Division of Political Science

MILS 1001. Leadership Laboratory. Primary practical training environment to transition theoretical knowledge into applied leadership skills. Focus on hands-on activities, tactical scenarios, and Physical Readiness Training (PRT) essential for developing proficient future Army officers. Dynamic outdoor or simulated environments to foster teamwork, decision-making under stress, and the execution of basic military tasks. Senior cadets (MS IVs) are responsible for planning, leading, and resourcing these training sessions under cadre supervision. Up to six laboratory hours a week. Credit: One hour.

MILS 1011. Introduction to the U.S. Army. Introduction to the personal challenges and competencies critical for effective leadership within the Army Profession . Examination of the Army Leadership Requirements Model (LRM) and the foundational values of the ROTC program. Essential life skills, including time management, resilience, and communication, alongside introductory military technical skills such as map reading, land navigation, and first aid . Introduction to the "Scholar-Athlete-Warrior" ethos and the basic structure of the U.S. Army as a values-based organization. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. One lecture hour a week. Credit: One hour.

MILS 1021. Foundations of Leadership. Introduction to the personal challenges and competencies critical for effective leadership within the Army Profession. Emphasis on importance of personal development through modules on critical thinking, resilience, and communication . Foundations in military tactics, covering basic patrolling, battle drills, and squad movement techniques. Examination of Army Ethics and the professional responsibilities of the Soldier through historical vignettes and interactive counseling exercises. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. One lecture hour a week. Credit: One hour.

MILS 2012. Leadership and Ethics. Examination of the relationship between leadership styles and organizational ethics within the Army Profession. Leadership analyses of historical figures and perform self-assessments to identify personal leadership traits. Overview of the moral dimensions of conflict, the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), and the application of Army Values to tactical scenarios. Development intermediate military skills in land navigation, Army-style writing, and squad-level offensive and defensive operations. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.

MILS 2022. Army Doctrine and Decision-Making. Focus on application of Army doctrine and the military decision-making process at the small-unit level. Students utilize analytical techniques and the Army Problem Solving Process to resolve situational leadership challenges. In-depth study of Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs), military symbology, and the composition of Operations Orders (OPORDs). Tactical instruction covers squad and platoon-level operations within multidomain environments, including terrain analysis and sand table rehearsals. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.

MILS 3013. Training Management and the Warfighting Functions. Examination of the fundamentals of Army Training Management and the integration of Warfighting Functions in military operations. Analysis and application of the operations process to plan, prepare, and execute small-unit tactical missions at the squad and platoon levels . Emphasis on advanced land navigation, terrain analysis, and the production of operational orders (OPORDs). Development of leadership competencies through peer evaluations and briefings while preparing for the requirements of the SROTC Advanced Camp. Prerequisite: Permission of program director. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

MILS 3023. Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations. This course focuses on the application of direct-level leadership and small-unit tactics at the platoon level. Students study and practice the fundamentals of patrolling, reconnaissance, and offensive and defensive operations. The curriculum emphasizes the production of detailed Operations Orders (OPORDs) and advanced land navigation techniques. Students develop the ability to plan, coordinate, and lead complex platoon-level missions in preparation for the SROTC Advanced Camp. Prerequisite: Permission of program director. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

MILS 4003. ROTC Military History. This course provides a comprehensive account of the U.S. Army from 1607 to the present. Students examine the theory and practice of war, the development of the American Military System, and the evolution of military professionalism. The curriculum utilizes historical analysis as a tool for developing critical-thinking and decision-making skills applicable to contemporary military problems. Cadets analyze key campaigns and leadership decisions to understand the heritage and values of the Army Profession. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

MILS 4013. The Army Officer. This course examines the complexities of organizational leadership with an emphasis on command and staff functions. Students develop the skills required of junior officers to plan, resource, and assess unit training using the Training Management Process. The curriculum covers multidomain operations, unit readiness, and Army administrative programs for counseling and performance evaluation. Cadets serve in senior leadership roles to oversee peer-facilitated training and prepare for the professional responsibilities of commissioned officership. Prerequisite: Permission of program director. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

