2025-2026 Academic Catalog

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Political Science

Programs Offered

Professors:

Christoph Stefes, PhD, Denver University

Associate Professors:

Michael J. Berry, PhD, University of Colorado
Sasha Breger-Bush, PhD, University of Denver
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

Senior Instructors:

Harvey Bishop, MA, University of Colorado

Adjunct Faculty:

Charles Norton, JD, University of Chicago
Nicholas Rockwell, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles
Karen Sugar, M.A., 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)

PSCI 1001 -  Introduction to Political Science: The Quest for Freedom and Justice  (3 Credits)  
Introduces the study of politics, its human importance, and its relationship to social institutions. Analysis of the relationship between individual political behavior and characteristics of the political system. Development of key concepts such as power, legitimacy, authority, political socialization, and revolution. Note: Required of all PSCI majors. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-SS1
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Social Sciences; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS1, Soc Behav Sci:Econ or Pol.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 1101 -  American Political System  (3 Credits)  
General introduction to the American political system with emphasis on the U.S. Constitution, federalism and separation of powers. Current affairs and enduring questions of American Political life. Is America exceptional? How and why do political parties do battle? Can the U.S. system achieve social justice? Note: Courses offered through CU Succeed will also examine the Colorado Constitution and Colorado Supreme Court case studies. Required of all PSCI majors. Max hours:3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-SS1
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Social Sciences; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS1, Soc Behav Sci:Econ or Pol.
PSCI 1111 -  First Year Seminar  (3 Credits)  
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSCI 2001 -  Topics in Political Science  (1-3 Credits)  
Covers different areas of politics. Note: May be taken more than once for credit when topics vary. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
PSCI 2006 -  Global Political Issues  (3 Credits)  
Studies global political issues, exploring the broad forces at play in the world: international economics, national interests, military power, nationalism, ethnicity, the environment and human rights. Discussion of world events and underlying global issues, incorporating analytical tools used by political scientists. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 2011 -  Logic of Political Inquiry  (3 Credits)  
This course builds critical thinking techniques, logical habits of mind, and research skills necessary for political study. Includes argumentation basics, logical fallacies, evaluating evidence, understanding statistics, effective writing, and internet research. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 2365 -  Politics of Climate Change  (3 Credits)  
This course shows how Political Science addresses today's most severe threat to our planet. It analyzes how societies try to mitigate and adapt to climate change at various governance levels. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 2410 -  Political Science through Science Fiction  (3 Credits)  
Explore political science concepts by analyzing works of science fiction. Course examines utopian and dystopian communities, imagined futures, and political theorizing in both classic and unusual works of fiction. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 2840 -  Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
An opportunity for lower division students who demonstrate academic potential to pursue the study of some subject of interest in greater detail, with supervision from a faculty member in the department. Subjects chosen and arrangements for assignments to be made between student and faculty. Prereq: One semester of course work at Downtown Denver Campus. Department consent required. Repeatable. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
PSCI 3000 -  Topics: Conference Participation  (1 Credit)  
Max hours: 1 Credit.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3002 -  Topics in Political Science  (1-3 Credits)  
Covers different areas of politics. Note: May be taken more than once for credit when topics vary. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
PSCI 3011 -  Research Methods  (3 Credits)  
Design of political/social research, both qualitative and quantitative. Applications of statistical techniques and procedures to social and political phenomena. Use of computer and the Internet. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3022 -  Political Systems of the World  (3 Credits)  
The class focuses on the analyses of various political systems around the world. Students will look at democracies and dictatorships, industrialized countries and developing countries. Though a structured comparison, students will assess and test key theories in Political Science. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, International Perspectives.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 3034 -  Race, Gender, Law and Public Policy  (3 Credits)  
Historical overview of race and gender relations in the U.S. and an examination of the treatment of issues of race and gender in the judicial system and public policy. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSCI 3035 -  Political Movements: Race and Gender  (3 Credits)  
Examines the emergence, growth, and decline of social movements for race and gender equality. Discussion of political issues of race and gender in the 1990s. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSCI 3042 -  World Politics  (3 Credits)  
This course provides a basic background and theories of international relations with a focus on the interactions between states, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, media sources, and multinational corporations. Themes examined include foreign policy, international security, political economy, human rights, international law, sustainable development, and environmental management. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, International Perspectives.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 3050 -  Islamophobia  (3 Credits)  
