Political Science
The department offers undergraduate majors in both political science and international studies, and we have a pre-law track for undergraduate majors interested in preparing for careers in law. We also offer courses that prepare students for competition in Moot Court, Model United Nations, and Model Organization of American States.
Undergraduates interested in careers in politics, or in simply becoming effective citizens, can take advantage of our Public Service Internship Program, which offers "hands-on experience" in governmental and other public organizations; or our Washington Internship Program, which provides academic credit for a summer in our nation's capital. Finally, the Bob Bullock Scholars Program allows students to work in the Texas Legislature.
The political science department offers students the opportunity to major in either political science or international studies, an interdisciplinary program directed by the department. We also offer minors in political science, international studies, and criminal justice, and a variety of internship opportunities and other programs. Our majors and minors have gone on to become lawyers, journalists, politicians, lobbyists, diplomats, political analysts, and teachers. We place students in top law schools around the country as well as top graduate programs. We offer a well-rounded education in all the major subfields in political science, numerous opportunities for hands-on political experience, and exciting study abroad programs.
- Political Science, B.A.
- Political Science (Pre-Law), B.A.
- Political Science - Secondary Major
- Political Science Minor
- International Studies, B.A.
- International Studies - Secondary Major
- International Studies Minor
- Criminal Justice Minor
- Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Master of Arts in Teaching
Political Science (PSC)
PSC 1305 American National Government (3)
A course in American national government with emphasis on the historical background, structure, organization, and functioning of that government.
PSC 1306 American State and Local Government (3)
A course in American state government with emphasis on the Texas Constitution and government.
PSC 1387 The U.S. Constitution, Its Interpretation, and the American Political Experience (3)
A study of the philosophical and historical background, development, and content of the United States Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court in a complex and ever-changing multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-religious society.
PSC 1V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
PSC 2301 Research Writing: Political Science Methods (3)
A writing course designed to equip beginning political scientists with the basic research tools of political analysis used by professional political scientists. Through discussion and analysis of the student’s written research on primary writings in the field, the student is introduced to general concepts, theories, approaches, methods, and models of political research.
PSC 2303 Criminal Justice and Community Law Enforcement (3)
Examination of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, police, courts, and the corrections system from the perspective of law enforcement personnel, alleged offenders, and victims of crime.
PSC 2306 Texas Civic Engagement & Politics in Action (3)
Develop issue specific knowledge about the Texas political and policy landscape of your choice through a semester-long project driven course that culminates with the real-world implementation of your group’s engagement plan in the halls of the Texas state capitol during the biennial legislative session.
PSC 2315 Fundamentals of International Politics (3)
Theories of international politics will be examined and compared in the light of the evolution of the modern states system. Attention will be given to the factors and variables that affect the formulation and implementation of foreign policies.
PSC 2343 Introduction to Western Political Philosophy (3)
The Western tradition of political philosophy from Ancient Greece to the present day. This course will not substitute for PSC 1387.
PSC 2V90 Political Science Summer Internship (3)
Hands-on experience through a substantive internship that advances professional/career goals and understanding of government, politics, policy making, and/or law enforcement.
PSC 2V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
PSC 3300 The Environment and Political Processes (3)
This course explores the causes, the magnitude, and the meaning of the Ecological Crisis and analyzes the way in which environmental problems translate into political issues. Attention is given to the political processes on varying public levels and to political actions that have or have not been taken, or might be taken, on matters relevant to social and physical environments. The purpose of the course is to develop a broad base for informed judgment and for constructive attitudes regarding the growing ecological dilemma confronting all societies.
PSC 3304 Comparative Politics (3)
Comparative political analysis using current theories and cross-regional examples from both historical and contemporary eras. Special focus on institutions, regime change, and political culture, political violence, and political development.
PSC 3309 Baylor in Washington Special Topics in Public Policy (3)
Offered through the Baylor in Washington Program and explores contemporary topics in public policy from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Includes guest lectures by experts in the field.