MILS 4023. Company Grade Leadership. This course prepares senior cadets for the transition to company-grade officership with a focus on unit-level roles and responsibilities. Students examine Army administrative programs, including subordinate counseling, performance evaluation, and legal responsibilities under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, career planning, and the professional identity required to lead in diverse organizational climates. Prerequisite: Permission of program director. Co-requisite: MILS 1001. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 2013. U.S. National Government. (TCCN GOVT 2305) Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution; structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; federalism; democratic theory, political participation, and the national election process; policy-making and factors influencing national policy decisions; civil liberties and civil rights; American foreign relations; demographics and the politics of race, gender, and class in the American political system. Satisfies three hours Government/Political Science Core (70). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 2023. Texas Government. (TCCN GOVT 2306) Origin and development of the Texas Constitution; structure and powers of the state government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; federal-state relations; political participation and the election process in Texas; local governments; policy-making and factors influencing policy decisions in Texas; demographics and the politics of race, gender, and class in the Texas political system. Satisfies three hours Government/Political Science Core (70). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 2093. Women As Citizens: Women and Community Activism. Interdisciplinary analysis of women's roles in community building from the colonial period to present and examination of current grassroots activism in the United States worldwide. Emphasis on women leaders, interest groups, and movements impacting the political process. Required community service internship. Prerequisites: ENG 1013, ENG 1023, HIST 1013, HIST 1023, and POLS 2013 or POLS 2023. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 2223. Criminal Investigation. (TCCN CRIJ 2314) Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; interview and interrogation; uses of forensic sciences; case and trial preparation. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3013. Community Conversation in Sustainability. Exploration of sustainability issues from scientific, sociological, and business perspectives. Topics include the impacts of energy production, food production, industry, and our modern lifestyle on our local and global community with an emphasis on systems and possible solutions. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3053. The American Presidency. Recruitment, selection, and authority; interaction of the executive branch with Congress, parties, the courts, and the public; the influence of personality on performance. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3063. Women in Politics. Perspectives on the impact of gender on power and influence in society; political socialization, participation, and leadership of women; overview of women's political issues and movements. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3153. Law, Politics, and Public Policy. Interaction between law, politics, and public policy; the role of the courts in the American political system; the role of the court as policymaker; overview of the American legal system; value conflicts and public policy questions which arise within it. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3163. Media and Politics. Survey of the many roles that mass media play in democratic politics. How the news is created, its potential biases, and its impact on people's political opinions and actions. How journalists, politicians, and the public work to construct meaning about political issues, people, and events. How emerging technologies transform news gathering and consumption. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3173. Introduction to Comparative Politics. Introduction to the study of comparative political systems around the world. Comparative analysis of political institutions, political culture, policy-making, historical development, and current issues in the context of selected cases (states). Foundational concepts of comparative political science and basic research skills using inductive and deductive reasoning. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3233. Police, Policies, and Practices. The police profession; organization of law enforcement systems; the police role; police discretion; ethics; police-community interaction; current and future issues. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3243. Criminal Law. A study of the nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crime; elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations; criminal responsibility. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3253. Criminal Evidence and Procedure. The judiciary in the criminal justice system; structure of American court system; prosecution; right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence; sentencing. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3303. The American Legislative Process. Study of the legislative branch of the US national government. Discussion of the influences on the legislative process and legislative behavior of members of Congress; Congress as a representative institution; the role of parties and committees in Congress; interactions between the legislative branch and the president, courts, the public, and interest groups. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3393. Gender, Identity, and the Law. Impact of gender, identity, race, and class on citizens' legal status under the U.S. Constitution; analysis of the evolution of the current legal environment and the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, with an emphasis on parallels between gender discrimination and discrimination based on racial, ethnic, and sexual identity; discussion and analysis of substantive law regarding working conditions, compensation, education, the family, reproductive rights, and criminal law; discussion of feminist perspectives on legal reforms that impact the professional lives of individuals of all genders. Satisfies three hours Core Component Area Option (90). Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3513. Japanese Culture and Politics. An introduction to modern Japan with particular emphasis on Japanese politics. Topics include Japanese language and literature, geography, religion, the arts, social dynamics, education, economics, history, constitutionalism, government institutions, political parties, elections, and foreign policy. The Japanese way of politics is related to larger forces in Japanese culture. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3613. The Politics of Food in America. United States food policy in global perspective; political and global nature of food production and consumption; history, institutions, and economy of food in America situated in an international context; ethical problems facing the modern food economy and ways to overcome challenges. Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 3723. Modern Political Thought. A study of Western political theory from the Renaissance to the present with particular emphasis on the development of contemporary ideologies: liberalism, socialism, nationalism, Marxism, fascism. Prerequisites: Three hours of political science or permission of instructor or head of department. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4073. Constitutional Law: Government Structure. The development of the American Constitution through judicial interpretation by the Supreme Court, including cases involving commerce, taxation, divisions of powers, and separation of powers. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4093. Constitutional Rights and Criminal Justice. Constitutional rights as interpreted by courts and application by the criminal justice system. Analysis of decisions and empirical research assessing the extent to which decisions are consistently applied by the criminal justice personnel. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4113. Public Administration. Introduction to the study of bureaucracies. Examines such theoretical, political, and practical issues as decision-making, budgeting, staffing, and organizational structure. Considers the influence of bureaucracy on policy formation and implementation. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4133. Women in Leadership. An introduction to the principles and practices of leadership, with emphasis on women in exercising leadership. This includes an academic discussion of women occupying leadership roles in organizations, communities, various professions, and government. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4263. Elections and Strategy. Examines the electoral obstacles associated with running for office. Includes practical elements of candidacy including communication, fundraising, and campaigning. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4503. Criminal Justice Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of political science, including six hours advanced, and approval of internship director. May be repeated. Eight practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4506. Criminal Justice Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of political science, including six hours advanced, and approval of internship director. May be repeated. Sixteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Six hours.

