Academics
OverviewStudents are required to take the two scheduled courses in DC and also arrange directed study and internship courses through their majors.
Fall 2011 Courses
WASH 3400 – The Washington Seminar
Taught by Mr. Don DeMaria, Director of the Washington Semester Program
3 credit hours
Using the expertise of UGA faculty and staff and leaders who live and work in the nation’s capital, this seminar will introduce students to various aspects of life, work and culture in Washington, DC. Specific subjects and speakers will be announced in the course syllabus.
POLS 4790: Special Topics: Politics and Public Policy in the U.S.
Taught by Susan Haire, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science
3 credit hours
Interning in Washington, DC presents a unique opportunity to learn about public policy making in the U.S. Designed to compliment the internship, this course provides an introduction to the study of policy making, with a particular focus on the role of national political institutions. We will initially examine the policy process, addressing several questions. For example, how do issues make it onto the government’s agenda? What happens to issues once they reach the agenda? What leads some policies to be adopted? Our course will then explore the political institutions that shape policy in our nation’s capital. We will focus on the connections between the organization of the legislative branch and policy making, with a particular focus on party leadership and congressional committees. Our class will examine the role of the executive branch in the policy process. And, we will discuss factors that shape the effectiveness of the courts as policy makers. Our class will be conducted similar to a seminar with an emphasis on discussion. Your grade in this course will be drawn from your final exam, two two-page critical essays, and your class participation.
Spring 2012 Courses
WASH 3400 – The Washington Seminar
Taught by Mr. Don DeMaria, Director of the Washington Semester Program
3 credit hours
Using the expertise of UGA faculty and staff and leaders who live and work in the nation’s capital, this seminar will introduce students to various aspects of life, work and culture in Washington, DC. Specific subjects and speakers will be announced in the course syllabus.
POLS 4790- Special Topics: Washington Ethics
Taught by Dr. Joel Clark
3 credit hours
This course explores the history, theory and practice of public attempts to reform electoral and political processes at the national level. Our inquiry will multidisciplinary in nature, drawing from several disciplines including history, political science, philosophy, sociology and psychology. Because we are in the midst of the 2012 elections season, particular emphasis this semester will be on ethical issues in campaigns, and elections. We will also analyze ongoing issues involving ethics in various governmental and non-governmental entities including Congress, Executive Branch, interest groups, and the media.
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