The Department of Government's program in Washington, D.C., offers students the experience of working in a political office or organization in combination with a course of study designed to place the individual's internship experience in a general academic perspective. The course work consists of two regularly scheduled seminars (Government 94 and 95, and a weekly journal evaluation of the internship experience).

The main courses offered in the Washington program vary depending on the academic specialty of the Dartmouth faculty in residence.         Courses offered in 2012 and 2013 will be on "Myths and Realities in Public Policy Solutions," and "The Size and Scope of the United States Government"  

A guest speaker series, which includes people from all areas of Washington, is an important feature.

In the past, students have held internships of varying levels of responsibility in the House of Representatives, the Senate, executive offices, courts, lobbies, consulting groups, and mass media organizations.  In 2012 and 2013, Professor Bafumi will assist students in obtaining internships with House and Senate committees and subcommittees. 

The daily demands of the internship are rigorous and, combined with the academic requirements, the program is intensive and exciting.

Curriculum

• Government 93:         Internship Essays
  
• Government 94:        Myths and Realities in Public Policy Solutions
  
• Government 95:        The Size and Scope of the United States Government 

Prerequisites

• One introductory course in Government or public policy or related field will qualify students to apply. The majority of participants in the past have been government majors.