Introduction to American Politics Course Description

The George Washington University hosted a two-week noncredit Introduction to American Politics Program in coordination with the University of Southampton in Summer 2017 & 2016. The program took place on GW’s campus and at related sites around Washington, D.C. Students selected by the University of Southampton studied current political and policy issues, such as climate change, health care, elections, immigration, the role of religion in politics, political institutions and strategies of economic development.

Students received approximately 10 hours/week of instruction Monday through Friday. There was an additional 15 hours/week of experiential instruction as students alternated between community-building activities and cultural and co-curricular site visits around Washington D.C. to enhance learning in an applied context. Students developed a final project as a culmination of their learning.

To complement course content, students visited places such as the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Newseum, community-based organizations and monuments of relevance. At least one weekday afternoon was reserved for information sessions on GW and U.S. higher education systems. The program also included activities to commemorate the Independence Day holiday on July 4, and a full Saturday excursion to nearby sites of historic and cultural significance such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Old Town Alexandria. Students had evenings and weekends to explore the campus and city as they chose with optional hosted outings.