David L. Leal

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 will address key topics in the study of politics and religion in the United States. The class begins with a general overview of religion and politics in America and a preview of the larger questions we will address. This is followed by a political history of religion, beginning with debates about church and state in the founding era and followed by discussion of the Protestant traditions of the 19th century and the changes brought by the growth of American Roman Catholicism. We continue with more contemporary phenomena, including the “religious right,” the “religious left,” and growing secularism; we also ask whether America is experiencing a “culture war.” We continue with an examination of additional religious traditions in America, including the Black Church, the growing Latino religious presence, Judaism, Islam, and Mormons. Lastly, the class examines contemporary political dynamics, particularly the influence of religion on elections, parties, and public opinion.

Explore key aspects of British politics and government.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

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.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

GOV 365N, British Politics and Govt

a)  Prerequisites 

none that I require.

b)   Course Description

This course examines key aspects of British politics and government.  While no longer as powerful as during its days of empire, Britain is a longstanding ally of the United States and remains an important global power.  To understand the course of US, European, Atlantic, and global politics requires an understanding of the UK.  We begin with an overview of modern British political history, including the ideas, actors, laws, structures, and events that set the stage for contemporary politics.  We then examine the major political institutions, including the Parliament, parties, Prime Minister, Civil Service, media, and judiciary.  The next section covers elections and public opinion, including campaigns, candidates, constituencies, rules, voters, and recent election results.  Lastly, we discuss emerging developments, including Brexit, British identity, devolution, and austerity.  Throughout the class, we will ask about the nature of democracy and freedom in the UK, make comparisons with US politics and government, and discuss the relationship of Britain with the US and the world in a post-empire era. 

c)   Grading Policy

d)   Texts

Philip Norton. 2010. The British Polity, 5th edition. London: Routledge.

Richard Heffernan, Colin Hay, Meg Russell, and Philip Cowley (Eds.) 2016. Developments in British Politics, 10th edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

David Denver, Christopher Carman, and Robert Johns. 2012. Elections and Voters in Britain, 3rd Edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Additional readings available online and in a course pack (available for purchase at Jenn’s).

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

This course will introduce you to government and politics in the United States. We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues. The class begins with the creation of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of democracy, and the importance of federalism. The class then examines public input into the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group participation, and the political parties. Public input is nowhere better found than in congressional and presidential elections, which are separately discussed. In fact, the main textbook of the class argues that American government can only be fully understood by studying the central role of elections. We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media. We continue by discussing fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today. The class will also make comparisons between American government and Texas government.

Readings

Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer. The New American Democracy, 2011 (7th edition).

John Rourke. You Decide! Current Debates in American Politics, 2012 (9th edition).

Course Grade

Exams: There will be three exams.

Midterm #1 (25% of your grade; multiple choice questions; covers first third of the class material)

Midterm #2 (30% of your grade; multiple choice questions; covers second third of the class material)

Final Exam (40% of your grade; multiple choice questions; covers last third of the class material and includes cumulative questions). This will take place during the UT final exam period.

Writing: 5% of your grade is based on two short writing projects, which will be discussed in class.

Grading: The following is the class grading scale:

93-100% A (4) 

90-92% A- (3.67) 

87-89% B+ (3.33) 

83-86% B (3) 

80-82% B- (2.67) 

77-79% C+ (2.33) 

73-76% C (2)

70-72% C- (1.67)

67-69% D+ (1.33)

63-66% D (1)

60-62% D- (.67)

Below 60% F (0)

Course Description:

This course will introduce you to the past and present political experiences of the United States Latino populations.  The course begins with a discussion of political identity: what does it mean to be Latino/a, Hispanic, or Chicano, and what are the politically relevant commonalities and differences in Latino communities?  We then discuss Latino political history, beginning with the Spanish empire but focusing particularly on the 19th and 20th centuries in the southwest.  In doing so, we will study Latino political movements, organizations, and leaders.  Moving to recent decades, the class examines Latino inputs into the American political system, including public opinion, voting, elections, and the role of gender in politics.  The class also discusses the political experiences of two of the largest non-Mexican national-origin groups: Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans.  We then explore the growing voice of Latinos in political institutions, such as the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.  Lastly, the class covers key policy issues for Latino communities, including immigration and education. 

