Course Description
A multidisciplinary introduction to politics, policy, government, business, journalism and other topics as they relate to the internship and other academic offerings of the Washington Semester Program.
Athena Title
WASHINGTON SEMINAR
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
In conjunction with the Washington Semester Program, this multidisciplinary seminar is designed to introduce students to various topics that are relevant to internship experiences and study in Washington, DC. Drawing from both UGA and capital- area experts, students will gain a broad understanding of issues related to public policy, politics, government, history, journalism, business and other relevant disciplines. Additional topic areas may be included and specfic content will vary each term as the Washington Semester Program course offerings and student participants will change each semester. Students will be expected to relate this academic work to their experiences at various internships in Washington.
Topical Outline
As a special topics seminar, the course content will vary each term. However, its focus will be in the following areas: 1. Washington, DC a. History b. Culture 2. Public Policy a. Researching public policy b. Lobbying and interest groups c. Current issues in domestic policy d. Current issues in foreign policy 3. The Federal Government a. Executive Branch i. Administrative Agencies b. Legislative Branch i. The Legislative Process ii. Committee Structures iii. Oversight Functions c. Judicial Branch i. The Judicial Process ii. District Courts iii. Appellate Courts d. Sources of Federal Law i. Constitution ii. Legislation iii. Administrative Regulation iv. Case Law 4. Government regulation and other interactions between government and: a. Higher Education b. Business c. Journalism d. Arts e. Sciences 5. Current national and international events
Syllabus