D.C. Semester Off-Campus

Overseas and Off-Campus Website

WASHINGTON, DC

The program is an inter-disciplinary and in-depth study of a broad range of academic subjects examined within a political context. The learning takes place in the classroom but more importantly, in the rich historical, artistic, cultural and political environment of the nation’s capital.  Students focus on:

•  The American political process—what are the national political structures and methods, how do they function, and how do numerous stakeholders interact within those structures?

•  The role of the media in various forms of political activity with a focus on political
campaigning—differences between “old” and “new” media and how do the media affect political outcomes, political forces, and the way we view political life?

•  The history of American art and architecture.

•  Student selected internships in organizations relevant to the student’s academic major and/or desired career.

Students participate in intensive group interviews with Washington politicians, lobbyists, and other professionals. The group is housed in hotel or apartment accommodations.

Semester: Fall
Application Deadline:  February 11, 2014
Program Focus: Political Science
Credits:  4 courses per semester/16 credits
Prerequisites: Minimum of 2.75 GPA highly recommended, or permission of instructor
Requirements Filled: Creative Arts requirement

Recommended Courses:
ECON 100: Principles of Economics
IA 100: Introduction to International Relations
POLS 101: Introduction to Politics
POLS 103: U.S. Government: National Politics

CURRICULUM
Political Science 353: The National Policy Process:  Theoretical foundations of national government and analysis of its congressional, presidential, administrative, and judicial structures.  Specific public policies examined to understand the interaction of interest groups, political parties, research institutes, media, and public opinion with these structures.

Political Science 244/444: Practicum:  Students will be placed with congressional offices, executive agencies, interest groups, think tanks, etc.

RHMS 355: Political Communication:  Communication in the political process, especially in political campaigning. Campaign finance, consulting, political debates, advertising, stump speaking, legal constraints on political communication, effects of the First Amendment on politics.
Prerequisite: Communication 210 or Political Science 103 or consent of instructor.

Art 304: History of American Art:  American art and architecture from the colonial period to present.

Please note that travel to Washington, D.C. is not included in the comprehensive fee for this program.

Campus Coordinator Contact:
Curtis Johnson
johnson@lclark.edu
ext. 7726

Larry Meyers
Director of Overseas Programs
meyersl@lclark.edu           
ext. 7295

Group Leader Contact:
George Austin
georgeaustin@comcast.net
503-644-0812