Course Grade:

Exam #1 (20% of course grade; covers first third of the class material)

Exam #2 (30% of course grade; covers second third of the class material)

Exam #3 (30% of course grade; covers last third of the class material and includes cumulative questions)

Book review (20% of course grade)

Readings:

Garcia, F. Chris, and Gabriel Sanchez. 2007. Hispanics and the U.S. Political System: Moving Into the Mainstream. New York: Prentice Hall.

Gutierrez, David. 1995. Walls and Mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican Immigrants, and the Politics of Identity. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Coursepack from Jenn's

Grading: The following is the class grading scale:

Flag: Cultural Diversity

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

Course Description

This course will introduce you to government and politics in the United States as well as

in Texas. We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public

opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues. The class begins with the creation

of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the

development of democracy, and the importance of federalism. The class then examines

public input into the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group

participation, and the political parties. Public input is nowhere better found than in

congressional and presidential elections, which are separately discussed. In fact, the

main textbook of the class argues that American government can only be fully

understood by studying the central role of elections. We then explore the basic

institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and

courts, as well as the media. We continue by discussing fundamental civil liberties and

civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local

governments today. The class will also cover the central features of Texas government

and politics and make comparisons between American government and Texas

government.

Readings

Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer. The New

American Democracy, 2011 (7th edition).

John Rourke. You Decide! Current Debates in American Politics, 2012 (9th edition).

Texas Politics Project, University of Texas at Austin: Selected chapters.

https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/textbook

For the free version, see the link in the right column (“If you’re simply looking for the

free version of the textbook whether for reference or for the classroom, it is still

available, as always, right here”).

Optional: Students may also choose to obtain an iClicker, which will be used to go over

practice exam questions (but this will not be graded).

Course Grade

Exams: There will be three exams.

Midterm #1 (25% of your grade; multiple choice questions; covers first third of the class

material)

Midterm #2 (30% of your grade; multiple choice questions; covers second third of the

class material)

Final Exam (40% of your grade; multiple choice questions; covers last third of the class

material and includes cumulative questions). This will take place during the UT final

exam period.

Writing: 5% of your grade is based on two short writing projects, which will be discussed

in class.

Grading: This class will use pluses and minuses for all exams, the writing assignments,

and the final course grade.

93-100% A (4) 73-76% C (2)

90-92% A- (3.67) 70-72% C- (1.67)

87-89% B+ (3.33) 67-69% D+ (1.33)

83-86% B (3) 63-66% D (1)

80-82% B- (2.67) 60-62% D- (.67)

77-79% C+ (2.33) Below 60% F (0)

Extra credit: To further the research and teaching missions of UT, students may be able

to participate in academic public opinion surveys during the semester (depending on

availability). These will be used for research and teaching purposes by department

faculty and graduate students and will be conducted either online or in the Department of

Government survey lab. They are confidential, so I will only know if you took a survey,

not your answers.

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the political experiences of the United States Latino populations in the present and historically.  The course begins with a discussion of political identity: what does it mean to be Latino, Hispanic, or Chicano, and what are the politically relevant commonalities and differences in Latino communities.  We then discuss Latino political history, starting with the Spanish empire but focusing particularly on the 19th and 20th centuries in Texas and the southwest.  In doing so, we will study Latino political movements, organizations, and important individuals.  Moving to recent decades, the class examines Latino inputs into the American political system – particularly public opinion, voting, and the role of gender in politics.  The class also discusses the two largest non-Mexican national-origin groups in the U.S.: Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans.  We then explore the growing voice of Latinos in political institutions, such as the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.  Lastly, the class covers key policy issues for Latino communities, particularly education and immigration. 

Grading Policy

Midterm: 30%

Final: 40%

Writing assignment: 20%

Class participation and engagement: 10%

Texts

-Garcia, F. Chris, and Gabriel Sanchez. 2007. Hispanics and the U.S. Political System: Moving Into the Mainstream. New York: Prentice Hall.

