DU will offer several courses about topics relevant to the upcoming presidential election.
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University College Enrichment Program Courses
Our enrichment courses are open to the public and don't require application to the University. Visit the University College website to register for these classes and to find more information.
Religion and the Election: The Changing Role of Faith in Presidential Campaign 2012
Enrichment Program (CRN 1020)- 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 28-April 18
- Cost: $165
Since at least the early 1980s, religion has played an outsized role in American presidential elections. In 1984, the Moral Majority rallied to support Ronald Reagan for the second time, and in 2000 and 2004, Christian evangelicals mobilized behind George W. Bush.
After 9/11 conservative politicians played into anti-Muslim anxiety, making faith an integral part of the electoral strategy. Doubts or confusion about Barack Obama's faith continue to influence how he is perceived, both as a president and a presidential candidate. Yet, some believe that religion will play a very different role in the upcoming election.
Join Carl Raschke, professor of religious studies, to explore religion’s changing role in a changing political environment over the last five presidential elections, with special emphasis on 2012.
The U.S. Constitution: Historical Roots and Modern Realities
Enrichment Program (CRN 1022)- 6-8 p.m. on Mondays, April 16-May 7
- Cost: $165
Today’s hot-button issues—think health care reform, immigration, war and the power of money in politics—may often seem like signs of the times. But dig a little deeper and further back in history, and you discover Constitutional interpretations and principles that set precedent for where we are today.
Join former constitutional law Professor Harlan Abrahams on a guided tour through the U.S. Constitution, the principles that have steered its interpretation from the earliest days of the Republic, and the challenges facing the Supreme Court in recent, current and future years.
The Neuroscience of Ethics: How We Decide
Enrichment Program (CRN 1027)- 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 17-May 8
- Cost: $175
Entire industries and fields have been created in the last decade around the concept of ethics: ethical business practices; bioethics; even university degree programs offer core disciplines in ethics.
But recent advances in science's understanding of how we actually make decisions are raising important questions with implications for traditional ethical theory. Can humans learn to be ethical? What do neuroscience and cognitive psychology tell us about the brain's decision-making processes?
Join three DU faculty members in thoughtful, tantalizing discussions that link ethics, philosophy, psychology and neuroscience. Business ethics Professor Buie Seawell guides each evening's conversation, and is joined along the way by psychology professors Kim Gorgens and Courtney Mitchell.
The Edge of a Movement: How a “Hellcat” Saved the Environment from the Conservationists
Enrichment Program (CRN 1026)- 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 18-May 9
- Cost: $140
After John Muir and before Rachel Carson, there was Rosalie Edge (1877–1962), an aristocratic New York socialite, cousin to Charles Dickens and officer in the suffrage movement.
Beginning in 1929, Edge exposed corruption and indifference among the era's major conservation organizations and was considered the nation's most effective conservationist for the next 30 years.
Join award-winning author and Edge biographer Dyana Z. Furmansky to discuss Edge's achievements, which include founding the first preserve for birds of prey in the world; establishing Olympic and Kings Canyon National Parks; preserving a portion of Yosemite National Park; and reforming the Audubon Society.
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Find specific information about summer interterm tuition and financial aid to fund summer interterm courses.
American Religious Experience: Religion and Politics
(Religious Studies 3680)- On campus
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, June 11 - Friday, June 15
- Credits: 4
- Instructor: Luis Leon
- More information: luis.leon@du.edu
As the 2012 Republican presidential primary race has brought to light questions about America' status as Christian nation, this course helps students examine the role religion plays in the American experience.
"American Religious Experience" will ask students to survey Constitutional religious mandates, consider the possibilities for religious freedom and explore what it means to be an American.
Getting Results Inside the Beltway: Power and Politics in Washington, D.C. (Public Policy 3701)
- Washington, D.C. (travel course)
- Sunday, June 10 - Friday, June 15
- Credits: 4
- Instructor: Richard Caldwell
- Open to students of sophomore standing or higher
- Register by May 1
- More information: richard.caldwell@du.edu
Get first-hand policy-making experience through one-on-one sessions with Washington-based lawmakers, policy experts and other leaders through this travel course.
You'll gain unique insights into:
- America's fiscal crisis
- the dysfunctional nature of our budget process
- interest groups that shape the current dynamic
- solutions necessary for the United States to become financially solvent
Estimated travel costs include:
- Airfare: $350
- Lodging, and dining and reception fee: $1,300 (not including tuition)
- Ground transportation: $100
- Cancelation fee: $1,300
- Food (only one meal provided by program): $50 per day
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Find more information about these debate-related courses, other summer quarter offerings, and tuition and financial aid at our summer@DU website.
Presidential Leadership (Leadership 2320)
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On-campus meetings
9 a.m. - noon, Mondays - Thursdays from June 18 - July 5 in Sturm Hall Room 186 -
Off-site meetings
9 a.m. - noon on Fridays June 22, 29 and July 6 at a location to be determined - Instructor: Linda Olson
- Credits: 4
Instructor Linda Olson is bringing current and past political leaders into her classroom for this four-credit undergraduate elective. In this class, you'll explore the qualities shared by those who've served in America's highest office—and how they're able to use these characteristics to positively communicate their images to the public.
The Presidency in War and Peace (International Studies 3702)
- 9:20 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from June 18 - July 18
- Ben M. Cherrington Hall, Room 201
- Instructor: Kevin Archer
- Credits: 5
Capital Punishment (Sociology 2795)
- 9:20 a.m. 2:20 p.m. Mondays - Thursdays from June 18 - June 28
- Sturm Hall, Room 479
- Instructor: Ronald Phillips
- Credits: 5
In this course, you'll examine the history of capital punishment, and the cases both its opponents and proponents present when arguing its value.
Please note: You must have already successfully completed "Understanding Social Life" (sociology 1810) to be eligible to register for this class.
Climate Science and Policy (Advanced Seminar 2473)
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from June 18 - July 6
- Clarence M. Knudson Hall, Room 205
- Instructor: James Wilson
- Credits: 4
Take a deeper look into the scientific principles and data showing climate change, the human impact, and American discourse on this highly divisive topic.
Students will be able to present ideas for addressing policy paralysis around global climate change using scientific research and principles, American practices and more.
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On-campus meetings
