Political Science
Requirements for Admission
Students applying for admission to the MA program in political science should have an undergraduate degree in political science or related field (e.g., international affairs or public administration, among others) or have completed at least 18-credit hours of previous academic work in political science, at least 9 hours of which should be at the upper-division or graduate level. The department may make exceptions to these requirements in unusual cases (for instance, if course work in related fields such as psychology, economics and history compensates for the deficiencies in political science). Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 to be considered. In their applications, students must submit official transcripts and three letters of recommendation (academic references preferred) as specified by graduate admissions. In addition, applicants must submit a statement of academic objectives and an academic writing sample. Standardized test scores are not required of applicants but will be considered if submitted. Program applicants who face difficulties in meeting these requirements should reach out for individual discussion with our Graduate Program director (for example, if an undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, or if letters of recommendation from professors taken years ago are difficult to obtain).
In order to take graduate courses in political science, students must either be admitted to the MA program, a declared 4+1 BA/MA student, or secured permission to take courses as a non-degree student. Non-degree students interested in our certificate programs or in taking graduate courses for any reason should reach out to the Department Graduate Advisor to secure admission to courses as a non-degree seeking student.
See more about our admissions on our website.
Programs
- New Directions in Public, Non-Profit and Community Leadership, Political Science, MA
- Political Science, MA
- Political Science MA / Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree
- Labor Leadership Graduate Certificate
- Public, Nonprofit and Community Leadership Graduate Certificate
- Labor Leadership Undergraduate Certificate/
- Public, Nonprofit and Community Leadership Undergraduate Certificate/
Faculty
Professors:
Omar Swartz, JD, PhD, Duke University, Purdue University
Associate Professors:
Michael J. Berry, PhD, University of Colorado
Bassem Hassan, PhD, University of Denver
Betcy Jose, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Glenn T. Morris, JD, Harvard University School of Law
Tony Robinson, PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Thorsten Spehn, PhD, University of Denver
James Walsh, PhD, University of Colorado
Assistant Professors:
Karen Breslin, JD, University of Denver
Vanessa Navarro-Rodrîguez, PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Senior Instructors:
Harvey Bishop, MA, University of Colorado
Adjunct Faculty:
Charles Norton, JD, University of Chicago
Basim Mahmood, M.A., University of Colorado
Nicholas Rockwell, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles
Karen Sugar, MA, University of Colorado
Martin Widzer, PhD, University of Denver
Emeritus Faculty:
Mike Cummings, PhD, Stanford University
Joel Edelstein, PhD, University of California, Riverside
Jana Everett, PhD, University of Michigan
Stephen C. Thomas, PhD, Stanford University
Political Science (PSCI) Courses
PSCI 5000 - State of the Discipline (3 Credits)
Introduces graduate study in political science. Provides an overview of theories and methods in the four fields of American politics, political theory, comparative politics and international relations. Guest lectures by department faculty.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSCI 5001 - Theories of Capitalism (3 Credits)
Is capitalism “the legitimate racket of the ruling class”, as Al Capone argued? Is it the “system under which greed does the least harm”, as Milton Friedman suggested? Or, is it as John Keynes had it, “the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone”? This advanced undergraduate/graduate course in theories of political economy engages ideas, concepts, actors, institutions, relationships, dynamics, and structures central to a deep understanding of global industrial capitalism. The course is centered on the works of seminal theorists of capitalism from the 18th century forward, including Adam Smith, David Ricardo, Alexander Hamilton, Friedrich List, Karl Marx, CLR James, Harry Magdoff, Friedrich Hayek, Martin Luther King, Jr., Kwame Nkrumah, Jeff Sachs, Amartya Sen, and Vandana Shiva. Students in the course are provided ample opportunities, across a variety of innovative assignments, to explore the historical and social context of the theoretical perspectives presented, to compare these perspectives to one another, and to make substantive connections between theory and practice. Note: Students are not expected to have any prior coursework in political science. Students are expected to make progress in developing their reading, writing, analytical and critical thinking skills. Cross-listed with PSCI 4001.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSCI 5008 - Graduate Topics in Political Science (1-3 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 5009 - Politics of the Budgetary Process (3 Credits)
Explores budgeting and financial management in the public and nonprofit sectors. An overview of public sector and nonprofit fiscal management is provided, along with thorough exploration of the political influences that affect financial decision-making. Note: Offered as a special topics course in an intensive three-weekend format, which is reflected in the syllabus.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5011 - GIS in Political Science (3 Credits)