 
-Gutierrez, David. 1995. Walls and Mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican Immigrants, and the Politics of Identity. Berkeley: University of California Press.

-Coursepack

Flag: Cultural Diversity

Prerequisites

Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government. 

Course Description

This course addresses key topics in the study of migration policy and immigration politics in the United States and the world. The class begins with a discussion of the contemporary phenomenon of migration in the context of a global “age of migration.” We continue with a political history of immigration in America from the colonial era to the 21st century. We examine laws and politics, changes in sending nations, migrant demographics, and varying immigrant receptions.  Since immigration is intertwined with the history of religion, race, and ethnicity in America, these topics will also be discussed.  We then compare the United States with three contrasting cases: the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.  The course then turns to classic yet contemporary issues, including immigrant integration, public opinion about immigration, the immigration-security nexus, the economics of migration, the religious dynamic of migration, refugees and asylum seekers, and enforcement and deportation policies. We also consider the effects of migration, remittances, and enforcement on sending nations.

Grading Policy

First exam: 20%

Second exam: 30%

Third exam: 30%

Book review: 20%

Texts

Daniel J. Tichenor. 2002. Dividing Lines: The Politics of Immigration Control in America. Princeton University Press.

Stephen Castles, Hein de Haas, and Mark J. Miller. 2013. The Age of Migration, Fifth Edition: International Population Movements in the Modern World. Guilford Press/Palgrave Macmillan.

Khalid Hoser. 2007. International Migration: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Course pack

Prerequisites

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.

Course Description

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.  The first core component of the class is for the students to engage in supervised research activities throughout the semester.  These assignments will relate to the Public Policy focus of the Institute, and students will thereby enhance their scholarly knowledge of Public Policy fields as well as related Government topics.  The class will study subjects with both scholarly and practical implications.  The research projects will involve students working either individually or as a group, and the students will also have the opportunity to advance their methodological and research skills.  Second, the students will individually present their research findings on two class days.  The class and instructor will discuss these projects and presentations as well as methodological issues, related research, publication opportunities, and future research directions.  The students will sign up for presentation times at the beginning of the semester.  These presentations, as well as related discussion and group activities, will constitute the content of the fifteen class meetings.

Grading Policy

The students will receive a grade of credit or no credit – there is no letter grade option.  Grades are based on satisfactory participation in the seminar and satisfactory performance of research assignments.

Texts

None

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.

Course Description:

This course will introduce you to the political experiences of the United States Latino populations in the present and historically.  The course begins with a discussion of political identity: what does it mean to be Latino, Hispanic, or Chicano, and what are the politically relevant commonalities and differences in Latino communities.  We then discuss Latino political history, starting with the Spanish empire but focusing particularly on the 19th and 20th centuries in Texas and the southwest.  In doing so, we will study Latino political movements, organizations, and important individuals.  Moving to recent decades, the class examines Latino inputs into the American political system – particularly public opinion, voting, and the role of gender in politics.  The class also discusses the two largest non-Mexican national-origin groups in the U.S.: Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans.  We then explore the growing voice of Latinos in political institutions, such as the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.  Lastly, the class covers key policy issues for Latino communities, particularly education and immigration.   

Grading Policy:

Midterm: 30% 

Final: 40% 

Writing assignment: 20% 

Class participation and engagement: 10%   

Texts:

Garcia, F. Chris, and Gabriel Sanchez. 2007. Hispanics and the U.S. Political System: Moving Into the Mainstream. New York: Prentice Hall.  ?

Gutierrez, David. 1995. Walls and Mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican Immigrants, and the Politics of Identity. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Coursepack 

Flag: Cultural Diversity

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the government and politics of the United States and Texas.  We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.  The class begins with the creation of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of democracy, and the importance of federalism.  The class then examines public input into the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group participation, and the political parties.  Public input is nowhere better found than in congressional and presidential elections, which are separately discussed.  In fact, the main textbook of the class argues that American government can only be fully understood by studying the central role of elections. We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media.  We continue by discussing fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today.  The class will also cover the central features of Texas government and politics and make frequent comparisons between American government and Texas government. 

