Stephen Jessee

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

GOV 350K

a)  Prerequisites (if any)

             None

b)   Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistics with a focus on political applications. Students will learn how to learn from data and to interpret the substantive implications of these results. Topics will include estimating means, associations between variables and regression modeling.

c)    Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of problem sets, in class activities (including quizzes and group work), a midterm and a final exam.

d)   Texts
Online resources and others TBD

 [Optional: Rowntree. “Statistics Without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians.”]

GOV 350K

a)  Prerequisites (if any)

             None

b)   Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistics with a focus on political applications. Students will learn how to learn from data and to interpret the substantive implications of these results. Topics will include estimating means, associations between variables and regression modeling.

c)    Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of problem sets, in class activities (including quizzes and group work), a midterm and a final exam.

d)   Texts
Online resources and others TBD

 [Optional: Rowntree. “Statistics Without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians.”]

Experiments are the gold standard in many academic disciplines, but it can be difficult or impossible to design and implement true experimental designs for many political science research questions. At the same time, expectations for clear causal identification are rising, requiring political scientists to defend their work against critiques of endogeneity and other issues related to lack of causal identification. This course will cover methods that seek to identify causal effects in the absence of true experimental designs. We will begin by covering the potential outcomes framework for causal inference, then move on to methods that, under various sets of assumptions, can allow for the identification of causal effects. These methods will include, regression models, difference-in-differences, synthetic controls, natural experiments, instrumental variables, matching, regression discontinuity designs, and matching.  

Prerequisites   

Knowledge of introductory statistics (including probability and hypothesis testing) and regression modeling at the level of GOV 391J and GOV 391L  

Grading Policy 

Problem sets, exam and final paper.

Texts

Research articles and book chapters to be posted online.

The Signature Course (UGS 302 and 303) introduces first-year students to the university’s academic community through the exploration of new interests. The Signature Course is your opportunity to engage in college-level thinking and learning.

GOV 385L.5, BAYESIAN STATISTICS

Closing limit: 12

TTH 12:30-2PM, MEZ 1.104

Prerequisites 

            Knowledge of basic probability and statistics, regression and maximum likelihood models.

Course Description

            This course will cover Bayesian statistics with a focus on social science (especially political science) examples and applications.  The class will begin by covering the basics of Bayesian statistics including the differences between Bayesian and standard (frequentist) estimation and inference.  The course will also focus on modern estimation techniques, especially MCMC simulation methods and, as time allows, will move on to more specialized topics.  The class will also spend a considerable amount of time covering so-called latent traits models both because the Bayesian approach is particularly well suited for these types of models and also because these models are extremely useful in political science for learning about underlying quantities that cannot be directly measured (e.g., ideology, political knowledge, level of democracy, etc.).

Grading Policy

            Grades will be based on problem sets and an applied research paper.

Texts

            (tentatively) Simon Jackman. Bayesian Analysis for the Social Sciences

GOV 391J, STATS I

Closing limit: 27

TTH 9:30-11AM, MEZ 1.120

Prerequisites 

            none

Course Description

            This course will introduce students to basic probability and statistics, laying a foundation for further graduate statistics training and ending by covering linear regression.

Grading Policy

            Grades are based on weekly problem sets, two in-class exams and a research projects.

Texts

            (tentatively) Jan Kmenta. Elements of Econometrics, Second Edition.

Unique: 38740

GOV 391J, Statistical Analysis in Political Science I

TTH 9:30-11:00am, MEZ 1.120

?

?Course Description

This course will cover the basics of probability and statistical inference, including estimation, hypothesis testing, linear regression and other applied methods. This is the first course in the PhD-level Government Department statistical methods sequence.

Grading Policy:

Grades will be based on problem sets, exams and class participation.

Texts:

TBD

Prerequisites

None

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistics with a focus on political applications. Students will learn how to learn from data and to interpret the substantive implications of these results. Topics will include estimating means, associations between variables and regression modeling.

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of problem sets, in class activities (including quizzes and group work), a midterm and a final exam.

Texts

Agresti and Finlay. “Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences” (4th Edition). Pearson/Prentice Hall.

[Optional: Rowntree. “Statistics Without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians.”]

Prerequisites 

None

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistics with a focus on political applications. Students will learn how to learn from data and to interpret the substantive implications of these results. Topics will include estimating means, associations between variables and regression modeling.

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of problem sets, in class activities (including quizzes and group work), a midterm and a final exam.

