New Directions Courses

♦ Register by March 1st for Spring 2026 Local Goverment and Administation ♦ 

♦ Summer Registration opens March 18th ♦

 

Headshot of Sara Zeynalilaki next to text of her quote, which reads: "Gentrification and Social Equity" was profoundly informative. Beyond a traditional understanding of urban development, it equipped me to deconstruct the complex social, economic, and political forces shaping Denver and metropolitan areas. It was truly transformational, and I continue to use what I learn to observe the intricate ecosystems of justice and inequality in other cities I visit.”
Headshot of Daisy Pham next to text of her quote, which reads: Dr. Ray’s Research Methods emphasized analytical rigor over political punditry. The course sharpened my critical thinking skills and provided me with tools to draw evidence-based conclusions. That’s especially important to me because so many aspects of politics can feel personal and emotionally charged, and I value having frameworks that help me step back and evaluate issues more objectively.

Guide to Course Numbering

At the University of Colorado Denver, courses for master's degree/graduate credit are numbered in the 5000s or above. Courses in the 4000s are for undergraduate credit. New Directions cross-lists many of our courses for both undergraduate and graduate credit, with undergraduates completing an adjusted level of work on assignments, or adjustments in the evaluation of those assignments, commensurate with their academic level. To ensure your credits count properly for your Master's degree, graduate students should always enroll in the 5000 level or above for all courses. 

* Please note that because they are extended studies, the University of Colorado tuition assistance benefit (TAB) cannot be used to pay for New Directions classes. 

 Spring 2026 Courses 

PSCI 5434 -  The Cooperative Movement: Politics and Policy  (3 Credits)  Headshot of Minsun Ji

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. Lecturer: Dr. Minsun Ji

January 24 & 25
February 14 & 15 (President's Day Weekend)
March 7 & 8
 

Headshot of Christy DoonPSCI 5084/4084 -  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. Lecturer: Christy Doon. 

March 14 & 15
April 4 + 1 day of asynchronous work (does not meet April 5)
April 25 & 26 
 

PSCI 5075/4075 - Gentrification and Social Equity (3 credits)

Headshot of Tony RobinsonStudy 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!” Includes neighborhood tours. Professor: Tony Robinson

February 28 & March 1
April 11 & 12 
May 2 & 3

 

 Summer 2026 Preview (Subject to Change)

PSCI 5008/4002 - Special Topic: Latino Politics and Policy (3 credits) 

Hybird, with in-person kick-off, followed by weekly evening zoom meeting. 

Fall 2026 Preview (Subject to Change)

PSCI 5009/4009 - Politics of the Budgetary Process (3 credits) Headshot of Aaron Ray

This course will introduce or reacquaint students to the practice and politics of budgeting and financial management in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students will analyze the public sector (including federal, state, local, and nonprofit) budget and fiscal management processes and explore the political influences that affect fiscal decision-making. Lecturer: Aaron Ray 

PSCI 5914/4914 - Community Organizing and Community Development (3 credits) 

Headshot of Emily Shamsid-DeenThe 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? Instructor: Emily Shamsid-Deen, MNM 

* This is a required course for New Directions master’s and certificate programs. * 

PSCI 5080/4080 - 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 housingHeadshot of Robin Kniech 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. Lecturer: Robin Kniech 

* This course satisfies one of the requirements to earn a 12 or 13 credit Graduate Certificate in Affordable Housing, a new interdisciplinary certificate offered by CU Denver's School of Public Affairs and the College of Architecture and Planning, in partnership with the Department of Political Science's Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy. You can click here to learn more about the certificate, including scholarship opportunities. * 

Recently Completed Courses

Frequently Used Forms

Find a Form

Please follow the link above for most forms students will need, including: Schedule Adjustment, Late Withdrawal, and Updating your Student Record.

CU Denver Special Processing Form

This form must be signed by your chair/advisor and submitted to the CLAS Academic Services Coordinator for all independent study and thesis/project credits.

Forms Specific to Graduate Students

This website includes the Application for Candidacy that must be completed at the start of your final term to qualify to graduate, as well as other forms needed throughout the final MA Project/Thesis process. It also includes forms to request Transfer Credits for incoming students.

How to Register for New Directions Courses

Visit: 
passport.ucdenver.edu/login.php 

  1. Sign-in using your University username and password.

  2. Click UCD Access to proceed to the student portal.

  3. Click Register to view the drop-down menu.

  4. Then click Register for Classes.

  5. Select the registration term and continue to class search.

  6. Under the Advanced Search heading, click Search.

  7. Verify that you have selected the correct registration term 

  8. Proceed to course search by choosing Extended Studies under Campus and Political Science in the Subject section.

  9. Push Search at the bottom of the screen to browse the course list.

  10. Select your course by clicking on the arrow near the class name. Then Select.

  11. Once complete your New Directions course(s) will now appear in your Shopping Cart and will be available when you are ready to enroll.

Reminder, graduate students enroll in the 5000 level version of a course that is cross-listed with two different numbers. The 4000 levels are only for undergraduate credit. 

If you encounter any difficulties during the registration process, call the Registrar’s Office at 303-724-8059. Note that unpaid University balances may impact the ability to register. All billing questions should be directed to the Bursar’s Office at 303-315-1800.