Grading Policy

First midterm: 30%

Second midterm: 32%

Third exam: 33%. 

Essay: 5%

Texts

Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer.  The New American Democracy (either 7th edition, 2011, or the most recent version).

For GOV 384M, Public Policy Clinic:

a)  Prerequisites

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.

b)   Course Description

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.  The first core component of the class is for the students to engage in supervised research activities throughout the semester.  These assignments will relate to the Public Policy focus of the Institute, and students will thereby enhance their scholarly knowledge of Public Policy fields as well as related Government topics.  The class will study subjects with both scholarly and practical implications.  The research projects will involve students working either individually or as a group, and the students will also have the opportunity to advance their methodological and research skills.  Second, the students will individually present their research findings on two class days.  The class and instructor will discuss these projects and presentations as well as methodological issues, related research, publication opportunities, and future research directions.  The students will sign up for presentation times at the beginning of the semester.  These presentations, as well as related discussion and group activities, will constitute the content of the fifteen class meetings.

c)    Grading Policy

The students will receive a grade of credit or no credit – there is no letter grade option.  Grades are based on satisfactory participation in the seminar and satisfactory performance of research assignments.

d)   Texts

None

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the government and politics of the United States and Texas.  We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.  The class begins with the creation of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of democracy, and the importance of federalism.  The class then examines public input into the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group participation, and the political parties.  Public input is nowhere better found than in congressional and presidential elections, which are separately discussed.  In fact, the main textbook of the class argues that American government can only be fully understood by studying the central role of elections. We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media.  We continue by discussing fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today.  The class will also cover the central features of Texas government and politics and make frequent comparisons between American government and Texas government. 

Grading Policy

First midterm: 30%

Second midterm: 32%

Third exam: 33%. 

Essay: 5%

Texts

Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer.  The New American Democracy (either 7th edition, 2011, or the most recent version).

Course Description

This course will examine what one scholar called the “keystone” of the Washington establishment – the U.S. Congress.  It is the first branch of government established by the Constitution (in Article I), and little in the world of national policymaking can be accomplished without it.  While public opinion of Congress is often low, this institution is the oldest popularly-elected legislative body in the world.  The course begins with a study of the political history of Congress – its creation, how it evolved over time, and how it reached its current configuration.  Because procedures matter, the formal and informal rules of Congress and the committee system will be discussed.  The course will also explore congressional elections, the motivations and behaviors of members of Congress, lobbying, congressional leadership, reapportionment and gerrymandering, and the role of political parties.  Congressional interactions with other branches of government, especially the presidency, will be covered.  In addition, the many differences between the House and Senate will be explored.

Grading Policy

Exam #1 (20% of course grade)

Exam #2 (30% of course grade)

Exam #3 (30% of course grade)

Book review (20% of course grade)

Texts

Roger H. Davidson, Walter J. Oleszek, and Frances E. Lee. Congress and Its Members, 14th edition. Congressional Quarterly Press.

Walter J. Oleszek. Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process, 9th edition. Congressional Quarterly Press.

Ross Baker. House and Senate. Norton, 4th edition.

Course pack

Course Description

This course will examine what one scholar called the “keystone” of the Washington establishment – the U.S. Congress.  It is the first branch of government established by the Constitution (in Article I), and little in the world of national policymaking can be accomplished without it.  While public opinion of Congress is often low, this institution is the oldest popularly-elected legislative body in the world.  The course begins with a study of the political history of Congress – its creation, how it evolved over time, and how it reached its current configuration.  Because procedures matter, the formal and informal rules of Congress and the committee system will be discussed.  The course will also explore congressional elections, the motivations and behaviors of members of Congress, lobbying, congressional leadership, reapportionment and gerrymandering, and the role of political parties.  Congressional interactions with other branches of government, especially the presidency, will be covered.  In addition, the many differences between the House and Senate will be explored.

Grading Policy

Exam #1 (20% of course grade)

Exam #2 (30% of course grade)

Exam #3 (30% of course grade)

Book review (20% of course grade)

Texts

Roger H. Davidson, Walter J. Oleszek, and Frances E. Lee. Congress and Its Members, 14th edition. Congressional Quarterly Press.