PSC 3310 Legislative Process and Behavior (3)
An examination of state and national legislative institutions and processes. Areas covered include the nature of legislative responsibility, organizational structure, the role of parties and lobbying groups, legislative decision making, legislative relations with executive and judicial branches, policy output, and the theory and methods employed by scholars currently working in this field.
PSC 3311 Moot Court (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Preparation for Moot Court competitions, which simulate the experience of arguing a constitutional case before the Supreme Court. May be taken twice for a total of six semester hours of credit.
PSC 3312 Principles of Public Administration (3)
An introduction to the principles of organization, personnel relations, and popular control of public administration in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the practices of the national administration; comparisons will be made with the practices of England, France, and the American states.
PSC 3314 Politics and Problems of Developing Countries (3)
A survey of the political systems and problems of the developing states of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Several components of political systems will be examined.
PSC 3320 Minority and Ethnic Group Politics (3)
A study of the political experiences and public concerns of four major ethnic and minority groups: African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Native Americans. Topics include employment, immigration, education, police-community relations, political and economic inequality, political movements, leadership patterns, and ethnic conflicts.
PSC 3321 Criminal Law (3)
Examination of the sources, development, and application of criminal law in the United States and Texas.
PSC 3322 American Public Policy (3)
An introductory study of how the dynamics of governmental decision making influence the content of public policy; course focuses upon how legislators, interest groups, chief executives, and the bureaucracy function to define alternatives and to shape policy agenda and content.
PSC 3324 World Political Systems (3)
A comparative survey of the world's political systems with emphasis on political culture, institutions, processes, and policies. Systems to be covered include the democracies of Western Europe, North America and the Pacific, the Communist and former Communist states of Eastern Europe and Asia, and the politically developing states of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
PSC 3325 Ethnopolitical Conflicts (3)
Survey of communal and ethnically based conflicts, using case studies to explore communal grievances vs. state interests. Examines various forms of political accommodations such as exit, autonomy, access, and control.
PSC 3330 The American Presidency (3)
The American presidency as a political institution and as one of the primary components of the United States governmental structure.
PSC 3335 Contemporary American Foreign Policy: An Examination of Regions and Issues (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or consent of instructor
Assessing continuity and change in foreign policy, including internationalism, isolationism, power, principle, and pragmatism to understand post-World War II American foreign policy. Analysis of evolution, patterns, and trends of American foreign policy.
PSC 3339 Law and Religion in the United States (3)
See PHI 3339 for course information.
PSC 3340 Campaigns and Elections (3)
The United States electoral process, including the role of parties, interest groups, and citizens. Special attention given to presidential or congressional elections, depending on the election cycle in which the course is offered.
PSC 3345 Making American Foreign Policy (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Values, objectives, processes, and means through which United States foreign policy objectives are formulated and sustained.
PSC 3353 American Political Thought (3)
An examination of American political and constitutional theory, from its philosophical genesis in the works of major early modern thinkers to the contributions of twentieth-century political and legal theorists. The original writings will be stressed.
PSC 3355 The Causes of War (3)
The causes of warfare, as viewed through the lenses of human evolution, psychological approaches, economic system, ideology, and the international system.
PSC 3363 Classical Political Philosophy (3)
Cultivates knowledge and expertise relating to a wide range of works by some of the foundational political thinkers in western civilization such as Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, and Herodotus. Provides students an opportunity to reflect upon and critically engage ancient Greek ideas about philosophy, democracy, equality (and inequality) and virtue—concepts that remain.
PSC 3364 Medieval Political Philosophy (3)
Knowledge and understanding of influential works by the most important medieval political thinkers in the history of our western political tradition. Provides students an opportunity to reflect on and to critically engage the texts and social-political thinking of a broad range of medieval thinkers, including Augustine, Aquinas, Alfarabi, and Maimonides.
PSC 3365 Politics, Games, and Strategy (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or consent of instructor
Rational choice, risk, and behavior as applied to politics and political science. Topics may include introductory game theory, international relations theory, and/or institutional rules.
PSC 3372 Law, Justice and the Community (3)
See PPS 3372 for course information.
PSC 3373 Western Political Thought: Modern (3)
Modern political thought from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries, stressing the original writings of great political philosophers.