Texts

Agresti and Finlay. “Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences” (4th Edition). Pearson/Prentice Hall.

[Optional: Rowntree. “Statistics Without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians.”]

Course number:  GOV   385L  

Course Title: CAUSAL INFERENCE METHODS

Instructor:   JESSEE, S         Closing limit:  10       Meeting time:  TTH     02:00PM -  03:30PM   BAT  5.102      

Prerequisites   

Knowledge of introductory statistics (including probability and hypothesis testing) and regression modeling at the level of GOV 391J and GOV 391L  

Course Description    

Experiments are the gold standard in many academic disciplines, but it can be difficult or impossible to design and implement true experimental designs for many political science research questions. At the same time, expectations for clear causal identification are rising, requiring political scientists to defend their work against critiques of endogeneity and other issues related to lack of causal identification. This course will cover methods that seek to identify causal effects in the absence of true experimental designs. We will begin by covering the potential outcomes framework for causal inference, then move on to methods that, under various sets of assumptions, can allow for the identification of causal effects. These methods will include, regression models, difference-in-differences, synthetic controls, natural experiments, instrumental variables, matching, regression discontinuity designs, and matching.  

Grading Policy 

Problem sets, exam and final paper.

Texts

Research articles and book chapters to be posted online.

Course number:  GOV   391J  

Course Title: STATISTICAL ANLY IN POL SCI I

Instructor:   JESSEE, S       Closing limit:  20           Meeting time:  TTH     12:30PM -  02:00PM   BAT  5.102        

Course Description  

This course will cover the basics of probability and statistical inference, including estimation, hypothesis testing and other concepts.    

Grading Policy  

Grading based on problem sets, exams (midterm and final) and class participation.    

Texts  

Tentatively Larsen and Marx "Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and Its Applications." (Fourth Edition).

GOV 385L 

This course will cover Bayesian statistics with a focus on social science (especially political science) examples and applications.  The class will begin by covering the basics of Bayesian statistics including the differences between Bayesian and standard (frequentist) estimation and inference.  The course will also focus on modern estimation techniques, especially MCMC simulation methods and, as time allows, will move on to more specialized topics.  The class will also spend a considerable amount of time covering so-called latent traits models both because the Bayesian approach is particularly well suited for these types of models and also because these models are extremely useful in political science for learning about underlying quantities that cannot be directly measured (e.g., ideology, political knowledge, level of democracy, etc.).

Prerequisites:Students taking this course should have a basic working knowledge of statistical estimation and hypothesis testing as well as linear models and maximum likelihood estimation.  Students who are not familiar with these things should talk with the professor before enrolling in this course.

Grading Policy: grades will be based on problem sets, exams and a paper/project

Text (required):

Bayesian Analysis for the Social Sciences

Simon Jackman

Wiley 

ISBN: 9780470011546

GOV 391L

This course will introduce students to linear regression and related methods. As with most statistics courses, I expect that the course will require a significant time commitment from most students. The course will move at a fairly rapid pace, covering a good deal of material, so it is especially important that students keep up with the material and readings and speak with the professor or teaching assistant if they have any questions or concerns. The discussion section for the course is also extremely important for all students as it will focus on reviewing material, going over student questions and especially on introducing students to the computing tools used in the course.

Prerequisites: GOV 391J or equivalent course

Grading Policy: grades will be based on problem sets, exams and a paper/project

Texts (both required):

Applied Regression Analysis and Generalized Linear Models

• Authors: John Fox

• ISBN: 9780761930426

• Edition: 2nd

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

An R Companion to Applied Regression

• Authors: John Fox, Harvey Sanford Weisberg

• ISBN: 9781412975148

• Edition: N/A

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Prerequisites

None

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistics with a focus on political applications. Students will learn how to learn from data and to interpret the substantive implications of these results. Topics will include estimating means, associations between variables and regression modeling. 

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of problem sets, in class activities (including quizzes and group work), a midterm and a final exam.

Texts

Textbook is to be determined.

Flag: Quantitative reasoning.

Prerequisites

None

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to probability and statistics with a focus on political applications. Students will learn how to learn from data and to interpret the substantive implications of these results. Topics will include estimating means, associations between variables and regression modeling. 

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of problem sets, in class activities (including quizzes and group work), a midterm and a final exam.

Texts

Textbook is to be determined.

Flag: Quantitative reasoning.

Prerequisites:

Twelve semester hours of college coursework and a passing score on the reading section of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test (or an appropriate assessment test).