Islamophobia depicts Islam and its followers as threats to civilization, human rights and progress. Course examines historical and current Islamophobia, including impacts on international relations and on domestic politics. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3064 -  Power and Empowerment in the United States  (3 Credits)  
Introduces U.S. political economy. Analysis of the political and economic forces and structures that shape the opportunities available to the American people. Among topics included are reciprocal impacts of government and business, the federal budget, taxation, lobbying and special interests, community organizing, and elections. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3214 -  Federal Law and American Indians  (3 Credits)  
Examines the legal and political history of the U.S. in relation to American Indian Nations. Focuses on specific laws and Supreme Court cases in federal Indian law, with analysis of U.S. policy. There will be some comparison with Indian policies of other countries. Cross-listed with ETST 3216. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3347 -  Film and Politics  (3 Credits)  
Presents historical and contemporary films to introduce students to critical evaluation of film as a political medium. Whether designed as propaganda or entertainment, films shape and reflect critical issues in our political and social culture. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3840 -  Independent Study: PSCI  (1-3 Credits)  
Department consent required. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PSCI 3914 -  The Urban Citizen  (3 Credits)  
Course emphasis is community, the individual, and the good life. Experiential learning and classroom discussions about capacities of urban citizens. Focus is on social, political, and economic resources that individuals command, issues of equality and inequality, and possibilities of constructive change. Prereq: A willingness to spend a semester working and studying together as a team in both the classroom and the community. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 3939 -  Internship  (1-12 Credits)  
Designed experiences involving application of political concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Note: students must work with the Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval. Prereq: Junior standing or higher. Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Prereq: junior standing or higher
PSCI 4001 -  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 5001. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSCI 4002 -  Topics in Political Science  (3 Credits)  
Specialized areas of politics. Note: May be taken more than once for credit when topics vary. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSCI 4009 -  Politics of the Budgetary Process  (3 Credits)  
Develops each student's understanding of 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. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4011 -  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 5011. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSCI 4014 -  Media and Politics  (3 Credits)  
Explores the impact of the news media on the American political system, including public policy and citizen participation, and addresses trends in news coverage and media ownership, and their impact on public opinion. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4024 -  State Politics: Focus Colorado  (3 Credits)  
Examination of American state politics, with an emphasis on Colorado. Course examines the special role of state governments in the American federal system. Focus on dominant current issues facing Colorado state government. Term offered: fall, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
PSCI 4025 -  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 5025. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4034 -  Political Parties and Pressure Groups  (3 Credits)  
Democrats, Republicans, third parties, and pressure groups in the United States. Analysis of pressure politics and political behavior. Impact of parties and pressure groups on the public good. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4044 -  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 5044. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4057 -  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 5057 and RLST 4500, 5500. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4074 -  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 5094. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4075 -  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 5075. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4080 -  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. Restriction: Restricted to undergraduate student with Junior or Senior standing or graduate students. Cross-listed with PSCI 5080 Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restricted to undergraduate students with Junior or Senior standing or graduate students.
PSCI 4084 -  Local Government and Administration  (3 Credits)  
Policy and administrative challenges faced by local government in the 21st century. Emphasis on cities under federalism, alternative forms of city governance, and new challenges from increasingly diverse constituents. Issues of poverty, public safety, health, transportation, environment, corruption, and accountability. Cross-listed with PSCI 5084. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4085 -  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 5085. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4094 -  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 5014. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4105 -  Comparative Politics: Europe  (3 Credits)  
An intensive and comparative analysis of the political systems and processes of Europe. Emphasis on political culture and economy; executive-legislative relationships; electoral systems; political parties and interest groups; political conflict and citizen participation; and the impact of social changes on political institutions. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Cross-listed with PSCI 5105. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4115 -  Third World Politics  (3 Credits)  
Examines the factors challenging political stability in low income nations and the prospects for democracy and economic development. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4124 -  Denver Politics  (3 Credits)  
