Strongly Academic

Academic Seminars are designed to deeply explore a major topic of the year and the inner workings of national and international institutions. Lectures and panels of relevant and timely leaders create a context in which to learn about the issue at hand. Then, through small group discussions, experiential field work, model simulations, interviews, readings, written work and other experiential models, students refine their perspective and integrate new ways of thinking about the complex and interconnected world around them.

This is an immersive experience. Seminars include site visits to government agencies, embassies, think tanks, media companies, and other influential organizations; there are receptions and special events unique to Washington, D.C. Some of the common activities across all seminars include:

• Hearing from nationally recognized journalists, politicians, analysts and scholars.
• Expanded knowledge of American and international politics.
• Visiting places such as Capitol Hill, executive agencies, think tanks, trade associations and media organizations in Washington D.C.
• Engaging and networking with nationally and internationally recognized public officials and business professionals.
• Asking tough and insightful questions of respected thinkers, and getting answers.
• Meeting other exceptional students from campuses across the country and, possibly, abroad.