POLS 4523. American Foreign Policy. Constitutional framework and actors in foreign policy decision-making; roles of the President and Congress; the art of diplomacy. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4533. International Relations. The interactions of states and nonstate actors in the areas of international conflict, diplomacy, economics, cooperation, and law. A study of the general pattern of political, economic, social, geographical, and technological relationships in world affairs. Satisfies Global Perspectives graduation requirement. Prerequisites: Six hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4563. Global Law and Legal Systems. Introduction to legal systems and traditions from around the world including common law and civil law (the two dominant western legal traditions), and religious and tribal law. Exploration of the historical, institutional, and structural context for legal systems around the world. Consideration of alternative solutions to common legal issues; identification and critical reflection on assumptions of students' legal systems and education. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4603. Legal Studies Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Nine hours of legal studies courses and approval of internship director. Eighteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4606. Legal Studies Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. May be repeated. Prerequisites: Nine hours of legal studies courses and approval of internship director. Sixteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Six hours.

POLS 4613. Comparative Government: Europe. Constitutional structures, methods, philosophies, and policies of selected governments in the Western world. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4633. Comparative Government: Africa and Asia. Constitutional structures, methods, philosophies, and policies of selected Asian and African governments. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4653. German Politics Since 1945 Through Film. Survey of political and social history of the two German states post-1945, German Democratic Republic and Federal Republic of Germany, and reunified Germany since 1990. Major events of the Cold War era and contemporary political challenges in unified Germany. Analysis of political institutions and social and economic development of the two German states utilizing films that illustrate major periods in modern Germany history. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4703. Public Affairs Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of political science, including six hours advanced, and approval of internship director. Eight practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4706. Public Affairs Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of political science, including six hours advanced, and approval of internship director. Sixteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Six hours.

POLS 4803. Government Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of political science, including six hours of advanced, and consent of internship coordinator. May be repeated. Eight practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4806. Government Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of political science, including six hours advanced, and approval of internship director. Sisteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Six hours.

POLS 4813. Seminar in Public Policy. Analysis of the formation, implementation, and impact of public policy in selected areas of current interest. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4833. Political Science: Scope and Methods. Research in political science; emphasis on the scope of the discipline and the qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in the field. Includes analyses of sources and documentary study and interpretations of the standard literature of political science. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4901. Special Topics. Organized course with each section's title and content varying with specific subject matter and topic offered. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. One lecture hour a week. Credit: One hour.

POLS 4902. Special Topics. Organized course with each section's title and content varying with specific subject matter and topic offered. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Two lecture hours a week. Credit: Two hours.

POLS 4903. Special Topics. Organized course with each section's title and content varying with specific subject matter and topic offered. Prerequisite: Three hours of political science. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4911. Independent Study. Individual study of selected topics in political science. Prerequisites: Three hours of political science and consent of instructor. Credit: One hour.

POLS 4913. Independent Study. Individual study of selected topics in political science. Prerequisites: Three hours of political science and consent of instructor. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4933. Senior Seminar. Capstone course for all political science majors; focus on extensive readings and portfolio development including both verbal and written presentations of research findings. Prerequisite: Fifteen hours of advanced political science or consent of instructor. Three seminar hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4953. Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Nine practicum hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

POLS 4956. Internship. Integrates practical experience with the student's academic program through supervised work in a related professional environment. Eighteen practicum hours a week. Credit: Six hours.