Computer lab course developing methodological skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in political contexts. Geospatial computerized mapping skills are important in political fields such as urban planning, electoral analysis, environmental justice, demographics, public health, and criminal justice. Designed for beginners. Cross-listed with PSCI 4011.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSCI 5014 - Seminar: American Politics (3 Credits)
Foundations of U.S. politics and contemporary political issues. Federal/state/community relations. Relationship among the three branches of the Federal government. Colorado controversies arising under the U.S. Constitution. Cross-listed with PSCI 4094.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5024 - State Politics: Focus on Colorado (3 Credits)
Analysis of unique aspects of Colorado government and politics. Political comparison of Colorado with other states. Preparation and discussion of research papers.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
PSCI 5025 - Local Governance and Globalization (3 Credits)
Introduces international political economy, consequences of globalization for localities, interplay between wealth and power among nations, multinational corporations, NGOs and the UN, and impact of their actions on local governments. Topics include development, aid, trade, outsourcing, eco-sustainability and global equity.. Cross-listed with PSCI 4025.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5044 - The Presidency (3 Credits)
An overview of the historical, constitutional, and functional aspects of the presidency. Focuses on the powers and vulnerabilities of the presidency and on the style and politics of the current president. Cross-listed with PSCI 4044.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5054 - The Legislative Process (3 Credits)
An intensive examination of the structures and interactions through which laws are made in the United States. The major emphasis is the national level, but considerable attention is devoted to state legislatures and local lawmaking bodies. Impact of money and interest groups.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5057 - Religion and Politics (3 Credits)
Exploration of: (1) theoretical perspectives on the relationship between religion and politics; (2) causes of and justifications for the historical development of the Western separation of "church and state;" (3) contemporary responses to and analyses of this separation; and (4) several current debates about public policy in America that reveal tensions between these two spheres. Cross-listed with PSCI 4057, and RLST 4500, 5500.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5064 - City Policymaking in Times of Change (3 Credits)
Cities have long served as laboratories for policy innovation, responding to inequality, shifting narratives, community organizing, and gaps in state and federal action. Learn practical policy development skills while examining how politics, public stories, collective action, and state–federal dynamics shape—and often constrain—the possibilities for local change. Cross-listed with PSCI 4064
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5075 - Gentrification and Social Equity (3 Credits)
Study causes and consequences of urban gentrification, and explore strategies of grassroots resistance and social equity solutions that are being mobilized to challenge the forces of gentrification. Contrast common celebrations of the waves of capital reinvestment that are fueling urban revitalization with the frequent claim of many low-income neighborhoods: “Gentrification is Class War!” Cross-listed with PSCI 4075.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5080 - The Housing Crisis: Local Government Responses (3 Credits)
Explore how local governments shape housing patterns and promote affordable housing through land-use, spending, policy, and as property owners. Themes include: origins of housing segregation/discrimination, state/federal regulation of local efforts, land use reform to address the recent housing crisis, components of comprehensive affordability strategy, basic housing finance, affordability policies, resolution of homelessness, private market forces, and political tensions. Cross-listed with PSCI 4080.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 5084 - Local Government and Administration (3 Credits)
Local government leaders must plan for long-term community needs, manage staff and operations, and implement policy while engaging their communities in highly political contexts. Learn practical skills while tackling the biggest challenges facing local governments today, such as rapid shifts in state and federal landscapes, climate crises, emerging technologies. Cross-listed with PSCI 4084.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5085 - Comparative Governance: Environment and Society (3 Credits)
Focuses on how public & private actors at various levels of governance address pressing social & environmental issues such as aging societies, drug abuse, air pollution & global warming. Students will learn to analyze the dynamics of conflict & cooperation, using main concepts and theories of governance literature. Cross-listed with PSCI 4085.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5094 - Urban Politics, Planning, and Development (3 Credits)
For the first time in world history, humanity has passed a watershed moment as the majority of all the world’s people now reside in cities, rather than rural areas. Most of the world’s GDP is generated in cities, but cities also consume most of the world’s resources. Technological invention and cultural innovation flourish in cities, but so too does crime and anomie. In cities, profound economic and ideological struggles over competitive neoliberalism and the sharing social economy play out in spatial struggles over the shape and use of the urban places we move through daily. Can vast and growing cities be sustainable, healthy, and just? Field tours through changing Denver neighborhoods provide case-study insights. Cross-listed with PSCI 4074.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5105 - Comparative Politics: Europe (3 Credits)
