Fall / Spring Program academic information may be found here.

Academics

Summer Program

Students receive 8 credits for coursework during the summer program.

Elective Courses

Students choose one elective course. Each course meets two nights per week for the semester.

CAS HI/PO/IR 356 Foreign Affairs, Politics & Presidents in the Twentieth Century (4 credits) — syllabus
This is a four-credit course that meets twice a week, two-three hours per session. It aims to provide an overview of American presidents in the 20-21st centuries and how they crafted American foreign policy. The course will cover specific presidential campaigns worth noting, as well as the individuals who helped construct the modern-day American political tradition. How politics relates to foreign policy is very important to understand; therefore, concepts such as isolationism, manifest destiny, American moralism, national self-interest, and the topic we are currently all too familiar with, terrorism, will be covered. The current war in Iraq will be discussed in great detail throughout the semester, hopefully making most of the course material more relevant. We will also try to come to terms with how our conduct overseas has shaped U.S. foreign policy in addition to the primary players throughout history who have molded U.S. international relations.
CAS PO 406 Introduction to Congressional Policy Making (4 credits)— syllabus
This course will introduce students to the U.S. Congress and provide them with a working knowledge of the Congressional policymaking process. The course will combine theoretical and practical knowledge to introduce students to the legislative and political process. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of sources, including assigned readings, lectures, guest speakers, in-class discussions, and at least one assignment designed to encourage students to apply the concepts they are learning in a mock environment. Students will also be encouraged to think critically about the current legislative process and to evaluate the various factors that impede or facilitate policymaking by Congress.

Internships

Summer internship are five full-time days per week. The only days off are for federal holidays. Since students receive 4 credit for their internship, there is an academic component in addition to the time spent at the internship site. All internships are 4-credit. — syllabus

Here are the various fields in which students may do internships.

SHA HF390 Field Placement in Hospitality Administration
COM CM471 Internship in Advertising or Public Relations
CAS EC497 Internship in Business / Economics
CAS EE404 Internship in Energy and Environmental Policy
COM FT493/494 Internship in Film and Television
CAS PS495 Internship in Health and Human Services
CAS PO/IR455 Internship in International Organizations
COM JO411 Internship in Journalism
CAS PO451 Internship in Politics
CAS PO453 Internship in Pre-Law
CAS AH505 Practicum in Arts / Architecture
CAS PO404 The Washington Internship

Regardless of the course chosen, the academic components are the same.