Students enroll in three courses and an internship course, which includes a non-unit Hub co-curricular. They work at their internship four days a week, and the courses are held in the evenings. Classes are taught at the BU Washington, D.C. Academic Center by experienced practitioners chosen for their expertise in their fields.
Elective Courses
Students will choose three of the following courses. Course availability at the BU Center is subject to adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Not all courses will run but students can indicate their course preferences shortly after admission.
CAS HI 281/PO 201/IR 356/IR 656 The President in Foreign Affairs
Overview of American presidencies of the late twentieth century, specifically considering how politics relates to foreign policy in America. Concepts including isolationism, manifest destiny, moralism, rule of law, national self-interest, and terrorism are discussed. Special focus on Iraq and Afghanistan.
Units: 4
CAS PO 280/IR 324/IR 624 American Policymaking in the Global Era: American Grand Strategy and Decision Making in a Rapidly Changing Global Environment
Course examines American international economic decision-making in a changing global economy and addresses current theories of International Political Economy with respect to trade, finance, and the development of global corporations. Explores how American policy shaped the post-World War II global economy.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Oral and/or Signed Communication
CAS IR 391/PO 246 Democracy in the 21st Century: Reality and Reinvention
Comparative perspective on the history of democracy and democratization. Explores conditions, catalysts, and processes of democratic change with a focus on current trends in the democratization debate. Special focus on Iran as a case study.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Creativity/Innovation
Ethical Reasoning
Social Inquiry 1
CAS PO 476/IR 576 Artificial Intelligence, Disruptive Technology and Democratic Governance
Artificial Intelligence and other disruptive technologies are fundamentally reshaping our society, economics, and security, challenging traditional governance structures across the world. This course examines the disruption and impact that these technologies have by looking at the issues through the policy lens of Washington, D.C. We will explore the mismatch between the rapidly evolving power of new technologies and the comparatively outdated institutional frameworks currently in place and examine what challenges these are creating for democracy, public trust, and social and international stability.
Units: 4
CAS PO 202 Introduction to Congressional Policy Making
Formerly CAS PO 406
The purpose of this course is for the student to gain a working knowledge of the US Congress, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. The course features assigned readings and lectures as well as guest speakers, current periodicals, and in-class discussions.
Units: 4
CAS PO 456/COM CM 556 Lobbying in Action: Policy & Politics in Washington, D.C.
This course explores how ideas become laws through lobbying and advocacy in Washington, D.C. By combining theory with hands-on activities, ethical analysis, and real-world simulations we will develop practical skills for influencing policy and having an impact.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Ethical Reasoning
Teamwork/Collaboration
CAS PO 470/ IR 570 Executive Orders: Law, Ethics, and Governance
This course explores the legal, ethical, and political dimensions of executive orders in American governance. We will analyze presidential power, both domestically and abroad, debate contemporary controversies, assess social justice implications, and develop skills vital for understanding executive action and its impact on society.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Ethical Reasoning
Research and Information Literacy
Internship Areas
Students will be supported by the Washington D.C staff in the internship search process by providing internship search resources, feedback on resumes and cover letter drafts, and practice for interviews. However, students are responsible for finding and securing their own internships. Placements are based on the student’s academic training, previous work experience, intellectual objectives, and unique Washington, D.C. opportunities. Students are encouraged to start their internship search early and be open to a range of professional opportunities.
Possible placements include Congressional and federal offices, law firms, think tanks, PR and communications firms, public affairs offices, NGOs, and advertising agencies.
Please note that these are examples of past internship placements only. Specific placements vary from term to term based upon industry availability. While we aim to provide the most comprehensive internship list, some placements may be available in academic areas not listed.
Internship Course
Study Abroad will enroll students in a non-unit Hub co-curricular and a four-unit internship course, which includes a classroom component. The internship seminar meets most Fridays and complements the internship experience by developing student’s professional skills and career readiness, while also learning about the unique culture of Washington, D.C.
Upon successful completion of the internship experience, students will receive a Hub requirement in the area Individual in Community (IIC) from the co-curricular HUB SA 330.