Surveys Denver's dominant political and economic forces and community agendas that compete with the downtown growth machine. Examines urban renewal strategies, gentrification and grass-roots resistance, and the role of officials in shaping Denver's distribution of wealth and life-opportunities. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4126 -  Politics, Power, and Profit  (3 Credits)  
A short introduction to international political economy, mixing theory and practice to explore states, markets, power, profit, and policy around the world. The course combines classic texts with case studies and current events, providing broad exposure to key issues and debates in the field. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PSCI 4144 -  Indigenous Political Systems  (3 Credits)  
Surveys political theory and practice in indigenous societies in the Americas. Examines the impact of indigenous political thought on Euro-American politics, especially the U.S. Constitution, and explores the contemporary impact of indigenous people on current politics. Cross-listed with ETST 4144. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4146 -  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 5145 and ETST 4146. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4150 -  Gender Politics in the Middle East: Beyond Orientalism & Islamism  (3 Credits)  
This course is about Middle Eastern women’s subjectivity and various forms of agency. It explores the nexus of domestic, regional and international forces that shapes the lives of Middle Eastern women, in particular in the Algerian, Egyptian, Iranian, Israeli and Palestinian contexts. Far from being silent observers of the contests among these forces, as is often assumed, Middle Eastern women have been active actors in the public arena since the 19th century colonial encounter and the importation of the modern state to the region using an array of means to make their voices heard. Theirs were often more militant than those of their countrymen. The course is divided into two parts. The first part provides an overview of the theoretical notions discussed such as Orientalism, agency, colonialism and post-colonialism. Related to this theoretical section is a historical overview that is necessary to the understanding of the contemporary conditions of Middle Eastern women and the continuities and changes between past and present. The second part covers pressing topics in the lives of Middle Eastern women in the post-independence era such as the rise of Political Islam, the global trend of democratization, war and occupation. The emphasis in this section is on women as active participants in the debates surrounding these issues, rather than as objects of them. The readings assigned include both texts written by scholars from the region and by others from without. They provide analyses of the contexts within which Middle Eastern women’s struggles take place. In addition, students will be exposed to materials produced by Middle Eastern women activists that express their own opinions and views in order to avoid misrepresentation and to reflect the diversity among them. Cross-listed with WGST 4150. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4155 -  Political Systems of the Middle East and North Africa  (3 Credits)  
Comparative analysis of political processes in the Middle East and North Africa. Islamic political theory and its contemporary manifestations. The role of nationalism and the quest for modernity in the political development of this region. Parties and programmed modernization in transitional politics. Violent and nonviolent change. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4156 -  The Arab-Israeli Peace Process  (3 Credits)  
Critical analysis of Arab and Israeli perspectives on the on-going peace negotiations in the Middle East. Historical background and religious-cultural aspects of current problems. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Cross-listed with ETST 4156. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4165 -  Islamic Politics and Culture  (3 Credits)  
Comprehensive, in-depth study of Islam and Muslims. Islam is viewed as a "way of life" with social, economic, psychological, spiritual, and political implications. Among topics to be examined are: women in Islam, Jihad, fundamentalism, Islamic movements, Islam and the West. Cross-listed with RLST 3100. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSCI 4176 -  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 5176. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4185 -  Corruption in the U.S. and Abroad  (3 Credits)  
Explores the causes and consequences of administrative and political corruption in developed and developing countries, and evaluates various anti-corruption strategies. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4186 -  East Asia in World Affairs  (3 Credits)  
Political and economic systems and foreign policies of East Asian powers, such as China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong; interactions of these powers and their collective economic and political roles in world affairs; major theoretical approaches to the study of East Asian powers. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4195 -  Political Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of major types of political systems in sub-Saharan Africa and intensive case studies of selected countries exemplifying each type. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4206 -  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 5206. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4207 -  Theories of Social and Political Change  (3 Credits)  
Investigation of social and political power with respect to possibilities of change. Location of present barriers to change within ongoing histories of marginalization, exclusion, and violence. Critical examination of political inclusion and recognition. Imaginations and pursuits of just, equitable, and/or Utopian worlds. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4215 -  Women's Rights, Human Rights: Global Perspectives  (3 Credits)  
Explores the global feminist movement's campaign to "engender" human rights. Examination of women's human-rights issues and the critique of this campaign as representing cultural imperialism. Note: this course assumes that students have completed at least two political science courses. Cross-listed with WGST 4215. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4216 -  International Politics: Human Rights  (3 Credits)  
