Courses
UGS 303 • The Math Of Politics
63875-63900 • Fall 2021
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM CAL 100
QR
ID
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 • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci-Wb
37445-37459 • Fall 2020
Internet; Synchronous
QR
Elementary statistical techniques and their applications to problems in political science.
GOV F350K • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci-Wb
80673 • Summer 2020
Internet; Asynchronous
QR
Statistical Analysis in Political Science
GOV 385L • Causal Inference Methods
38290 • Spring 2020
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM MEZ 1.204
UGS 303 • The Math Of Politics
62160-62170 • Fall 2019
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM UTC 3.110
ID
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.
UGS 303 • The Math Of Politics
62110-62120 • Spring 2019
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM PAR 1
ID
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 • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
38480 • Fall 2018
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM MEZ 1.208
QR
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 • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
38485 • Fall 2018
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM MEZ 2.124
QR
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 385L • Causal Inference Methods
38510 • Spring 2018
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM MEZ 1.102
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.
UGS 303 • The Math Of Politics
62920-62930 • Spring 2018
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:00PM PAR 301
ID
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 • Bayesian Statistics
38935 • Fall 2017
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM GDC 1.406
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 • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci I
38975 • Fall 2017
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM MEZ 1.120
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.
GOV 391J • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci I
38740 • Fall 2016
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM MEZ 1.120
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
GOV 350K • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
37905 • Spring 2016
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM WAG 308
QR
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.”]
GOV 350K • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
37915 • Spring 2016
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM MEZ 1.208
QR
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.”]
GOV 385L • Causal Inference Methods
37950 • Fall 2015
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM BAT 5.102
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.
GOV 391J • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci I
37985 • Fall 2015
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM MEZ 1.204
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 • Bayesian Statistics
38150 • Spring 2015
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM BAT 5.102
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 • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci II
38190 • Spring 2015
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM BAT 5.102
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
GOV 350K • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
39175 • Spring 2014
Meets MWF 9:00AM-10:00AM MEZ 2.124
QR
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.
GOV 350K • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
39180 • Spring 2014
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM MEZ 2.124
QR
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.
GOV 310L • American Government
39050 • Fall 2013
Meets MW 3:00PM-4:30PM JES A121A
GO
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.
GOV 391J • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci I
39425 • Fall 2013
Meets MW 9:30AM-11:00AM BAT 5.108
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).
GOV 310L • American Government
38660 • Spring 2013
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM MEZ 1.306
GO
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
GOV 391L • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci II
39150 • Spring 2013
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM BAT 5.108
This course provides an introduction to linear regression and related methods.
GOV 310L • American Government
38585 • Fall 2012
Meets MW 3:00PM-4:30PM JES A121A
GO
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
GOV 385L • Survey Design And Analysis
38930 • Fall 2012
Meets W 9:30AM-12:30PM BAT 5.102
*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.
GOV 310L • American Government
38542 • Spring 2012
Meets MW 4:00PM-5:30PM MEZ 1.306
GO
GOV 385L • Bayesian Statistics
38945 • Spring 2012
Meets TH 3:30PM-6:30PM BAT 5.102
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.
GOV 310L • American Government
38565 • Fall 2011
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM CAL 100
GO
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.
GOV 391J • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci I
38960 • Fall 2011
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM BAT 5.108
GOV 310L • American Government
38740 • Spring 2011
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM MEZ 1.306
GO
GOV 391L • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci II
39235 • Spring 2011
Meets M 9:00AM-12:00PM BAT 5.108
Statistical Analysis in Political Science II.
GOV 310L • American Government
38355 • Fall 2010
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM WCH 1.120
GO
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
GOV 310L • American Government
38365 • Fall 2010
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM PAI 3.02
GO
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
GOV 310L • American Government
38650 • Spring 2010
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM MEZ 1.306
GO
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.
GOV 385L • Bayesian Statistics
39053 • Spring 2010
Meets W 9:30AM-12:30PM BAT 5.102
GOV 391L • Statistical Anly In Pol Sci II
38590 • Spring 2009
Meets M 11:00AM-2:00PM BAT 5.102
Statistical Analysis in Political Science II.
GOV 310L • American Government
39305 • Fall 2008
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM MEZ 1.306
GO
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.
GOV 350K • Statistical Anly In Polit Sci
39450 • Fall 2008
Meets TTH 11:00AM-12:30PM MEZ 1.102
Elementary statistical techniques and their applications to problems in political science.
GOV F310L • American Government
85985 • Summer 2008
Meets MTWTHF 11:30AM-1:00PM MEZ 1.306
GO
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.
GOV 310L • American Government
39145 • Spring 2008
Meets TTH 2:00PM-3:30PM MEZ 1.306
GO
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.
GOV 385L • Bayesian Statistics
39540 • Spring 2008
Meets TTH 9:30AM-11:00AM BAT 1.104
GOV 310L • American Government
39840 • Fall 2007
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM MEZ 1.306
GO
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.