Concordia College

American University Program

Study Options
The Washington Semester program at AU offers students 13 different options for study tailored to their particular career interests.

•    American Politics
•    International Law and Organizations
•    Contemporary Islam
•    Economic Policy
•    Journalism
•    Justice
•    Foreign Policy
•    International Business and Trade
•    Peace and Conflict Resolution
•    International Environment Development
•    Public Law
•    Transforming Communities

Each student participating in the Washington Semester Program, regardless of chosen subject area, participates in three types of activities.

Seminar
Students will spend much of their on-campus time in a seminar on their chosen subject area. A typical seminar experience includes four to five meetings per week with representatives of the U.S. government, foreign governments, business, interest groups and think tanks in the Washington, D.C., area. Students hear lectures from the American University faculty member leading their seminar, participate in discussions and write (exams, short analytical pieces, etc.). The seminar component of the program counts for two credits towards graduation at Concordia.

Research Project
Each student is required to conduct an independent, intensive inquiry into an area related to a particular topic of government or public policy of interest to the student. This project is designed to give the student a deeper understanding of that particular subject. Prime sources of information for this project will include personal interviews, observations, government reports and other documents, most of which are available only in Washington, D.C. The student will begin this project at Concordia as part of the application process for this program. The research component counts for one credit towards graduation at Concordia.

Internship
Each student will complete an internship in an organization (governmental or non-governmental) of choice. Internships are available with numerous executive and congressional branch offices and committees, private interest groups, research think tanks, the media, etc. Some students make the initial contacts to help find such internship opportunities; the program staff and faculty at American University will also assist in finding opportunities. Students generally work two full days each week of the semester. While some internships carry a small salary or stipend, they usually do not. The internship component counts for one credit towards graduating at Concordia.

A list of sample internship placements from past semesters is available in the political science department.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the many other opportunities to enjoy cultural events, recreation and other public affairs activities such as National Press Club speakers, Congressional hearings and various public commission forums.

Max Richardson
richards@cord.edu
218.299.3526