CPOG 392 - Washington DC: Seat of US Government

Course Description

This course explores the real world of political life in the US capital. Students explore aspects of US government in the classroom before embarking on a week-long trip to Washington. Experiential learning allows students to experience the reality of the capital through meetings with government officials, representatives of international embassies and institutions, and interest group and party leaders, as well as tours of various government buildings and historically significant sites. (Comparative/Experiential). See teaching department for consent criteria.

Notes

The course centers on a one-week March trip to Washington DC, with students learning online before and after the trip.  Students will meet with members of Congress, get briefings at foreign embassies and international organizations, meet with leaders of US federal government agencies, participate in seminars led by interest groups and political party officials and consultants, and tour US government offices and facilities. Class material before the trip will discuss the history, culture, and context of politics and government in the capital city of the United States, and discussions will continue after the trip so that students can analyze what they have learned about politics and government in Washington as a result of their experiences there.