Examination and writing of research papers on selected topics of industrial democracies, especially those of Europe. Cross-listed with PSCI 4105.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5145 - Indigenous Politics (3 Credits)
Surveys the status of the world's native peoples and nations, and the role of law and politics in the future of indigenous peoples in the global arena. Examines questions of human rights, economic development, and international law and politics. Cross-listed with PSCI 4146 and ETST 4146.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5176 - Civil Resistance in Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
This course assesses forms of civil resistance against political oppression. The focus is on the struggle of non-violent resistance movements. Students will learn about the origins, successes, tactics, and strategies of civil resistance groups. Cross-listed with PSCI 4176.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5206 - Social Movements, Democracy and Global Politics (3 Credits)
Examines global social movements as new political actors within world politics; how theoretical perspectives in international relations and democracy address these actors; and the forms of interaction among these actors, states, and global governance institutions. Cross-listed with PSCI 4206.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5216 - World Politics Seminar (3 Credits)
This course introduces important theories in the field of international relations ranging from realism, liberalism and constructivism to critical, feminist and green theories, indigenous approaches and queer theory. It also explores important global issues such as armed conflict, terrorism, human rights, international political economy, immigration, pandemics, and environmental degradation.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5217 - Human Rights: Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
Explores the ideas of international human rights and the practical efforts to actualize rights in societies around the world. Students study the theories of rights and the evolution of rights in history. Cross-listed with PSCI 4217.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5224 - Dictatorships in 21st Century (3 Credits)
Analyzes and classifies political systems of non-democratic regimes. Reviews earlier and contemporary theories that explain the origins, survival and death of authoritarian regimes. Discusses the impact of dictatorial rule on domestic developments as well as on international relations. Cross-listed with PSCI 4224.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5225 - Democracy and Democratization (3 Credits)
Examines the conditions under which countries turn from authoritarianism towards democracy and become stable democratic regimes. Also examines the impact of foreign and international factors on new democracies. Cross-listed with PSCI 4225.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5236 - Seminar: American Foreign Policy (3 Credits)
Examines selected methodological and substantive problems. Particular emphasis on elements of national decision making, America's adaptation to the changing world, and opportunities for student contributions through research and discussion.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5238 - Seminar: Comparative Foreign Policy (3 Credits)
Examination of the effects of leaders, groups, institutions, strategic cultures and external influences on national foreign policy-making processes and comparative analysis of foreign policy making of great and emerging powers.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5245 - Gender, Development and Globalization (3 Credits)
Examining the cost and impact of globalization; not only on women and gender but economic equality, human movement and displacement, sustainable development and the environment. Highlighting the complexities of a highly interconnected world and intersectional nature of a globalized world, answering the question: Who Wins? Who Loses? Cross-listed with PSCI 4248, WGST 4248 and WGST 5248.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5256 - Seminar: National Question and Self-Determination (3 Credits)
Designed to provide students with a broad theoretical and empirical understanding of the causes of ethnic conflicts and to assess different strategies of conflict resolution.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5265 - Social Justice And Globalization (3 Credits)
Examines issues of justice and ethical responsibility in a globalizing world. Do moral obligations of individuals and institutions end at national borders or do they encompass all human beings and extend to the environment and to future generations? Cross-listed with PSCI 4265.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5266 - International Law (3 Credits)
Investigates the body of law that regulates relations between nations and provides a framework for solving common problems and disputes between nations. Cross-listed with PSCI 4266.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5274 - Conflict Resolution and Public Consent Building (3 Credits)
Alternative strategies for resolving or mediating conflicts facing public or nonprofit organizations and for building public consent, with emphasis on personal, interpersonal, organizational, interest-group, cross-cultural, and roots of conflict and bases for consent. Cross-listed with PSCI 4274.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5276 - Conflicts and Rights in International Law (3 Credits)
Explores contending interpretations and practices in international law regarding issues such as the legitimacy of humanitarian intervention, efficacy of truth commissions, tensions between truth and justice in cases of genocide and war crimes, and legal changes needed to devise viable rules. Cross-listed with PSCI 4276.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5286 - International Relations: War or Peace? (3 Credits)