The system of nation states, concepts of national interest, goals of foreign policies, conduct of diplomacy, and the bearing of these elements on the problem of human rights. Presentation and evaluation of the solutions that have been offered for the securing of justice and the maintenance of peace. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4224 -  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 5224. PSCI 3022 recommended for student success. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4225 -  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 5225. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4226 -  The United Nations in World Affairs  (3 Credits)  
Current operation and future potential of the United Nations as a complex actor in world affairs, both expressing conflicting interests of its participants and promoting universal goals, including world peace, human rights, and environmental protection. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4235 -  Politics and Markets in Latin America  (3 Credits)  
Explores political economic development in Latin America within the context of the world system. Includes the study of colonization, land tenure, foreign investment, authoritarianism, militarism, social and revolutionary movements, human rights and democratization. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PSCI 4236 -  American Foreign Policy  (3 Credits)  
Examines the postwar events, controversies, and most recent challenges in U.S. foreign policy. Analyses of the major sources of U.S. foreign policy, such as ideology, national interests, and national power. Attention to the pattern and process of foreign policy-making. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4237 -  American National Security  (3 Credits)  
Examines American national security, utilizing an interdisciplinary analysis of its domestic historical development and its function in the current global context. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4240 -  International Security  (3 Credits)  
Examines old and emerging "threats" to national security, and policy responses, from theoretical, historical and geographical perspectives. Explores challenges of ethnic conflict, weapons of mass destruction, environmental and economic security. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4245 -  Populist Movements around the World  (3 Credits)  
Political populism is on the rise in virtually every part of the world. Populist leaders, parties and movements exert direct influence when they in are power. However, they also create pressure on centrist leaders and parties and influence politics indirectly. This course explores the phenomenon of political populism around the world. We begin by defining populism and investigate cases of populist movements in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. After that, we will engage the literature devoted to explaining the phenomenon. The course concludes with a discussion of the effects of populism and the dangers that some forms of it pose to democracy. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4248 -  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 5245, WGST 4248 and WGST 5248. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4265 -  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 5265. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4266 -  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. Note: this course is intended for political science majors. Cross-listed with PSCI 5266. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4274 -  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 5274. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4276 -  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. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Cross-listed with PSCI 5276. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4280 -  The Politics of War Law  (3 Credits)  
Examines international laws governing armed conflict, including human rights law. Investigates the reasons for instances of compliance and violation within this international legal regime regulating war and conflict. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4286 -  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 5286. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4325 -  First Amendment: Theory and Context  (3 Credits)  
First Amendment jurisprudence including free speech/responsibility, sedition/seditious libel/dissent, prior restraints, time/place/manner restrictions, hate/intimidating speech, defamation, privacy/security tensions, intellectual property/public good, advertising, corporate speech, sexual expression, and public status of religion. Cross-listed with HUMN 4325, HUMN 5325, SSCI 4325, SSCI 5325 and PSCI 5325. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSCI 4326 -  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. Prereq: PSCI 4126. Cross-listed with PSCI 5326. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Prereq: PSCI 4126
PSCI 4330 -  U.S. Health Policy  (3 Credits)  
The role of public health policy as legislated at the federal and state levels. Individual health policy (e.g. social security and managed care) and public health policy (e.g. mandatory immunizations, HIV testing, air and water quality). Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4354 -  Environmental Politics  (3 Credits)  
Political, legal, and economic forces in environmental law and policy. Special emphasis on air and water pollution and on threats to public and agricultural land. Environmental groups and their opponents. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4365 -  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 5365. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4407 -  Early Political Thought  (3 Credits)  
Main currents of political thought in their historical setting from Plato to Machiavelli, with a critical evaluation of those elements of continuing worth. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4414 -  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 5514. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4417 -  Modern Political Thought  (3 Credits)  