Walter J. Oleszek. Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process, 9th edition. Congressional Quarterly Press.

Ross Baker. House and Senate. Norton, 4th edition.

Course pack

a)  Prerequisites

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.

b)   Course Description

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.  The first core component of the class is for the students to engage in supervised research activities throughout the semester.  These assignments will relate to the Public Policy focus of the Institute, and students will thereby enhance their scholarly knowledge of Public Policy fields as well as related Government topics.  The class will study subjects with both scholarly and practical implications.  The research projects will involve students working either individually or as a group, and the students will also have the opportunity to advance their methodological and research skills.  Second, the students will individually present their research findings on two class days.  The class and instructor will discuss these projects and presentations as well as methodological issues, related research, publication opportunities, and future research directions.  The students will sign up for presentation times at the beginning of the semester.  These presentations, as well as related discussion and group activities, will constitute the content of the fifteen class meetings.

c)    Grading Policy

The students will receive a grade of credit or no credit – there is no letter grade option.  Grades are based on satisfactory participation in the seminar and satisfactory performance of research assignments.

d)   Texts

None

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the government and politics of the United States and Texas.  We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.  The class begins with the creation of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of democracy, and the importance of federalism.  The class then examines public input into the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group participation, and the political parties.  Public input is nowhere better found than in congressional and presidential elections, which are separately discussed.  In fact, the main textbook of the class argues that American government can only be fully understood by studying the central role of elections. We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media.  We continue by discussing fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today.  The class will also cover the central features of Texas government and politics and make frequent comparisons between American government and Texas government. 

Grading Policy

First midterm: 30%

Second midterm: 32%

Third exam: 33%. 

Essay: 5%

Texts

Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer.  The New American Democracy (either 7th edition, 2011, or the most recent version).

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the political experiences of the United States Latino populations in the present and historically.  The course begins with a discussion of political identity: what does it mean to be Latino, Hispanic, or Chicano, and what are the politically relevant commonalities and differences in Latino communities.  We then discuss Latino political history, starting with the Spanish empire but focusing particularly on the 19th and 20th centuries in Texas and the southwest.  In doing so, we will study Latino political movements, organizations, and important individuals.  Moving to recent decades, the class examines Latino inputs into the American political system – particularly public opinion, voting, and the role of gender in politics.  The class also discusses the two largest non-Mexican national-origin groups in the U.S.: Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans.  We then explore the growing voice of Latinos in political institutions, such as the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.  Lastly, the class covers key policy issues for Latino communities, particularly education and immigration. 

Grading Policy

Midterm: 30%

Final: 40%

Writing assignment: 20%

Class participation and engagement: 10%

Texts

-Garcia, F. Chris, and Gabriel Sanchez. 2007. Hispanics and the U.S. Political System: Moving Into the Mainstream. New York: Prentice Hall.

 ?-Gutierrez, David. 1995. Walls and Mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican Immigrants, and the Politics of Identity. Berkeley: University of California Press.

-Coursepack

Flag: Cultural Diversity

Course Description

This course will examine what one scholar called the “keystone” of the Washington establishment – the U.S. Congress.  It is the first branch of government established by the Constitution (in Article I), and little in the world of national policymaking can be accomplished without it.  While public opinion of Congress is often low, this institution is the oldest popularly-elected legislative body in the world.  The course begins with a study of the political history of Congress – its creation, how it evolved over time, and how it reached its current configuration.  Because procedures matter, the formal and informal rules of Congress and the committee system will be discussed.  The course will also explore congressional elections, the motivations and behaviors of members of Congress, lobbying, congressional leadership, reapportionment and gerrymandering, and the role of political parties.  Congressional interactions with other branches of government, especially the presidency, will be covered.  In addition, the many differences between the House and Senate will be explored.

Grading Policy

40% midterm; 45% final; 15% book review

Texts

Roger H. Davidson, Walter J. Oleszek, and Frances E. Lee. Congress and Its Members, 14th edition. Congressional Quarterly Press.

