Course offerings and Descriptions
Students in the Fall or Spring Semester receive a full semester of academic credit
from their home college or university. Students participate in an orientation to
Washington, field trips, meetings with experts, discussions of controversial issues
and community service. They take two academic courses in addition to the internship experience. The internship is an opportunity to work in
many areas such as Congress, a
government office, a lobbying firm, in broadcasting or journalism, or in a non-profit organization, such as an environmental group or human rights
organization, but is not limited to only these areas.
Courses
(Please note: The course offerings are subject to change)
- American Diversity -
This course will expose you to different aspects of American culture through a broad spectrum. You will use analytical and critical thinking skills to study major diversity issues in America. Discussion will focus on controversial issues essential to understanding the function of race, gender, and religion and how these factors have formed and affect the United States. It will also examine historical and current challenges and opportunities and discuss their current and potential impacts on you individually and on America as a whole. Sample field trips include a visit to the ethnically diverse Adams Morgan District, a multi-cultural exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute, and a visit to the Islamic Center.
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American Heritage Seminar -
Syllabus
This course examines the current technologies, methods and foundations of genealogical research to explore the complex heritage of the American people. Using genealogical proof standards, it will utilize investigative best practices, search through record repositories and online sources, evaluate evidence and documents, and explore the newest advancements in forensic research. Students will produce a credible research product through use of the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the DAR Library, and online resources.
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Business and Public Policy -
Syllabus
Washington, DC offers a unique opportunity to observe public policy issues affecting business and management. This course will demonstrate the interrelationships between government agencies, such as the Departments of Labor and Commerce, the US Small Business Administration, and the Federal Reserve Board, among others, to major corporations, trade organizations, and the Congress. Students will meet with officials and discuss timely issues, learn how to lobby Congress on business matters, observe aspects of the global business community in the nation's capital, and understand more fully the shaping and export of American capitalism.
- Capital Landmarks in Art and Architecture -
Explores the historic significance of works of art and architecture in the nation's capital. It traces the structure and design of major historic sights to the social, religious and political growth of the country, including government support of the arts. Field trips will include some of the most notable landmarks, memorials, and museums known worldwide for exceptional design and presentation.
- Conflict and Compromise -
This course introduces students to conflict analysis, intervention and resolution through a variety of social movements, such as civil rights, labor relations, women’s rights, peace studies and the environment. Conflicts will be analyzed through profiles of prominent national and international leaders. Students will gain an understanding of the interpersonal skills, compromises, and negotiations necessary to achieve peaceful resolution of conflict situations.
- Controversy and the US Supreme Court -
This course provides students with an understanding of the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in shaping the U.S. Constitution through its most controversial cases. It will examine the history of the Court, discuss landmark cases and current controversial cases, and will examine the human factors that influence these decisions, including the backgrounds of the parties to and jurists of the cases. This course will enable students to analyze the quality of these decisions, to appreciate their significance in shaping the U.S. Constitution, and to logically defend or oppose them.
- Global Agenda -
This course will explore the relevance of ethical and moral considerations to multifaceted political, legal, economic, social, and environmental problems confronting the international community in the 21st century. Among the topics to be discussed are environmental degradation, natural resource depletion, transboundary pollution, population growth, food needs, human rights, economic justice, arms control and disarmament. Especially relevant will be ascertaining what role the United States and international law and organizations play in dealing with these issues to contribute to a more stable world order.
- Photojournalism -
This course focuses on photojournalism as a particular form of journalism and the unique power of visuals in the media. It will highlight the photographer’s role in the newsroom, ways in which journalists have evolved in order to meet advances in technology and the importance of current ethical standards. Students will learn how to use a digital/SLR camera, compose and edit photographs (current software provided) and how to combine photography with reporting to tell a news story for print, video or the Internet.
Field trips
will include the new multimedia Newseum.
Requirements: Any digital camera, although a
digital/SLR with automatic and manual features is preferred, if available.
Attendance at two Saturday workshops in addition
to regular class meetings.
- Political Communication -
This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to study the relationships among politics, media and the public in a modern, open democracy. It will study multiple perspectives including politicians seeking office, elected leaders exploring policy options, media strategists and the variety of media used to frame messages, and citizen journalists and their use of new media. Discussion will include theories of democracy and the legal, ethical, security and value issues and challenges related to current institutions and processes. Sample field trips include the National Press Club, the Newseum (national interactive news museum), and an online chat on a current political topic.
- Public Policy Issues -
This course provides in-depth examinations of a timely social, political or economic issue, such as ethics in government, healthcare, immigration, the economy, or the environment, with topics differing each semester. It is designed for students to explore directions for government action and to critically examine the impact of government legislation and regulation on issues. Sample field trips include meetings with pro or anti lobbyists, experts with opposing views on the issues, and government agencies.
- Public Relations Seminar -
This is a hands-on seminar using the principles and theories of public relations. Students will create a communications plan, will apply appropriate tools for promoting public relations goals, and will apply intensive writing to accomplish these goals, including news releases, advertising copy, photojournalism, and effective use of electronic media. Sample field trips will include meeting with a PR executive, a news columnist or broadcaster, and a government public affairs director.
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Violence and Values -
Syllabus
Contemporary social problems of crime, violence, racism, and oppression, domestic abuse, drug use, and the death penalty will be dealt with in the context of religious values, such as punishment, forgiveness, life, and death. Field trips will include a visit to a prison, a probation center, a domestic violence center, DC Superior Court, the FBI building, and to Luther Place's N-Street Village, which is both a women's shelter and a half-way house. Students will also have the option to do a ride-along in a patrol car with the DC Police.
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Washington Through Cinema -
Syllabus
The visual portrayal of Washington DC though film provides insight into public attitudes towards the nation's capital, government institutions, national officials, and the political process, as well as the popular culture of our times. Themes, such as historical accuracy, truthfulness of presentation, changing cultural views, morals, gender roles, and stereotypes will be explored. Students will view such films as The Candidate, The American President, All the President's Men, Clear and Present Danger, Dave, Citizen Kane, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and Kisses for my President. Students will visit sites and review situations presented in the films, along with field trips to the Watergate Hotel, the maze under Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and the National Archives to hear the Nixon tapes.