Applied Politics
Semester in Washington Politics offers an invaluable up-close view of Washington, D.C. You’ll learn how political decisions are made, how power is wielded and how government is run – because you’ll be right in the center of the process. Semester in Washington Politics is a guided, hands-on tour of the workings of the U.S. government. We will immerse you in the processes that define our political system.
You will learn the components of political campaigning, from message development and media production to voter targeting, direct mail and fundraising. You will have the opportunity to see what lobbyists do and how issues like gun control, international relations and campaign finance reform are managed. You will have the chance to plan an election campaign and to develop a lobbying strategy.
When you return to your home campus, you'll know what it takes to win elections, to pass legislation and to influence public opinion. More importantly, you'll know what professional options are available to you as a congressional staffer, campaign manager, press secretary, lobbyist, pollster, media producer, journalist or fundraiser. You'll be better informed about how politics works and more aware of how you fit into that process.
Semester in Washington offers you a chance to learn about politics, Washington and yourself. We hope you'll join us for the experience of a lifetime.
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Hear What Semester In Washington Students Have to Say
SIW offers a behind the scenes opportunity to interact and work with the political players who are changing politics. Classes, hands-on internships and networking events coincide for an unrivaled Washington experience.
The GW Experience
Students
An Incubator for Ideas
GW student entrepreneurs may apply for spots in entrepreneurship incubator.
A Home Away from Home
Twins study medicine and public health at George Washington.
Student Co-Produces New Album
George Washington student José Curbelo helped produce an album of northern Uruguayan music for Smithsonian Folkways.
A Call to Service
GW students traveled to Guatemala, Honduras, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Puerto Rico as part of the fourth annual Alternative Winter Break program.
Faculty
Teaching Campaigning in Cairo
GSPM professors teach practical skills to emerging politicians in Egypt.
South African Youth Perform at GW
Latest collaboration between Professor of Theatre Leslie Jacobson and the Bokamoso Youth Centre premieres Friday.
A Life-Changing Course
Today’s reading by Aryeh Lev Stollman, author of “The Far Euphrates,” is the first of six from visiting artists in this spring’s Jewish Literature Live course.
Alumni
Medical Alumni Can ‘Adopt a Doc’
New scholarship program enables graduates to put a face and name to donations.
GW Alumni, Graduate Student Win Fulbrights
Fifteen alumni and one doctoral student will conduct research around the globe with 2011-12 Fulbrights.
Furry Friend Gets Kids Excited About Learning
George Washington alumna helped create a curriculum for elementary school students centered on the dog who used to serve as the postal service’s mascot.