{"id":5824,"date":"2025-09-26T20:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T00:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=5824"},"modified":"2026-05-19T16:02:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T20:02:02","slug":"curriculum","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/degree-program\/washington-d-c-internship\/curriculum\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington, D.C. Internship Curriculum"},"content":{"rendered":"<nav class=\"toc-wrapper\" id=\"toc\" aria-label=\"Page Section Navigation\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"toc-heading toc-nav-toggle\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Toggle Page Contents Navigation\" aria-expanded=\"true\">Page Contents<\/span><\/nav>\n\n\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-content\/plugins\/bu-front-end-library\/js\/collapsible.js?ver=5.4.2\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Curriculum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An introductory course in either American politics or International Relations is recommended prior to enrollment in this program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Elective Courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS HI 281\/PO 201\/IR 356\/IR 656<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">The President in Foreign Affairs<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<p>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.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 280\/IR 324\/IR 624<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">American Policymaking in the Global Era: American Grand Strategy and Decision Making in a Rapidly Changing Global Environment<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<p>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.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"hub-course\"><strong>BU Hub areas:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy<\/li>\r\n<li>Oral and\/or Signed Communication<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS IR 391\/PO 246<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Democracy in the 21st Century: Reality and Reinvention<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<li class=\"hub-course\"><strong>BU Hub areas:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Creativity\/Innovation<\/li>\n<li>Ethical Reasoning<\/li>\n<li>Social Inquiry 1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 476\/IR 576<\/span><br \/><span class=\"course-title\">Artificial Intelligence, Disruptive Technology and Democratic Governance<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<p>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.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 202<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Introduction to Congressional Policy Making<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p><em>Formerly CAS PO 406<\/em><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 456\/COM CM 556<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Lobbying in Action: Policy &#038; Politics in Washington, D.C.<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<p>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.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"hub-course\"><strong>BU Hub areas:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Ethical Reasoning<\/li>\r\n<li>Teamwork\/Collaboration<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 470\/ IR 570<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Executive Orders: Law, Ethics, and Governance<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<p>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.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"hub-course\"><strong>BU Hub areas:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Ethical Reasoning<\/li>\r\n<li>Research and Information Literacy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<h2>Internship Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Students are supported by Washington, D.C. staff throughout the internship search process. This support includes access to internship search resources, feedback on r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and cover letters, and interview preparation. However, students are responsible for identifying and securing their own internships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internship opportunities are informed by a student\u2019s academic background, prior experience, professional goals, and the unique opportunities available in Washington, D.C. Students are encouraged to begin their search early, communicate often with the Washington D.C team, and remain open to a range of professional options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Possible internship opportunities have included organizations such as congressional and federal offices, law firms, think tanks, PR and communications firms, public affairs offices, NGOs, advertising agencies, museums and galleries, and advocacy groups. Please note that these examples reflect past internship experiences only. Opportunities vary each term based on industry availability. While we aim to provide a broad overview of potential internship settings, additional opportunities may exist in academic and professional areas not listed here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Internship Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s professional skills and career readiness, while also learning about the unique culture of Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">HUB SA 330<\/span><br>\r\n<span class=\"course-title\">Study Abroad Internship<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n\r\nThis course is a Non-unit Hub Co-curricular.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 0<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"hub-course\"><strong>BU Hub areas:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Individual in Community<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">COM CM 471<\/span><br \/><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Advertising\/Marketing\/Public Relations<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS AH 505<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Arts\/Architecture\/Arts Administration<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS EC 497<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Business\/Economics<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">SHA HF 390<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Field Placement in Hospitality Administration<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">COM JO 412<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Journalism<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">COM JO 737<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Journalism<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS EE 404<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Energy\/Environmental Policy<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 405\/IR 455<\/span><br \/><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in International Organizations<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 401\/IR 451<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Politics\/International Relations<\/span><\/h6>\r\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container course hub\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"button\" style=\"cursor: pointer;\" tabindex=\"0\"><span class=\"course-code\">CAS PO 403<\/span><br><span class=\"course-title\">Internship in Comparative Law<\/span><\/h6>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Units:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Curriculum 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.&nbsp; An introductory [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24551,"featured_media":0,"parent":5823,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_editor_template":""},"bu_progs_page-type":[8],"bu_progs_degree-option":[],"bu_progs_location":[],"bu_progs_area-of-study":[],"bu_progs_home-university":[],"bu_progs_program-structure":[],"bu_progs_internship":[],"bu_progs_term":[],"bu_progs_coursework-level":[],"bu_progs_bu-hub-offered":[],"bu_progs_housing":[],"bu_progs_language-of-instruction":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/5824"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bu-program-page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24551"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/5824\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8423,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/5824\/revisions\/8423"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/5823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_area-of-study","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_area-of-study?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_home-university","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_home-university?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_program-structure","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_program-structure?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_internship","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_internship?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_term","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_term?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_coursework-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_coursework-level?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_bu-hub-offered","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_bu-hub-offered?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_housing","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_housing?post=5824"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_language-of-instruction","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/abroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_language-of-instruction?post=5824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}