Overview of ProgramWashington Semester: SPRING 2013

Offered in partnership with The George Washington University (GWU), USC's Washington Semester program offers undergraduate students a unique learning, living and internship opportunity in the nation's capital. Located four blocks from the White House in the area known as Foggy Bottom, The George Washington University offers limitless opportunities for those interested in politics. Students earn 16 units of USC credit. Application Deadline Applications for Washington Semester are available in RGL 108 and are due on Thursday, November 1, 2012 by 5:00 PM for the Spring 2013 semester. Professional interviews will take place November 2nd through 6th. Students will be notified by November 8, 2012 regarding their admission status. Please note that students in USC Housing must notify the housing office of their intent to vacate during spring semester by an established deadline to receive a refund on their deposit. An early application and interview are recommended for those in USC Housing. Program Structure and Credit USC students participating in the Washington Semester will receive letter grades and 16 units of USC credit. Depending on the students major, a student will earn major and/or elective credit. Students should consult their academic advisor to determine how units will apply to their degree. The following are required courses for USC students: Electoral and Legislative Processes (PMGT 4101): a survey course - 4 units Features lectures and discussions from GWs faculty and other experts in the field of political management. Practicum in Political Management (PMGT 4107): a skills practicum - 4 units The skills practicum provides students an opportunity to work in small teams, under the supervision of professionals, acquiring hands-on knowledge in a simulated campaign modeled on current electoral contests and policy battles. Choice of One: Tutorial in Political Management (PMGT 4192.10): a tutorial - 4 units Students meet weekly in seminar format and online for directed discussion. A choice of tutorials is offered, one focused on domestic policy and the other with a foreign policy focus. The Domestic Politics of Foreign Policy (PMGT 4192.11): a tutorial 4 units Students study the intersections of Washingtons primary political institutions the White House, Congress, the media, and interest groups through the lens of American foreign policy. Professional Internship (PMGT 4187): internship seminar - 4 units Students will learn what is involved in maintaining a position in the field of applied politics through field work and self-assessment and reflection. Networking Events An important aspect of the program, attendance is expected at networking events. These events take students backstage and behind closed doors to meet and learn from Washington insiders. Semester In Washington students have visited CBS News, discussed election law at the Federal Election Commission, attended Capitol Hill staff briefings, toured media consulting firms, and visited the White House, to name just a handful of the many memorable and valuable experiences. Professional Internship After students are selected for the Washington Semester Program, students will be asked to complete an internship questionnaire, which will provide GWU staff with specific information on the types of internships that interest you. Students will receive a login and password to the GWU Internship Database, which is updated daily with new leads. Students are encouraged to consult the database, apply to at least 10 organizations, and notify GWU staff of where they have applied. GWU staff will follow up on those applications, and will also provide individual assistance with writing resumes, conducting interviews, clarifying students' individual interests, matching organizations with students' interests, and working with students whose internships have early deadlines. Dress Code Interns are normally expected to dress in a professional manner. Usually coats and ties are required for men. Suits, dresses, or pantsuits are usually required for women. Housing and Meal Plans The USC/GWU Washington Semester program is located on The George Washington Universitys Foggy Bottom Campus, located in downtown Washington, DC. The Foggy Bottom campus is the universitys main campus, consisting of dormitories, classrooms, computer labs, gym, libraries, student lounges and numerous dining options. Students live in dormitories on the Foggy Bottom campus with other Washington Semester students. Accommodations range from doubles in traditional dorms to two-bedroom twobath apartment style quads, complete with kitchen and living room. USC: http://www.usc.edu/schools/price/programs/undergraduate/wash_semester/