Course Description:

This course will examine the foundations, principles, institutions, and processes of American government. Through the examination of the Constitution, federalism, and the American creed, we will gain an appreciation for the political institutions that have sustained the United States for more than two hundred years.  We will examine in detail the characteristics of the three major branches of government, and how separation of powers has worked and works in today’s polity. We will then discuss the various extra-governmental institutions, which have an influence on governmental decisions, such as interest groups, political parties, and the media. Finally, we will explore American elections, political participation, and public opinion in order to better understand the processes which give American politics its very life. The course will conclude with a discussion of domestic and foreign policy, with reference to current political events.

Required Text

Bianco, William and David Canon. 2013. American Politics Today, 3rd Edition. W. W. Norton Publishers.

Prerequisites

Graduate standing    

Course Description  

This course will cover the basics of probability and statistical inference, including estimation, hypothesis testing and other concepts.    

Grading Policy  

Grading based on problem sets, exams (midterm and final) and class participation.    

Texts  

Tentatively Larsen and Marx "Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and Its Applications." (Fourth Edition).

Prerequisites

Students must have completed twelve semester hours of college credit and received a passing score on the reading section of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) or another appropriate test before enrolling in this course.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to American government and politics. Topics include the structure of government, theories of electoral campaigns, public opinion and legislator behavior.

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on four exams, which will be worth 25% of the final grade each.

Required textbook

The New American Democracy (7th Ed., Alternate Edition)

Fiorina et al.

978-0-205-79134-7

Pub: Pearson/Longman  Year: 2011

Status: REQUIRED

This course provides an introduction to linear regression and related methods.

Prerequisites

Students must have completed twelve semester hours of college credit and received a passing score on the reading section of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) or another appropriate test before enrolling in this course.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to American government and politics. Topics include the structure of government, theories of electoral campaigns, public opinion and legislator behavior.

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on four exams, which will be worth 25% of the final grade each.

Text

 The New American Democracy (7th Ed., Alternate Edition) Fiorina et al. 978-0-205-79134-7

Pub: Pearson/Longman  Year: 2011 Status: REQUIRED

 *Co-taught with Dr. Bethany Albertson*

Prerequisites

None

Course Description

This seminar will provide students with an introduction to the design and analysis of surveys.  Topics will include question wording, survey experiments, sampling design and theory.  During the course, students will each write their own survey to be fielded to undergraduate students and will analyze and write up the results in a final paper.

Grading Policy

Final grades will be based on class participation (25%), a mid-semester research design and survey draft assignment (25%) and a final paper (50%)

Texts

Course packet and online materials to be assigned by professors.

see syllabus

Discusses Bayesian statistics with a focus on social science (especially political science) examples and applications. Covers the basics of Bayesian statistics including the differences between Bayesian and standard (frequentist) estimation and inference.  Also focus on modern estimation techniques, especially MCMC simulation methods and, as time allows, will move on to specialized topics such as hierarchical models, ideal point estimation and others.  

Text:

Bayesian Analysis for the Social Sciences (Simon Jackman)

Grading:

Problem sets 40%, Midterm 20%, Final 20%, Paper 20%

Prerequisites:

Knowledge of basic statistics including probability and inference, linear regression and maximum likelihood.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

description coming soon

See syllabus

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to American government and politics.  Topics include the structure of government, theories of electoral campaigns, public opinion and legislator behavior. Because of the size of the course, it will be mostly a lecture format, but I will also try to involve students through discussions of relevant topics. Students should also feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear of if they would like further information on any topic.
 
While the course material is introductory in nature, I also hope that throughout the semester you will come to understand some of what it means to be a political scientist and to do political science research.  With this aim, we will be discussing not only basic structures, rules and concepts in the American political system, but also looking at theories, hypotheses and evidence in the study of politics.

Grading policy and Texts TBD

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to American government and politics.  Topics include the structure of government, theories of electoral campaigns, public opinion and legislator behavior. Because of the size of the course, it will be mostly a lecture format, but I will also try to involve students through discussions of relevant topics. Students should also feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear of if they would like further information on any topic.
 
While the course material is introductory in nature, I also hope that throughout the semester you will come to understand some of what it means to be a political scientist and to do political science research.  With this aim, we will be discussing not only basic structures, rules and concepts in the American political system, but also looking at theories, hypotheses and evidence in the study of politics.

Grading Policy and Textbooks TBD

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.

This course is an introduction to American government and politics.  While the main focus is on the national level, additional attention is paid to the state and local governments of Texas. Topics will include U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.