PSC 3374 European Union Politics (3)
Comparative analysis of the history, institutions, and policies of the European Union. Course emphasizes the continual evolution of the EU and how it responds to contemporary challenges.
PSC 3375 Model United Nations (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
An overview of the principal organs, related organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, including research into the work of specific committees that Baylor’s Model UN team will simulate at national and local conferences. Includes an engaged learning component such as a community Model UN for local schools or applied research for a UN agency or NGO. May be taken twice.
PSC 3382 Public Service Internship (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of program director
Research and seminars supplemented by fieldwork in a regional federal agency, in a state or local governmental agency, or in a not-for-profit agency.
PSC 3392 Washington Internship (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of program director
Research and seminars which will usually include attendance at a seminar held in Washington, DC. Also required is regularly scheduled fieldwork in a governmental or not-for-profit agency located in Washington.
PSC 3692 Baylor in Washington Semester Internship (6)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Research and seminars supplemented by regularly scheduled fieldwork in a political office located in Washington, DC.
PSC 3698 Bob Bullock Internship (6)
Selection as a Bullock Scholar and research in the Texas Legislature or Executive Branch as part of the Bob Bullock Scholars program.
PSC 3992 Baylor in Washington Semester Internship (9)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Research, professional development workshops, and seminars supplemented by regularly scheduled fieldwork in a political, policy, or legal office located in Washington, DC.
PSC 3V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
PSC 4300 Political Behavior (3)
Psychological and social dimensions of political behavior including political images, culture and socialization, participation, leadership, elites, parties and interest groups, voting behavior, and decision making processes.
PSC 4303 International Human Rights (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
The philosophy and implementation of human rights protection in the United States and abroad.
PSC 4304 Governments and Politics of Latin America (3)
Forms of organization, functions, and operations of governments in Latin America, with emphasis on contemporary conditions, trends, and distinctive types of Latin American institutions and policies.
PSC 4305 International Law (3)
Nature and origins of international law and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the states under that law, as well as the problems which have arisen in its interpretation and enforcement.
PSC 4307 Environmental Law (3)
See ENV 4307 for course information.
PSC 4309 Environmental Justice (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper level standing or permission of the instructor
Explores the intersection between environmental issues, social justice, and sustainable development. Examines how some communities bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards and how systemic inequalities affect access to resources and opportunities.
PSC 4310 Politics and Communication (3)
The dynamic relationships between political and communication institutions; topics include political discourse, news and information, and portrayal of politics in popular entertainment.
PSC 4312 Governments and Politics of Africa (3)
Historical and contemporary political developments across Africa’s states, with primary focus on the states of sub-Saharan Africa.
PSC 4313 Politics and Literature (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Study of fundamental questions of political theory as treated in works of literature. Topics may include authority, law and discretion, the individual and the community, and the nature of freedom, especially as these issues emerge in different political orders. This course may be taken more than once, for a maximum of six credit hours, when content differs.
PSC 4314 Government and Politics of Mexico (3)
Constitutional development and political processes in the Mexican federal system. Emphasis will be placed on twentieth-century constitutional and political change, with special attention given to the current scene.
PSC 4315 Political Geography (3)
Concepts and principles of political geography. Analysis of dynamics of spatial relations and interactions of states. Comparison of main approaches, including geo-politics. Study of state elements, especially territorial integrity and frontiers. Survey and analysis of world political patterns.
PSC 4316 Grand Strategy (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
How leaders attempt to coordinate all the instruments of national power—military, economic, political, diplomatic, and cultural—to achieve foreign policy objectives. Attention is paid both to grand strategic problems historically and to ones confronting American foreign policy today.
PSC 4320 African American Politics (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Contemporary African American politics, including leading theories and paradigms, important social and political movements, prominent leaders, party politics, and role of the "Black Church.
PSC 4321 Administrative Law (3)
Nature and the law of the administrative procedure, of separation and delegation of powers, and of the scope of judicial review and other remedies against administrative actions.