Walter J. Oleszek. Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process, 9th edition. Congressional Quarterly Press.

Ross Baker. House and Senate. Norton, 4th edition.

Course pack

Prerequisites

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.

Course Description

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.  The first core component of the class is for the students to engage in supervised research activities throughout the semester.  These assignments will relate to the Public Policy focus of the Institute, and students will thereby enhance their scholarly knowledge of Public Policy fields as well as related Government topics.  The class will study subjects with both scholarly and practical implications.  The research projects will involve students working either individually or as a group, and the students will also have the opportunity to advance their methodological and research skills.  Second, the students will individually present their research findings on two class days.  The class and instructor will discuss these projects and presentations as well as methodological issues, related research, publication opportunities, and future research directions.  The students will sign up for presentation times at the beginning of the semester.  These presentations, as well as related discussion and group activities, will constitute the content of the fifteen class meetings.

Grading Policy

The students will receive a grade of credit or no credit – there is no letter grade option.  Grades are based on satisfactory participation in the seminar and satisfactory performance of research assignments.

Texts

None

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the government and politics of the United States and Texas.  We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, and public policy issues.  The class begins with the creation of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of democracy, and the importance of federalism.  The class then examines public input into the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group participation, and the political parties.  Public input is nowhere better found than in congressional and presidential elections, which are separately discussed.  In fact, the main textbook of the class argues that American government can only be fully understood by studying the central role of elections. We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media.  We continue by discussing fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today.  The class will also cover the central features of Texas government and politics and make frequent comparisons between American government and Texas government. 

Grading Policy

First midterm: 30%

Second midterm: 32%

Third exam: 33%. 

Essay: 5%

Texts

Morris P. Fiorina, Paul E. Peterson, Bertram Johnson, and William G. Mayer.  The New American Democracy (either 7th edition, 2011, or the most recent version).

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the political experiences of the United States Latino populations in the present and historically.  The course begins with a discussion of political identity: what does it mean to be Latino, Hispanic, or Chicano, and what are the politically relevant commonalities and differences in Latino communities.  We then discuss Latino political history, starting with the Spanish empire but focusing particularly on the 19th and 20th centuries in Texas and the southwest.  In doing so, we will study Latino political movements, organizations, and important individuals.  Moving to recent decades, the class examines Latino inputs into the American political system – particularly public opinion, voting, and the role of gender in politics.  The class also discusses the two largest non-Mexican national-origin groups in the U.S.: Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans.  We then explore the growing voice of Latinos in political institutions, such as the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.  Lastly, the class covers key policy issues for Latino communities, particularly education and immigration. 

Grading Policy

Midterm: 30%

Final: 40%

Writing assignment: 20%

Class participation and engagement: 10%

Texts

-Garcia, F. Chris, and Gabriel Sanchez. 2007. Hispanics and the U.S. Political System: Moving Into the Mainstream. New York: Prentice Hall.

 ?-Gutierrez, David. 1995. Walls and Mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican Immigrants, and the Politics of Identity. Berkeley: University of California Press.

-Coursepack

Prerequisites

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government. 

Course Description

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.  The first core component of the class is for the students to engage in supervised research activities throughout the semester.  These assignments will relate to the Public Policy focus of the Institute, and students will thereby enhance their scholarly knowledge of Public Policy fields as well as related Government topics.  The class will study subjects with both scholarly and practical implications.  The research projects will involve students working either individually or as a group, and the students will also have the opportunity to advance their methodological and research skills.  Second, the students will individually present their research findings on two class days.  The class and instructor will discuss these projects and presentations as well as methodological issues, related research, publication opportunities, and future research directions.  The students will sign up for presentation times at the beginning of the semester.  These presentations, as well as related discussion and group activities, will constitute the content of the fifteen class meetings.

Grading Policy

The students will receive a grade of credit or no credit – there is no letter grade option.  Grades are based on satisfactory participation in the seminar and satisfactory performance of research assignments.

