christian thought from founding to the beginnings of the Reformation with particular attention to major themes, movements, events, leaders, and developments within their social, cultural and political contexts. The course also offers an introduction to the central ideas and debates that have shaped the historical development of Christian theologies, practices, and institutions. Credit will not be awarded for more than one of the following courses: PHIL 3309, HIST 3309, and RELI 3309.

RELI 4312. Religion and Politics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An examination of the major theories of the relationship of religion and politics and a survey of this relationship in the United States with a focus on religious liberty, church-state relations, and religious advocacy. Additional focus on Christian-majority states in Europe and the Americas and Muslim-majority states and the relationship of Islam and government, as well as critical contemporary issues. Students cannot receive credit for both POLS 4312 and RELI 4312. Prerequisites: GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306.