American Politics
The American Politics program examines the institutions and political processes
that determine how government works in America. Topics include the Congress,
the executive branch, political parties, interest groups, lobbying and elections.
Prerequisites: Govt 103 and Govt 290.
Economic Policy
The Economic Policy semester offers students an opportunity to study the macro
and micro dimensions of both international and domestic economic policy. They
study in-depth the economic policy-making process in Washington and look at
the vital role of international economic activities in U.S. policy. Each semester
is unique because the content is influenced by relevant events occurring at
the time. Some of the topics included last year were the Microsoft Antitrust
case, exchange rates and capital flows, and how monetary policy is made. Prerequisites:
Econ 200, Econ 251 and Econ 252.
Foreign Policy
The Foreign Policy Semester allows students to examine the emerging issues in
international relations. During the first part of the semester, students focus
on the institutions and decision-making processes at work in the American foreign
policy community. Then it turns to analyzing issues such as U.S. relations with
Russia, the Pacific Rim, foreign policy in the Balkans, changes in the Middle
East, demo-cracy and free trade in Latin America, and threats to stability in
Africa. Prerequisites: Govt 103 and Govt 290.
International Business and Trade
Washington, DC is an ideal location for the study of international business
and trade: 75% of all multinational corporations now have offices there. In
addition, there are trade and professional associations, foreign embassies and
federal agencies. The first part of the program explores major issues, such
as export/import procedures, foreign investment, and political risk analysis.
The latter part of the semester analyzes specific business opportunities in
various parts of the world. Prerequisites: Econ 200, Econ 251 and Econ
252.
International Environment and Development §
Students spend most of the semester in Washington, DC studying global environmental
policy issues and the role of major international organizations. They also have an
intensive 3-week practicum in Brazil or South Africa studying those same issues at
the international, national and local levels. Students are responsible for the
additional costs (approximately $4,000) of the travel component.
International Law and Organizations §
This program focuses on the role of international law among nations and the work
of multinational organizations in making global policies. In addition to 13 weeks
in Washington, DC, students will spend three weeks visiting the UN in NYC, the
International Court of Justice in The Hague, and NATO and the EU in Brussels.
Prerequisites: Govt 103 and Govt 290. Students are responsible for the
additional costs (approximately $4,000) of the travel component.
Journalism
The Journalism program introduces students to the principles, ethics, and
issues of journalism in Washington, D.C. Areas of study and discussion include:
the workings of large and small newspapers; broadcast news bureaus; covering
the White House, Congress and State Department; how the press is assessed
by the people who make the news; coverage of Washington news by foreign journalists;
the methods and significance of the wire services; critical issues (e.g.,
First Amendment rights); and news dissemination. Internships are available
at entry levels with numerous local and national publications, journals, and
radio and television stations. Prerequisite: Eng 201 or its equivalent.
Research project: English majors can get a second English credit if
they do an independent research project appropriate for the major with prior
approval of the department chair.
Justice
The Justice Semester explores the interrelationships between the institutions
and individuals operating in the criminal justice system. It considers the problems
of the civil justice system, the moral and philosophical aspects of justice,
and the role of punishment and rehabilitation in society. The semester sweeps
students into the political storm that surrounds issues of justice. Ideologies
of justice are varied and impassioned. Whenever possible, seminars will feature
speakers with opposing points of view, providing balance and clarity. Students
will consider what needs to be changed in our society to improve justice, and
some ways that changes could occur.
Public Law
Students get an up-close look at the pivotal topics of our time and the processes
by which the U.S. legal system addresses them. The program traces American public
law through its origination, formulation, implementation, and interpretation.
Current issues confronting the republic and the processes by which decisions
are made constitute the core of the program. Prerequisites: Govt 103
and Govt 290.
Transforming Communities
Think globally, act locally -- it's a credo of our time, a motto for taking
the right steps to achieve a better world. Washington, D.C. serves as a distinctive
learning laboratory for exploring how grassroots action, government opportunities,
and creative programs can strengthen and rebuild communities. Students in the
program -- a ethnically, politically, economically, and geographically diverse
group -- will investigate a variety of creative solutions to bring about real
progress.