Theories of modernity and its lasting social and political consequences. Topics may include liberalism and neoliberalism, capitalism and Marxism, humanism and posthumanism, racial slavery, colonialism, and ecology. PSCI 4407 is not a prerequisite for PSCI 4417. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSCI 4427 -  Law, Politics and Justice  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of the relationship of politics, law, and justice, particularly the degree to which moral norms and political concerns should and do influence legal standards and their perceived legitimacy. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4437 -  Coercion and the State  (3 Credits)  
An analysis of: (1) the historical emergence of the modern state; (2) the theoretical justifications for the concentration of political power and the activist state; (3) the internationalization of the European state system; and (4) anarchist and Fourth World challenges. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4444 -  Contemporary Culture and Politics in America  (3 Credits)  
Intellectual and experiential investigation of the interplay of culture and politics in American society, as manifested in literature, social and political philosophy, psychological writings and trends, radical movements, popular culture, and daily behavior. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4446 -  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. Prereq: PSCI 4144 or PSCI 4146. Cross-listed with PSCI 5446. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
Prereq: PSCI 4144 or PSCI 4146
PSCI 4457 -  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 5457, ETST 4457, and ETST 5457. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4477 -  Constitutional Law I  (3 Credits)  
Nature and scope of the following American constitutional principles as developed by the U.S. Supreme Court: federalism, jurisdiction of the federal courts, separation of powers, the taxing power, and the commerce power. Case method. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSCI 4487 -  Constitutional Law II  (3 Credits)  
Continuation of PSCI 4477, with emphasis on the war powers of the president, citizenship, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil War amendments. (Case method.) Note: PSCI 4477 is not a prerequisite for PSCI 4487. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSCI 4494 -  Judicial Politics  (3 Credits)  
Examines principal actors in the legal system: police, lawyers, judges, citizens. About half of this course is devoted to the study of judicial behavior, especially at the Supreme Court level. Political and personal influences on judicial behavior. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4505 -  Political System of Russia and Its Neighbors  (3 Credits)  
The class focuses on the political values, institutions and actors of Russia and its neighboring countries, covering the political developments since the late 20th century. The relations between Russia, the European Union and the United States are also analyzed. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4535 -  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 5535. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4545 -  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. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Cross-listed with PSCI 5545. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
PSCI 4550 -  The Irish Diaspora  (3 Credits)  
While the population of Ireland today is roughly five million, there are an estimated 80 million people worldwide and nearly 50 million people in North America who claim some Irish identity. This course will explore this massive, nearly 5 century old, diaspora, beginning with the Plantations of Ulster and subsequent Ulster Scots emigration to North America, through the Great Hunger of the 19th century and massive exodus to the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond. The course focus heavily on Irish immigrant communities in early Colorado, specifically Leadville, examining the history of our own community as a window into the larger political, social, and economic structures that drove such a migration. The course will conclude with an examination of the N. Ireland Peace Process, Good Friday Agreement, and BREXIT, inquiring about the role that Ireland and the Irish Diaspora plays today in global politics. Note: Students in this course will travel to parts of Colorado that once had significant Irish immigrant communities, places such as Leadville, Cripple Creek/Victor, Nevadaville, and various Catholic parishes and cemeteries in Denver. Students will also be expected to perform primary source research on Irish communities in early Colorado. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4554 -  Chicano and Latino Politics  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of the social, cultural, and economic factors that affect political behavior of Latinos. Special attention is paid to the Mexican American cultural heritage and to relations between Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans. Cross-listed with ETST 4558. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4555 -  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. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Cross-listed with PSCI 5555, ETST 4555 and WGST 4555/5555. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4564 -  Gender and Politics  (3 Credits)  
Inter-sectional examination of the personal and political life of gender. Exploration of constructions, performances, and creative reconfiguration of gender through a variety of texts, genres, and media. Cross-listed with WGST 4564. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4605 -  Politics and Governments of South Asia  (3 Credits)  
Studies the political systems of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The impact of British rule on the development of political institutions on the subcontinent as well as problems of political development at all levels. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4615 -  Politics and Government of China  (3 Credits)  
Political and governmental changes within China, from the 19th century to the present. Primary emphasis on contemporary political systems and sociopolitical problems. China's struggle for independence and economic development. The Chinese revolutions, Maoist communism, and the post-Maoist period. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4645 -  Comparative Political Leadership  (3 Credits)  