Texts 

None 

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the government and politics of the United States and Texas.  We will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and freedoms, public policy issues, and social science perspectives on politics and policy.  The class begins with the creation of the nation and its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of democracy, and the importance of federalism.  The class then examines public input into the political system, particularly congressional and presidential elections, public opinion, individual and group participation, and the political parties.  We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media.  We continue by studying fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today.  The class will also discuss the central features of Texas government and politics and make frequent comparisons between American government and Texas government. 

Grading Policy

Midterm #1: 25%

Midterm #2: 30%

Final exam: 40%

Writing assignments: 5% 

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.

This is a graduate-level course for the Graduate Research Assistants of the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute in the Department of Government.  The first core component of the class is for the students to engage in supervised research activities throughout the semester.  These assignments will relate to the Public Policy focus of the Institute, and students will thereby enhance their scholarly knowledge of Public Policy fields as well as related Government topics.  The class will study subjects with both scholarly and practical implications.  The research projects will involve students working either individually or as a group, and the students will also have the opportunity to advance their methodological and research skills.  Second, the students will individually present their research findings on two class days.  The class and instructor will discuss these projects and presentations as well as methodological issues, related research, publication opportunities, and future research directions.  The students will sign up for presentation times at the beginning of the semester.  These presentations, as well as related discussion and group activities, will constitute the content of the fifteen class meetings.

Grading

The students will receive a grade of credit or no credit – there is no letter grade option.  Grades are based on satisfactory participation in the seminar and satisfactory performance of research assignments.

Course Description

This course examines public policy and the policymaking process in the United States, specifically in relation to the Mexican-American and Latino communities.  It begins by examining policymaking in the United States, including issues such as the definition of public policy, how policy choices are made, how policy reflects values, agenda setting, policy formation, policy implementation, and policy evaluation.  We will then discuss specific policy issues important to Mexican Americans and Latinos at both the state and national levels, including such topics as immigration, education, and health care.

Required Books

Coursepack.

John Kingdon. 2003. Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies. Longman Classics.

Daniel J. Tichenor. 2002. Dividing Lines: The Politics of Immigration Control in America. PrincetonUniversity Press.

Carter A. Wilson. 2006. Public Policy: Continuity and Change. Waveland.

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.

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.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

Course Description

This course examines public policy and the policymaking process in the United States, specifically in relation to the Mexican-American and Latino communities.  It begins by examining policymaking in the United States, including issues such as the definition of public policy, how policy choices are made, how policy reflects values, agenda setting, policy formation, policy implementation, and policy evaluation.  We will then discuss policy issues important to Mexican Americans and Latinos at both the state and national levels, including such topics as immigration, education, and health care.

Required Books

Coursepack.

John Kingdon. 2003. Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies. Longman Classics.

Daniel J. Tichenor. 2002. Dividing Lines: The Politics of Immigration Control in America. PrincetonUniversity Press.

Carter A. Wilson. 2006. Public Policy: Continuity and Change. Waveland.

Description:

This course will introduce you to the government and politics of the United States. We
will cover U.S. political history, political institutions, elections, public opinion, rights and
freedoms, and public policy issues. The class begins with the creation of the nation and
its fundamental features, including the adoption of the Constitution, the development of
democracy, and the importance of federalism. The class then examines public input into
the political system, particularly public opinion, individual and group participation, and
the political parties. Public input is nowhere better found than in congressional and
presidential elections, which are separately discussed. In fact, the main textbook of the
class argues that American government can only be fully understood by studying the
central role of elections. We then explore the basic institutional building blocks of
government – the Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and courts, as well as the media.
We continue by studying fundamental civil liberties and civil rights, followed by the key
policy issues that face national, state, and local governments today. The class will also
make frequent comparisons between American government and Texas government.

Grading Policy:

First midterm: 25%

Second midterm: 25%

Final exam: 40%.

Class attendance/participation: 10%

Textbooks:

Fiorina et al.’s New American Democracy (special binder edition)

John Rourke’s You Decide! Current Debates in American Politics, 2010 Edition (7th edition)

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

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.

Please check back for updates.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

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.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

Please check back for updates.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

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.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

Please check back for updates.

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.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.

Please check back for updates.

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.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.

Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.

Please check back for updates.

Seminar in Public Policy and Administration.