Office: ELA 344
Phone: 512.245.4397
Email: ca17@txstate.edu
Curriculum Vitae
B.A., Texas Lutheran University
M.A., Texas State University
Lecturer
Ben Arnold is currently a Lecturer in the Political Science Department at Texas State University in San Marcos. He was previously with Texas Lutheran University as an Adjunct Professor before coming to Texas State University. Mr. Arnold presently teaches a variety of undergraduate classes including a class called Model Organization of American States. As a result of his involvement, students in the MOAS classes have successfully competed regionally and nationally against MOAS groups at other schools. His areas of interest include, International Relations, and Congressional Elections.
Courses Taught
1309 (GOVT 2304) Basic Political Institutions. An introduction to the study of political institutions emphasizing the fundamentals of political science research and analysis, the tools used by social scientists in bibliographical research, and basic methods of locating and presenting data for comparing political institutions. This course (or 1308) is required of all majors and minors in political science. It is required for Public Administration and serves as a prerequisite for advanced courses in the department.
2310 (GOVT 2301) Principles of American Government. A survey of the principles of political science, of the American system of government, and of the origins and development of the constitutions of the United States and Texas. Satisfies the legislative requirements for teacher certification.
2320 (GOVT 2302) Functions of American Government. A study of functions performed in the American system of government, both national and state, with special reference to Texas. Prerequisite: POSI 2310 or equivalent.
3307 Parties and Party Politics. The American political system, including its history and organization, suffrage, nominations and elections, campaigns, and the related areas of public opinion and pressure group activities.
3311 Constitutional Law: Individual Liberties. An examination of that area of Constitutional interpretation commonly known as Civil Liberties or the relations between the individual and the government. (May be used to satisfy Group II requirements.)
3322 Introduction to International Studies. This core seminar identifies critical interdisciplinary questions that will be examined in all courses in the International Studies Program. Required of all majors and minors in International Studies.
4326 Issues in World Politics. This course is designed to acquaint the student with major issues in world politics and major concepts in international relations and comparative politics.
4345 American Foreign Policy. This course focuses on how foreign policy is made. The major institutions involved in the decision-making process as well as the ideological setting in which they function are examined. Topics studied include the foreign policy roles of Congress, Interest Groups, the State Department and the Secretary of State, the Military Establishment, the Intelligence Community, the Presidency, and Public Opinion. Specific foreign policy decisions will be examined to illustrate the various roles of these institutions in the decision-making process. (May be used to satisfy Group V requirement)
4349 Special Topics in Comparative Politics. Topics in Comparative Politics will address political concepts in specific countries or areas of the world in a comparative context. The course will examine how political ideas and culture, governmental institutions, political parties, interest groups, and external influences affect the area studies. (MC) 4349D Organization of American States.
4359 Politics of International Economic Relations. This course examines the institutional structure of interstate economic relations, trade and monetary regimes, foreign investment, foreign aid, and development policies of governments. Prerequisite: POSI 3322.
4367 International Conflict and Security. Examines historical and spatial patterns of conflict (including war, terrorism, and economic coercion) from Realist, Idealist, and Marxian schools of thought. The course will also examine strategies for conflict prevention and resolution such as deterrence, arms control, collective security, and ―building democracy.