Comparative study of historical, socio-cultural, and psychological bases of political leadership. Leadership types in peasant societies, empires, and revolutionary movements. Dilemmas of democratic versus authoritarian leadership in modernizing and industrial states. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4726 -  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 5726. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4736 -  The Middle East in World Affairs  (3 Credits)  
Evolution and revolution in the Middle East. The character of nationalism in the area. Analysis of inter-regional and international problems affecting the Middle East, with special emphasis on current Arab-Israeli relations. Note: This course may count for the International Studies major or minor. See your INTS advisor for more information. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4757 -  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. Note: this course assumes that students have completed ENGL 1020, 2030, and any 3000-level English/writing course, or COMM 3120. Cross-listed with ENGL 4750, PSCI 5747, COMM 4750 and COMM 5750. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4770 -  Middle East Politics and Society in Film  (3 Credits)  
This course explores the intersection between politics and cinema in the Middle East. More precisely, it discusses the efforts of various international, regional, and local actors to construct meanings, mobilize support and legitimize their policies through film. Topics covered include nationalism and cinema, globalization and transnational cinema, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Political Islam and Islamic cinema. In addition to readings written by scholars from within and from outside the region, we will be analyzing American, Arab, Canadian, Iranian, and Israeli movies and documentaries that pertain to the topics covered in the course. The list of movies and documentaries watched in class will vary from year to year. Some of the movies that will be used frequently are: Lawrence of Arabia, Exodus, Argo and American Sniper. Term Offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4807 -  Political Violence  (3 Credits)  
Investigates different types of political violence including genocide, ethnic and religious conflict, revolution, terrorism, war, state repression and others. Introduces theories of individual, collective and institutional violence, applies them to a range of case studies and explores possible solutions. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4808 -  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 5808. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4827 -  Women and the Law  (3 Credits)  
Examines the role of the courts in the development of public policy toward women; how the legal system affects the economic power, family roles, safety and political participation of women. Cross-listed with ETST 4827 and WGST 4827. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4837 -  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 5837. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4840 -  Independent Study: PSCI  (1-3 Credits)  
An opportunity for advanced students with good scholastic records, and with appropriate courses completed, to pursue independently the study of some subject of special interest to them. Subjects chosen and arrangements made to suit the needs of each student. Note: Primarily for seniors. Prereq: 15 semester hours in political science and permission of instructor. Repeatable. Max Hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
PSCI 4878 -  War, Film, and 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 5878. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4880 -  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. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
PSCI 4914 -  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 5914. Note: Students will not receive credit for this course if they have already earned credit for PSCI 3075. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSCI 4934 -  CU at the Capitol  (3 Credits)  
Interested in building your professional experience and learning about politics first-hand with an internship as a legislative aide in the Colorado General Assembly? Each student in this course will be placed in a state government internship (students must apply for widely available positions). Working in settings such as the state capitol, legislator offices, committee hearings, and constituent meetings, students will learn first-hand about the current year legislative session of Colorado General Assembly, while networking with Colorado’s political powerhouses. To supplement field experience, class meetings will allow interns to discuss current state politics and the complexities of politics as a vocation. Please note: Any student enrolling for this course must contact the course instructor immediately for assistance in landing an internship before the spring semester begins. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSCI 4960 -  Capstone in Political Science  (3 Credits)  
All students in this class are near the completion of their undergraduate degree in Political Science. Congratulations on this impending achievement! This capstone course will be your opportunity to produce a sophisticated piece of work that should be one of the most demanding and impressive projects you will complete as an undergraduate--it is the capstone of your intellectual journey through your political science major. You will spend the entire semester working on this project, receiving feedback from your peers and providing feedback to them as each of you work on your respective projects. This capstone project will facilitate independent student research in Political Science and assist students in developing advanced writing and communication skills. Students will engage and enhance their critical thinking skills and will educate each other through discussions, oral presentations, and written analysis. Both independent and/or group capstone projects may be part of this course. Restriction: Students must have completed 27 credits hours in Political Science (PSCI) with a C- or higher in order to register. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Students must have completed 27 credits hours in Political Science (PSCI) with a C- or higher in order to register.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSCI 4995 -  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 5995. Term offered: summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 4 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
Typically Offered: Summer.