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Political Science: Courses
POLITICAL SCIENCE (POLS)
1213 American Political Economy
An examination of the interconnection between the fundamentals of the American government and the basic principles of economy. Special attention will be given to the philosophy of dam Smith and his impact on the development of merican capitalism, governmental attempts to impact the economy and the debate between liberal and conservative philosophies concerning the role of government manipulation of the economy.
2113 Introduction to American Politics
A survey of the rules (the Constitution), institutions (the Presidency, Congress, the courts, and the bureaucracy), participants (voters, parties, interest groups, and the media) and products (social, economic, and foreign policy) of democratic politics in the United States.
2213 Introduction to Global Politics
A survey of why countries cooperate in maintaining national security and economic prosperity in a global economy, and how conflicts between countries threaten that security and prosperity. Students participate in several decision-making simulations that demonstrate the challenge of maintaining peace and security.
2413 Comparative Politics
A survey of the major political systems, levels of government and inter-governmental relations, mass political behavior, and theoretical power relationships inside various regimes. It will involve an analysis of comparative political concepts with an emphasis on industrialized countries, not including the U.S.
2313 Research Skills in Political Science
Prerequisite: POLS-2113 or POLS-2213.
A survey of several methods of conducting original research projects, which may include survey research, experiments, content analysis, statistical analysis, and case studies. Students learn to identify research questions, to formulate strategies for answering them, to conduct the research, and to write up the results.
3113 History of Western Political Thought
Prerequisite: POLS-2113 or POLS-2213.
The course of political thought in the West from Plato and Aristotle to Dewey, Freud and Russell.
3213 American Political Thought
Prerequisite: POLS-2113 or POLS-2213.
History of merican political ideas as shown by our merican political institutions, legislation and constitutional forms, and the writings of merican statesmen, political leaders and
philosophers.
3313 Legal and Legislative Analysis
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and POLS-2113.
A workshop format teaching the analysis of statutory and case law in the United States. Workshop topics include briefing cases, researching cases and statutes, writing legal memos, writing legal outlines, and taking hypothetical case exams. Developing these skills is excellent preparation for law school.
3413 The Presidency and Congress
Prerequisite: POLS-2113.
A survey of the internal operation of the two major branches of the national government, especially in the context of foreign policy and making the national budget. A second major issue is the impact of partisanship on presidential-congressional relations and public policy.
3513 International Political Economy
Prerequisite: POLS-2213.
A survey of the organizations and the institutions that govern international trade and finance, controversies involving free trade, tensions between developed and developing countries, and the linkages between global capitalism and war.
3613 Political Parties and Interest Groups
Prerequisite: POLS-2113.
An examination of the role of political parties and interest groups as intermediary organizations that connect the public to policy makers. The first part of the course focuses upon political
parties and elections, and the second part of the course examines lobbying, political action committees (PAC’s), and the problem of political corruption.
3713 State and Local Politics
Prerequisite: POLS-2113.
A survey of the local politics and policies that most people directly encounter in daily life. Students learn the basic institutional structures and municipal governments in the United States and explore local controversies involving education, land use, and economic development. Students implement different theories of local government in a computer simulation.
4113 Constitutional Law
Prerequisite: POLS-1213 or POLS-2113.
A study of current public law and constitutional law court cases which acquaint the student with official interpretation of the Constitution and the lawmaking and judicial role of the Supreme Court.
4413 International Conflict
Prerequisite: POLS-2113 or POLS-2213
An examination of the causes of conflict, the ethics of conflict, conflict management, and conflict resolution. The first section of the course will discuss the causes and ethics of violence while concentrating on riots, terrorism, revolution, and other expressions of conflict. The second section of the course will examine interstate conflict, including war. The course readings are interdisciplinary and include some sociology, psychology, anthropology, and history.
4713 Seminar: Theories of Public Policy
Prerequisites: POLS-2113, POLS-2213, POLS-2313 and Junior standing.
A seminar which explores justifications for laws and other public policies in a democratic polity with a free market economy. Students learn a variety of theories to evaluate the performance of democratic governments as managers of the economy and guardians of civil society. This capstone course requires a major research and writing project.
4813 Selected Topics in Political Science
The contents of this course vary based on the needs of students and the current central issues political science. Course may be repeated
4900 Independent Study in Political Science
Provides mature students an opportunity for individual research and guided readings. (1-3 hours)
Faculty Facts
Dr. Raymon Huston teaches courses in American Politics, International Relations, and Geography. He is academically interested in terrorism, and religion and politics. Dr. Huston is a member of the American Political Science Association, the Southwestern Political Science Association, and the Oklahoma Political Science Association.
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