Presents alternative theoretical frameworks for the explanation of war and peace. Investigations of the efficacy of international law, just-war norms and the UN in preventing or containing conflict. Cross-listed with PSCI 4286.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5326 - Advanced International Political Economy: Globalization (3 Credits)
Engages the current debate about globalization. Conceptualizes globalization and evaluates the pros and cons of global trade and finance for developed and developing countries. Develops a model for a sustainable and just global economy. Cross-listed with PSCI 4326. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5354 - Seminar: Environmental Politics and Policy (3 Credits)
Consideration of competing models of the policy process in natural-resources decision making. Focus on selected case studies. Impact of environmental and pro-growth forces on the political process.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5365 - Global Ecological Crises (3 Credits)
Overview of global ecological problems such as climate change, transboundary pollutions, and loss of bio-diversity in an attempt to understand the political, economic, and cultural forces behind these problems and the status of legal and policy initiatives to address them. Cross-listed with PSCI 4365.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5414 - Non-Profits and Social Change (3 Credits)
Explores role of non-profits in catalyzing social change. What are obstacles and opportunities to leveraging social change through nonprofits? What factors shape non-profits to be either transformational or systemstabilizing forces? Cross-listed with PSCI 4414.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5424 - The Social Economy and Sustainable Development (3 Credits)
Theory and practice of social economy initiatives like worker cooperatives, micro-credit networks, mutual aid associations and the fair trade movement. How do grass-roots activists and legal frameworks affect the direction and possibilities of the solidarity economy?
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5434 - The Cooperative Movement: Politics and Policy (3 Credits)
Explores the history, current status, and emerging developments in the cooperative movement, both domestic and global. Topics include the political, organizational, and financial challenges and opportunities facing worker, producer, and consumer cooperatives. Examines how cooperative enterprises have adopted both reformist and revolutionary responses to the capitalist system, and how legal regimes and grassroots movements shape the future of cooperative enterprises.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5446 - Advanced Indigenous Peoples' Politics (3 Credits)
Builds upon the theoretical and applied foundations of PSCI 4146. Intensive study of international legal and political developments are examined, particularly in the United Nations and the Organization of American States systems. Note: this course assumes that students have completed PSCI 4144 or 4146 or equivalent. Cross-listed with PSCI 4446.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5457 - American Political Thought (3 Credits)
Critical examination of American political life at the intersections of social categories such as race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and Indigeneity. Exploration of key and marginal thinkers through a variety of texts and genres. Cross-listed with PSCI 4457, ETST 4457, and ETST 5457.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5468 - Research Methods in Political Science (3 Credits)
Analysis and evaluation of research methods, techniques, and empirical materials in political science application to Internet research.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5477 - The U.S. Constitution: Law and Politics (3 Credits)
An intensive analysis of the most recent doctrinal developments in the areas of federal jurisdiction, federalism, separation of powers, commerce, taxing and war powers, civil liberties and civil rights. Note: this course assumes that students have completed PSCI 4477 or 4487 or equivalent.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5535 - Labor and Working Class Politics (3 Credits)
Explores the status of the labor movement both in the U.S. and internationally, as well as the political, philosophical, and social implications of socioeconomic class status and identity. Cross-listed with PSCI 4535.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5545 - Immigration Politics (3 Credits)
Introduces students to central theories of migration and a survey of immigration law and policy in the 20th century. Highlights experiences of Mexican and Latin American immigrants and related topics, including U.S.-Mexican foreign relations, bilingual education, undocumented immigration and globalization. Cross-listed with PSCI 4545.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5548 - Labor Law and Collective Bargaining (3 Credits)
Explores the history, current status, and emerging developments in U.S. labor law. Examines how labor law structures worker organizing and collective bargaining efforts. Focus on labor/management relations in such processes as contract administration, workplace anti-discrimination efforts, and labor organizing rights. Explore new developments like labor law in relations to social media usage and independent contracting.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5550 - Labor, Trade Unions and the Global Economy (3 Credits)
Examines transnational trade unionism amid the global economy, with an emphasis on trade unions in a comparative perspective. How do labor activists and trade unions strive to establish institutions and mechanisms to assert worker rights and power in today’s international political-economy?
