Surrounded by the nation’s political activity, GW is the perfect place to study the inner workings of the United States’ legislative system.
The university draws on its rich resources and connections to provide dynamic courses in government, politics, law and ethics.
On-campus and online courses are available for credit, while our noncredit offerings focus on experiential learning environments, connecting students with large institutions and experts in their respective fields.
All course offerings are subject to cancellation. College Intensive Listings are from Summer 2020. Summer 2021 listings will be updated in the coming months.
Noncredit
Two-week program
The globalization of economic, political, social and cultural activity has increased society’s need for international understanding and cooperation. This course will expose students to viewpoints and perspectives of foreign policymakers and explore multilateral approaches to international issues. Students will gain a basic understanding of how to analyze and articulate foreign policy.
Noncredit
Two-week program
How do space militarization, nuclear weapons, and climate change impact an international phenomenon such as terrorism? These issues and many others are all governed by international laws, ratified treaties, and United Nations resolutions. In this course, students will learn the principles of global governance and mediation, discover how the many different subfields of international law fit into the discipline of international affairs, think critically about the various topics, and make individual contributions within a cooperative approach.
Noncredit
Two-week program
Public policy is the way in which public issues are addressed by modifying existing laws and regulations or creating new ones altogether. In this course, students will think strategically, creatively and critically about current issues shaping the public debate, and learn to analyze and evaluate policies and programs in pursuit of public interest.
Noncredit
Two-week program
In this course, students will learn about the legal system including the trial process and advocating for clients. In addition, students will learn areas of law impacting young adults such as contract, civil, and personal property law. Students will engage in the legal community by meeting with attorneys and analysing court cases. Students will also explore legal ethics and the role lawyers play in the justice system.
Noncredit
Two-week program
Washington, D.C. is the hub of U.S. national security. This course introduces students to the relationship between national security and policymaking. Through guest lecturers, students will visit the country's top intelligence organizations and learn about the complexities of the U.S. national security agenda from perspectives of the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Students will further study the impact of national security practices by organizations such as the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: May 18—June 27, 2020
Structure, powers, and processes of the American political system and the impact on public policy.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: May 18—June 27, 2020
Analysis of world politics, focusing on the role of nation-states and international organizations and on selected foreign policy issues.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: May 18—June 27, 2020
The history of science and technology and their role in political and social life from the late 19th century to the present.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: May 18—June 27, 2020
Nature of political inquiry, approaches to the study of politics and government, empirical methods of research.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: May 18—June 27, 2020
The formal institutions that structure criminal justice systems viewed in a sociological and political context. Contemporary American practices and policies that define crime and responses to it, including criminal law, criminology, policing, and penology.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: May 18—June 27, 2020
Concepts and principles of comparative analysis, with an examination of politics and government in selected countries.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: June 29—August 8, 2020
The history of science and technology and their role in political and social life from the late 19th century to the present.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: June 29—August 8, 2020
Key aspects of the literature on public opinion, with emphasis on the role of media in opinion formation and change. Topics include the meaning of public opinion in a democratic society, a review of methods used to measure opinions, and media effects on opinion.
