Required Courses: 36 credits

American Politics (3)

This course analyzes vital elements essential to the American political project from its founding to the present day. Through dialogue, writing, and ruthless criticism, students examine America’s early beginnings and the intent and legacy of the founders; the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in America; key American political institutions; and how individuals, moments and movements irrevocably shaped its political fabric.

Constitutional Law (3)

This course provides an introduction to constitutional law in the United States, with emphasis on its role in shaping democratic governance and the pursuit of justice. Students study the structure and interpretation of the Constitution, including judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, and the protection of individual rights. Through analysis of landmark Supreme Court decisions, the course explores how constitutional principles evolve in response to political, social, and cultural change. Attention is given to the relationship between constitutional interpretation and broader debates about democracy, equity, and the American experiment. The course prepares students for advanced study in law and political science, serving as a foundation for those considering law school or careers in public service.

Democratic Theory (3)

This course studies the emergence of democracy in Western and non-western contexts with particular emphasis on the institutions, governance, and culture it engenders. Democracy’s multiple forms, practices, and expressions will be analyzed from the ancient Greeks to our contemporary global system, from the Haudenosaunee to contemporary indigenous and Global South communities and countries. Students will apply their knowledge by participating in a democratic process of their choosing. 

Urban Politics & Policing (3)

This course examines the role of policing and mass incarceration in shaping political landscapes and development in American cities. It explores how institutions like schools, neighborhoods, community organizations, and local governments intersect with criminal justice systems to deepen racial, economic, and spatial inequalities as well as ways movements are working to envision and build more life-sustaining social relationships.  Topics may include the rise of mass incarceration, its impact on dominant and marginalized communities, and its links to housing, education, and zoning. The course concludes with comparative debates on criminal justice reform, abolition, and urban policy.

Justice in a Multiracial Society (3)

This course explores the social construction of race and racialization within the context and problematics of the “criminal-justice” system. Students will engage with differing critical frameworks including mainstream criminology, reformist critiques as well as an abolitionist perspective on cops, courts and systems of incarceration. Relevant issues and case studies of procedure and policy may include racial profiling, hate crimes, definitions of terrorism, jury bias, disparate treatment in prisons etc. Through research essays, class discussion and debate, students will be prepared to think critically about power, inequality, and marginality in the “criminal justice system” in a society significantly shaped by the on-going histories of race and racialization. 

Law, Human Rights, and Social Change (3)

Human rights are often invoked as universal ideals, yet their meanings, origins, and applications remain deeply contested. This course offers a multidisciplinary introduction to the politics of human rights, emphasizing their uneven global implementation and the tensions between theory and practice. Rather than treating human rights as a fixed or singular framework, we approach them as a dynamic and debated field shaped by power, history, and struggle. We’ll examine the philosophical foundations of human rights alongside critiques rooted in Indigenous worldviews, faith-based traditions, and anti-colonial thought, as well as challenges to liberal and Western-centric understandings. Through legal, political, and movement-based case studies—from international human rights law to the emerging constitutional recognition of the rights of nature—we’ll explore how human rights are claimed, resisted, defended, and reimagined on the ground and in the courtroom. Throughout, students will grapple with key questions about the moral and political force of human rights and evaluate their potential to address complex issues of injustice, inequality, and global power.

Environmental Politics (3)

This course examines how politics shapes humanity’s relationship to the environment and in enabling or deterring environmental protection and human thriving. Students will critically engage environmental politics at the intersection of three key areas: 1) environmental and climate science; 2) the relationship between diverse cultures and ecosystems; 3) how political systems, prevailing political and economic conditions, as well as geopolitics.  

Global Studies Seminar (3)

This course introduces students to theoretical approaches and key concepts to illuminate contemporary global issues. Themes will vary from semester to semester but may include globalization, geopolitics and nationalism, international food politics, gender equity, human rights, and humanitarian intervention and refugees. Using a case study approach, we will explore themes in regional contexts, which will vary depending on current hot spots and the areas of specialization of the instructor.