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5551 - International Society: Critical Perspectives (3 Credits)
International societies are one of the main phenomena of international relations and a key concept in the field of International Relations. Far from being an inclusive and egalitarian space, as often claimed by its leading members and advocates, international societies are based on power inequalities, both material and discursive, that continuously reproduce their deep hierarchical structures. This course discusses the origins and evolution of the present international society as well as the main hierarchies within it. It focuses on the processes that led to its formation and the mechanisms used to contain and/or to defeat attempts at transforming it. It also explores the possibilities of alternative visions of order in international relations.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5555 - International Women's Resistance (3 Credits)
Examines local and international struggles of women to build peace and justice by resisting systems of inequality such as colonialism, racism, patriarchy, globalization, and religious intolerance. Cross-listed with PSCI 4555, WGST 4555/5555 and ETST 4555.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5610 - Seminar: Middle East Politics (3 Credits)
Examines the Middle East regional system and the region's role in world politics. Investigates questions regarding politics in Iran, Iraq, Palestinian-Israeli relations, political Islam, and relations with the United States.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5615 - Seminar: Chinese Development (3 Credits)
Discussion of readings about China. Analysis of several of the following: party-government relations, ideology and political behavior, leadership, diplomacy, political and economic development and post-Mao reforms.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5726 - Seminar on U.S. and China Relations (3 Credits)
Detailed examination of historical context and current issues in U.S./China relations. Emphasis on modern period, with particular attention to changing relations in context of rising power of China. Cross-listed with PSCI 4726.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5747 - Legal Reasoning and Writing (3 Credits)
Introduces the fundamentals of legal reasoning and legal argumentation through intensive class discussion, formal debate and writing. Attention is given to the relationship between case and statutory law and their application in trial and appeals courts in the United States. Cross-listed with PSCI 4757, COMM 4750, 5750.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5807 - Seminar: Conflict Behavior and the Politics of Violence (3 Credits)
Theoretical and empirical analysis of conflict behavior with special emphasis on the explanation of political violence. Revolution, international warfare, and urban unrest are studied as forms of political violence, and the role of systematic empirical research is emphasized in the development of general theories of intergroup conflict.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5808 - Strategies of Peacebuilding (3 Credits)
The course investigates the theories and strategies of peacebuilding in societies that have endured intrastate conflict and/or massive human rights violates and asks whether peace and justice and democracy can or should work together and how forgiveness and reconciliation might develop. Cross-listed with PSCI 4808.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5837 - Contemporary Issues in Civil Liberties (3 Credits)
Conflicting rights of individuals and groups in several areas of civil liberties, including religious groups, free speech, sexual freedom, racial quotas, and anti-governmental actions and publications. This course includes case law, readings, guest speakers and case discussions. Cross-listed with PSCI 4837.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5840 - Independent Study: PSCI (1-3 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS Graduate Academic Services Coordinator for approval. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
PSCI 5878 - War, Film, & International Law (3 Credits)
This course examines interactions of culture, politics, and law
by chronologically investigating 20th-century war movies and
the ways experiences and norms have shaped and been
shaped by cinematic representations. Cross-listed with PSCI 4878.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5880 - Directed Research (1-6 Credits)
Students will engage in original research projects supervised and mentored by faculty. Students must work with faculty prior to registration to develop a proposal for their project and receive permission to take this course. Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS Graduate Academic Services Coordinator for approval. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
PSCI 5914 - Community Organizing and Community Development (3 Credits)
The theory and practice of community organizing strategies and community development innovations. How can social activists build power at the grassroots to build equitable, sustainable, and healthy communities? Cross-listed with PSCI 4914.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5939 - Internship (1-6 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS Graduate Academic Services Coordinator for approval. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
PSCI 5944 - CU in the City (3 Credits)
Investigation of community development strategies through seminar discussions, urban walking tours, and student field placement with a local community based organization, non-profit, or public office engaged in community development work. Cross-listed with PSCI 4944.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors or undergraduate majors in the Bachelor's to Master's program (PSCI-BA-BMA or INTS-BA-BMA).
PSCI 5950 - Master's Thesis (1-6 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS Graduate Academic Services Coordinator for approval. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 5960 - Master's Project (1-3 Credits)
Department consent required. Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS Graduate Academic Services Coordinator for approval. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 5995 - Global Study Topics (1-4 Credits)
This course is reserved for CU Denver faculty-led study abroad experiences. The course topic will vary based on the location and course content. Students register through the Office of Global Education. Cross-listed with PSCI 4995. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
Restriction: Restricted to Graduate and Graduate Non-Degree Majors
Typically Offered: Summer.