PSC 4322 Seminar in Public Administration (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
A course for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students contemplating careers requiring administrative skills. Topics, which will be chosen to meet the special needs of students, include the study of public personnel techniques and methods, project design and analysis, and program budgeting.
PSC 4323 Money in Politics (3)
Legal and political issues related to campaign finance in the United States at the national, state, and local levels.
PSC 4324 Special Topics in British Government and Politics (3)
Special topics in British Government and Politics such as institutions, the role of parties and interest groups, the history of British political thought, and/or current political issues and policies. May be repeated once under a different topic not to exceed six semester hours.
PSC 4325 Asian International Relations (3)
Historical and cultural background and structure of the emerging international order in Asia, with particular attention to the role of Japan, Russia and the Soviet successor states, and the People's Republic of China.
PSC 4329 Political Sociology (3)
The interrelationships between formal political institutions and society, including political behavior, elections, and the policymaking process in democracies. Includes comparative cross-national studies.
PSC 4330 Urban Political Processes (3)
Political institutions and processes in metropolitan areas, including social, economic, and governmental problems resulting from increased urbanization. Students will also apply this knowledge in engaged learning projects.
PSC 4334 Governments and Politics of the Middle East (3)
Political structures and processes of the Middle East nations with an emphasis on elites, political parties, interest groups, and bureaucracies. Inter-regional relations, nationalism, the impact of religion and the Arab-Israeli conflict will be considered. Problems of nation-building, regional cooperation, as well as super- and great-power penetration, will also be explored.
PSC 4335 Public Discourse and Foreign Policy (3)
See CSS 4353 for course information.
PSC 4340 African American Communication (3)
See CSS 4354 for course information.
PSC 4342 Public Policy and the Courts (3)
Pre-requisite(s): PSC 1387 or consent of instructor
The Supreme Court's role in the making of public policy, including its history, its justification, and its limits. Emphasis on court cases and literature covering economic, social and civil rights issues.
PSC 4344 Government and Politics of Russia (3)
Historical and cultural background, the organization and functions of government, and the theory and practice of Russian politics. Emphasis is given to Russia's relationships with associated states.
PSC 4346 Intelligence and Covert Action (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper level standing
The impact of intelligence, counterespionage, and covert action policies on national security policy and international relations.
PSC 4350 Political Parties (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
The diverse roles of political parties in representative democracies, with emphasis on the American experience.
PSC 4351 Criticism of Contemporary Public Address (3)
See CSS 4351 for course information.
PSC 4352 The Politics of Poverty (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
An analysis of the causes of poverty amidst plenty and governmental efforts to address the problem.
PSC 4353 Social Philosophy (3)
See PHI 4361 for course information.
PSC 4354 Governments and Politics of Western Europe (3)
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in PSC 3304; or consent of instructor
A comparative study of the forms of government organization, political processes, and major developments in Western Europe. Course emphasizes parliamentary forms of democracy.
PSC 4355 Power, Morality, and International Relations (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
The influence of moral principles on international politics.
PSC 4361 American Constitutional Law (3)
Constitutional law of the United States with basic cases concerning such subjects as separation of powers, federalism, the taxing and spending powers, and interstate and foreign commerce.
PSC 4364 The Governments and Politics of the Asia-Pacific Region (3)
Historical development of the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on the contrasting roles played by China, Japan, and the United States. Discussion of alternative models of economic development and the impact of ASEAN and APEC on regionalism. Survey of the socio-political conditions in and among the region's states, with special attention devoted to Korean unification and cross-strait relations.
PSC 4365 International Political Economics (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Junior standing or above
How international politics and economics intersect. Special emphasis is placed on the politics of trade. Other topics may include development, exchange rates, globalization, inequality, international institutions, migration, monetary policy, regional integration, sanctions, and transnational regulation.
PSC 4370 Politics and Religion (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
The dynamic interaction between religion and politics in countries around the world, including how religion shapes political ideologies and behavior as well as the interplay between politics and religion in the context of political institutions, including legislative, executive, and judicial branches as well as political parties.
PSC 4373 Special Topics in Political Philosophy (3)
Pre-requisite(s): At least one 3000-level course in political philosophy, or consent of instructor
An upper-level seminar on a philosopher, a tradition of thought, or a theoretical problem in political philosophy.