Topics in Migration & Politics (3)

This interdisciplinary course explores migration through political, economic, social, and environmental lenses. Topics include root causes of displacement, migration policy, border militarization, and the politicization of migration in public discourse. Emphasizing justice-centered frameworks, students engage with voices from directly impacted communities—migrants, Indigenous nations, border communities, advocates, and others. Drawing on political science, sociology, criminology, and geography, the course examines both structural causes and community-driven solutions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the forces driving migration and explore actionable visions for creating more humane and equitable immigration systems.

Planning, Organization & Project Management (3)

This course prepares students with the fundamental tools and practices involved in planning, strategic thinking, and project management. While the class will offer students experience in skills and approaches to leadership that can be applied generally across sectors, special attention will be given to community  organizing, base-building efforts grassroots organizing as well as non-profits and civic administration; therefore the class will practice skill building to effectively develop teams which includes leadership, equity, critical thinking, and conflict resolution. This course is predicated on the principle of learning by doing, and students will be working in teams collaborating throughout the semester to practice these skills and principles of strategic thinking, innovative planning, and effective project management. 

Ethics in Public Service, Justice, & Government (3)

This course examines ethical principles and dilemmas in public service, government, and the pursuit of justice. Students explore theories of moral responsibility, integrity, and accountability as they apply to leadership, policymaking, and the administration of justice. In addition to evaluating systems and decisions, students consider what it means to cultivate the character and virtues necessary to act justly in public life. Case studies highlight issues such as corruption, transparency, equity, and the ethical use of power in democratic institutions. By connecting ethical theory with practice, students gain tools to navigate the complex moral challenges that arise in service to the public good.

Conflict Transformation: Theory & Practice (3)

This course examines theories and practices of conflict transformation in political and social contexts. Topics include the interpersonal, structural, and cultural dimensions of conflict; the dynamics of violence and reconciliation; and the role of institutions, identity, and power in shaping outcomes. Students analyze case studies from domestic and international settings to evaluate approaches to peacebuilding and the complexities of intervention. The course emphasizes the development of critical perspectives on justice, conflict, and social change while introducing foundational skills in mediation and conflict analysis.

Capstone: 6 credits

COR-340e Capstone I (3)

In this collaborative learning environment, students explore personal and intellectual connections to what really matters in their lives and work as activists, artists, contemplatives, healers, scholars, and social innovators. They read and write extensively, weaving their own experiences, ideas, social locations, and authentic purpose with broader social, historical, political, artistic, scientific, and cultural contexts. They learn and practice research methods relevant to their disciplines and emerging capstone projects, developing skills and frameworks for understanding ethical issues specific to their scholarly, artistic, and civic pursuits. Students leave the course with a capstone project proposal, preliminary literature review, and oral presentation.

COR-440e Capstone II (3)

Building on work produced in Capstone I, students implement an original project that reflects substantial research and work, which may include contemplative, community-based, creative, and social innovation components. This product could be a 25-30 page academic paper or its equivalent in creative or community-engaged projects (with a minimum 12-15 page text). The semester ends in celebration and ceremony, featuring student presentations of their work, which may include creative writing, dance-movement, film, music, theater, and visual arts as well as socially innovative curricula, programs, and models.

Internship: 3 credits

COL-450e Internship (3)

The internship provides students with opportunities to carry out a work-based learning experience. It is an opportunity for students to begin to build their professional network and create connections in the community that can help them have meaningful careers. It is also an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the practical means of applying their knowledge learned throughout their education to organizations that meet their interests and career goals. Students may secure internships with agencies that require a range of skills such as developing professional helping relationships, grassroots organizing, coalition building, policy research, grant-writing, media development and fundraising. Students may pursue internships that build on prior experience or pursue a new direction. Internship placements range from community-based media to restorative justice initiatives and to educational organizations working on issues of social justice, peace, human rights, mental health, and environmental sustainability. The internship culminates in presentations to the community in which students bring back new knowledge and skills to the Naropa community. Prerequisite: COR-130. Course offered entirely online.

Total Credits: 45