Roger P. Abshire

Roger P Abshire Office: UAC 362
Phone: 512.245.3258
Email: rpa14@txstate.edu

Ph.D., University of Houston

Lecturer

Dr. Abshire is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Texas State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Houston in 2018, where his primary field of study was political theory; in particular, American political thought, American political development, and constitutionalism.

In his dissertation, titled "The Problem of Constitutionalized Discretion", he traced the institutional and theoretical development of three discretionary constitutional powers (legislative procedural rule making, executive pardon power, judicial equity), and argued that the constitutionalization of discretionary power undermines the aims of the American constitutional project.

In addition to Political Theory, he is also interested in researching and teaching in the areas of American Politics and Public Law; particularly, the presidency, unilateral power, constitutional law, and law & society.

Dr. Abshire has presented a number of papers at academic conferences, including at the annual meetings of APSA and SPSA, has several working papers related to constitutionalism, American political thought, constitutional law, and the presidency, and recently published an article in Presidential Studies Quarterly.

Courses Taught

POSI 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.

POSI 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.

PS 3322 Political 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.

PS 3333 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.)

PS 3351 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.

PS 3353 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.

PS 4321 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)

PS 3341 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.

PS 4354 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: PS 3300 or PS 3301

PS 4351 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.