World politics, abnormal psychology and leadership in group communication are just a few of the courses that will be offered in the Winter Session from Dec. 29 to Jan. 14 by Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Other classes focus on writing for the professions, popular music, religions around the world and more.

Twenty classes total are scheduled. Three are in-person classes to be held at ASU’s West campus in northwest Phoenix, while the other 17 will be taught online.

“These course offerings provide an excellent opportunity for students to complete a three-credit course in a short time period,” says Rob Taylor, director of graduate studies and special programs in New College. “Doing so can help lessen a student’s course load during the upcoming spring semester.”

Taylor says students planning to take a Winter Session course should be prepared for a demanding, fast-paced academic experience. “These are not ‘watered down’ courses – they are taught by full-time faculty and cover the same breadth and depth of material as courses taught during a regular semester,” he says.

The 17 online courses offer time flexibility while still providing plenty of interaction with one’s professor and fellow students, Taylor says.

Freshman through senior-level courses are among the offerings. Many of the courses fulfill ASU General Studies graduation requirements.

Registration for the Winter Session is now under way. A full listing of the 20 courses offered through New College is available at http://newcollege.asu.edu/classes/. Academic advisers may be reached at (602) 543-7000.

Headquartered at ASU’s West campus, the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences offers 18 bachelor’s and five master’s degrees. Academic programs blend theory with experiential learning to prepare students for the social, economic, political and cultural challenges they will face in a diverse and rapidly expanding global marketplace.