PSC 4374 Governments and Politics of East Asia (3)
Government organization and functions, political processes, and major developments in the political systems of Japan, China, and Korea since World War II.
PSC 4375 International Organization (3)
Fundamentals of international politics and international law, advancing to an intensified study of past and, particularly, present international organizations, especially the United Nations.
PSC 4379 Islam and Democracy (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Examines the evolution of political philosophy and institutions in Muslim culture.
PSC 4380 Government and Business (3)
Government in relation to the economy. Public policy with respect to such vital areas as maintenance of competition, public utilities, transportation, labor, agriculture, protection of the investor, and foreign economic policy. (Not to be taken if ECO 4317 has already been taken for credit.)
PSC 4381 American Constitutional Law (3)
Continuation of PSC 4361 but may be taken independently of that offering. Deals with those cases relating particularly to personal liberty and civil rights.
PSC 4383 Contemporary Political Thought (3)
Twentieth-century political ideas, with emphasis on contemporary democratic political theory and the challenges posed for traditional democratic ideals by major movements in contemporary psychological, existentialist, ethnic, feminist, socialist, and nationalist thought, and by problems arising from technology, mass society, and the observations of empirical political science.
PSC 4384 Wars, Ideas, and State-building (3)
The development of contemporary states and nations, emphasizing war, geographic location, natural resources, and cultural and religious norms as determinants of different experiences.
PSC 4385 Diplomacy in Theory and Practice (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
How states and other international actors communicate and pursue their foreign policy objectives through the use of diplomatic agents and techniques.
PSC 4386 Russia and the World (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or consent of the Instructor
Evolution of Russia’s foreign policy objectives, its national security strategies and its relations with the U.S., Europe and post-Soviet states, including spheres of cooperation and rivalry between Russia and the West, regional conflicts, energy politics, non-proliferation and counterterrorism.
PSC 4388 Ukraine in Europe (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Examines the evolution of the Ukrainian state from its founding in 1991 and the competing influence of Russia, the European Union and the United States on its society, institutions and political actors.
PSC 4390 Reading Course in Political Science (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing and consent of the chairperson of the department
A tutorial course designed for advanced study in political science. The nature, limits, and requirements will be established in each instance after consultation between professor and student. May also be taken by student in a particular field after consultation with appropriate professor. May be repeated under a different topic for a total of six hours credit.
PSC 4392 Special Topics in International Political Economics (3)
An overview of a specialized area of international political economics not covered by regular course offerings. May be repeated once under a different topic not to exceed six semester hours.
PSC 4393 Special Topics in Comparative Politics (3)
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in PSC 3304; or consent of instructor
An overview of a specialized area of comparative politics not covered by regular course offerings. May be repeated once under a different topic not to exceed six semester hours.
PSC 4395 Terrorism (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
The effectiveness of terrorism as a coercive strategy for states and non-state actors as well as the threat terrorism poses to the interests of the United States.
PSC 4396 International Studies Senior Seminar (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Senior seminar for international studies majors. Focus on career readiness, writing for a variety of audiences, and developing a final portfolio of analytical and communication skills.
PSC 4397 Political Regimes and International Security (3)
This course looks at the origins, institutions, and policies of democratic and authoritarian regimes. It explores the variation among autocracies and its effect on their stability and patterns of change, with a special focus on revolutions and negotiated transitions.
PSC 4399 The Good Citizen in American Film & Pop Culture (3)
Pre-requisite(s): PSC 2343; or consent of instructor
Normative questions of political life and experience (such as, the good citizen, the good soldier, heroism, and virtue) through the medium of film, both recent and past.
PSC 4V89 Advanced Model Organization of American States (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): HIS 2V89
Course prepares advanced students for leadership roles in a Model Organization of American States simulation. May be repeated for a total of six credit hours under different topics.
PSC 4V94 Special Topics in Political Science (1-6)
Examination of special topics in government and politics. May be repeated once under different topic not to exceed six semester hours.
PSC 4V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.