Texas Wesleyan University

The Political Science faculty at Texas Wesleyan University teach political science courses in a student-friendly environment with optimal emphasis on individualized student assistance and guidance. Faculty follow an “open door policy” and are readily accessible, with offices located in central proximity to the student mall and main campus thoroughfare. Political Science faculty take a personal interest in the academic success of their students, and share respective current research, book, and publication information with students in relevant class settings. The faculty makes a concerted effort to advance student knowledge and skills within the discipline to enhance a personal appreciation of national and global issues. The faculty strive to cultivate cultural awareness, political science inquiry, and educate students for future generations, encouraging interaction with Texas Wesleyan University alumna already distinguished in government, the public sector, and law.

The Political Science program requires the completion of 124 credit hours with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum major GPA of 2.0. This includes a minimum of 45 hours taken at Texas Wesleyan University, 24 of which must be upper level hours (3000 or 4000), of which 15 hrs. must be upper level hours (3000 or 4000) in your major course of study at Texas Wesleyan University. The major in Political Science must successfully complete all the undergraduate requirements to receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in political science. The B.A. degree requires the completion of 36 semester hours and 24 hours of related courses. The B.S. degree requires 36 semester hours and 12 hours of related courses. The B.S. degree, with a Political Science major with Pre-Law emphasis requires 42 semester hours and 12 hours of related courses. To minor in Political Science, 18 semester hours of required courses must be completed.

Majors are required to complete specific courses within their discipline, as well as courses relating to government and politics. These courses include:

1. Scope and Methods of Political Science
2. American Governement
3. Judicial Process
4. Political Theory
5. Political Parties Parties and Pressure Groups
6. Legislative Process
7. American Constitutional Law
8. European Governments
9. International Law
10. American Foreign Policy
11. Criminal Law and Justice
12. International Relations
13. Moot Court
14. Critical and Logical Reasoning
15. Logic
16. The History of Rhetoric
17. Ethical Thinking in the Professions

The Political Science courses are categorized into nine subject areas.

American Government and Politics
Comparative Politics
Theory and Methodology
International Relations and Law
Political Theory
American Constitutional Law
Public Law and Jurisprudence
Critical and Logical Reasoning
Ethics

Specifically for Pre-Law, other resources can be found at the PreProfessional homepage.

A comparative inquiry into the system of ideas, values, and political realities which gives structure to contemporary life and a consideration of those significant forces which have helped shape our present world.

An introduction to the scope, design, and methods of political inquiry.

A survey of the fundamental principles of American government with special emphasis on the Texas government and Constitution. This course satisfies the legislative requirements for teacher certification in Texas.

A comparative introduction to the structures, processes, and politics of judicial decision-making.

An examination of the development of civil rights and social ideologies as reflected in racial, sexual, and ethnic discrimination law in various environments and settings. It addresses the exercise of power through law and legal changes as a mechanism of social reform.

A survey of philosophy from the seventeenth century to the twentieth century with special emphasis on political thought.

A study of the role of political parties in the American process of government and the techniques of pressure groups in effecting social action.

A study of the composition of American legislative bodies and their lawmaking functions, methods, and procedures.

Covers (1) substantive criminal law, including crimes against the person, crimes against property, crimes against the public, and defenses to criminal accusations; (2) the pre-trial, trial, and appellate processes in federal and Texas criminal cases; and (3) constitutional criminal procedure, including searches, seizures, arrests, and police interrogation.

Prerequisite: sophomore standing
This course focuses on dynamic legal ethics within the paralegal profession. Emphasis is placed on ethical duties and responsibilities toward clients, third parties, and other legal and paralegal professions. Course open to all students regardless of major.

Prerequisite: POL 2311
The study of the U.S. Constitution, Institutional Authority, Separation of Powers and Nation-State Relations through an exploration of Supreme Court cases concerned with the relationship between the individual and the government. The cases studied are designed to explore federalism, governmental powers, substantive due process and economic liberties within the contest of Supreme Court decision-making.

The overall purpose of this course is to stimulate interest in civil and personal freedoms established by the United States Constitution in the Bill of Rights though critical and factual analysis of Supreme Court cases. A working knowledge of judicial interpretation and analysis of the Constitution is essential to this study.

An analysis of the political and governmental systems of Great Britain, France, West Germany, and Russia, contrasting the principles of parliamentary democracy with those of dictatorship.

Prerequisite: POL 2311 and departmental approval
Provides the student with practical experience in government offices (national, as in congressional district offices, state, and local in a variety of fields) and in political campaign organizations and public service organizations, as in consumer groups.

Prerequisite: PHI 2301, sophomore standing
This course focuses on preparing students for the LSAT and for the rigors of law school through review of the LSAT component areas, writing exercises, practice sessions, and logic application analysis. The course also develops writing skills and constructs portfolios as part of the organizational directives required for success in law/graduate school.

Methods of resolving civil disputes without litigation, including mediation and arbitration.

Prerequisite: POL 2314, sophomore standing
A course that focuses on law in action in the form of simulated appellate court proceedings—“moot court” actions. Students discuss major constitutional issues through case briefs, a written appellate brief, and oral argument. Students are afforded the opportunity to participate in intramural and intercollegiate competitions. Open to all interested students, regardless of major, minor, or career goals.

The systematic study of the legal principles determining international order. The course emphasizes methods for settlement of disputes regarding the rights, duties, and responsibilities of sovereign states.

A study of the diplomatic relations of the United States from its pre- Revolutionary foundations to its present international posture.

The aim of this course is to train students in a range of performance skills such as interviewing, negotiating advocacy so that they will be better able to carry out tasks which are fundamental to the delivery of a range of basic legal services.

The study of the political relations of the world of states with particular attention being given to recent problems of international politics.

A historical and political approach to the study of the Middle East from the Islamic era to the contemporary period.

This Honors component discusses at length the theory of “offensive realism” as brought forth in The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by political scientist and international security scholar John J. Mearsheimer. This 2001 scholarly work illustrated various strategies that great powers use to advance their interests. Other emerging theories and issues will also be discussed, in addition to routine classroom activity. Discussions will include in depth historical and evidentiary analysis of the strategies of great global powers, based upon the theories put forth in this book and similar scholarly works.

This Honors seminar discusses the power of the executive, both in terms of the office and in terms of the office-holder. It includes active discussions of the presidency, the presidents, and the politicians surrounding the executive branch. It is a thoughtful and provocative analysis of the most powerful position of government in the world, as seen through respected political science research, literature, and scholarly comments. It is also a historical exploration of where the executive branch “has been,” and where it might be headed in the twenty-first century.