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Academic Seminars

Every year, The Washington Center offers unique, participatory, short-term programs that allow college and graduate students to be actively engaged in the study of a particular topic. The seminars are highly engaging and intense, yet lots of fun as you meet new people, visit new sites, and learn about the academic and career opportunities available in the nation's capital.

Each seminar has its own particular format or emphasis, but most involve major speakers, site visits, tours, briefings, and small group discussions, as well as some exciting extras. These extras might include a reception at the National Press Club, a performance at Ford's Theater or a visit to a Moroccan Restaurant. Whatever the format and whatever the topic, the time will go quickly as you learn your way around the city and see how “Washington Really Works."

"I met politicians, journalists, television celebrities, visited Capitol Hill, and saw the Constitution of the United States and this was all in one day of the seminar." Eric Rosenberg, University of San Diego, Inside Washington ’08 Participant	"The Washington Center helped me discover a passion for politics I never knew I had – and I love it!" Rebecca Boe, Bemidji State University, Inside Washington ’08 Participant
“This experience has affected me in a profound way. It has made me more excited to work in American government and pursue a career in foreign relations.” Brendon Ready, University of San Diego	“As an intern it helped me learn about what happens in Washington so I could go into my internship with essential knowledge and hit the ground running.” Michael Mullen, Bridgewater State College

In 2008, we launched our Campaign 2008 Presidential Academic Seminar Series, which incorporated our Democratic and Republican National Political Conventions seminars-- the only national academic programs for college students and a tradition started in 1984. Both the national convention and inauguration programs broke all attendance records, and we’re already planning for 2012! Information about the Campaign ’12 series will be available beginning in 2010.

For more information, contact us C2012@twc.edu.

Upcoming Academic Seminars

Watch this space for the announcement of some new and exciting seminars to be held in 2009 and 2010.

2009

The Obama Presidency: The First 100 Days

May 17 – 22, 2009

Ross K. Baker, Ph.D. Rutgers University
Faculty Director

Checkout is by noon on May 24

2010

Inside Washington '10

January 3-15, 2010

Week One: January 3-8, 2010

Congress and the Obama Presidency

Week Two: January 10-15, 2010:

Politics and the Media

Camp David III 2010:
Negotiating the Road to Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Details available mid-2009

A Special Two Week seminar on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
An exciting opportunity for students to get an inside look at the key parties involved in an issue which is a top priority for the U.S. and the world in the 21st century

2011

Inside Washington ’11

January 2-14, 2011

Week One: January 2-7, 2011

The New Congress

Week Two: January 9-14, 2011:

Politics and the Media

2012

Inside Washington ’12

January 2-13, 2012

Week One: January 2-7, 2012

Campaign 2012: In Pursuit of the Presidency

Week Two: January 8-13, 2012:

Politics and the Media

Previous Washington Center Academic Seminars

Campaign 2008 Presidential Academic Seminar Series

Click here to View the C2008 seminar page

Campaign 2008: Inside Washington ’08

Week One: January 6-11, 2008

In Pursuit of the Presidency
Ross K. Baker, Ph.D. Rutgers University
Faculty Director

Week Two: January 13-18, 2008:

Politics and the Media
Prof. Steve Bell, Ball State University
Faculty Director

Campaign 2008: The National Political Conventions

Seminar 1: August 17 - 29, 2008

The Democratic National Convention
Denver, Colorado

Seminar 2: August 24 - September 5, 2008

The Republican National Convention
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota

Campaign 2008: The Presidential Inauguration

This special ten-day academic seminar will provide a backstage view into the Presidential Inauguration and focus on the newly elected president and the formation of a new executive administration. Don't miss the excitement and the special inauguration program events!

January 10-20, 2009
Washington, D.C.

Download - Presidential Inauguration Brochure

Other Past Washington Center Academic Seminars

Camp David III 2008:
Negotiating the Road to Israeli-Palestinian Peace

May 11-25, 2008

A Special Two Week seminar on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Download Brochure

May 12-26, 2007	International Conflicts: Iraq, Darfur and the Arab-Israeli Dispute For more information, click here.
May 12-19, 2007	Leaders on Leadership ’07: Critical Issues in the Age of Globalization For more information, click here.
Dec 30, 2006 - Jan 12, 2007	Inside Washington ’07: The New Congress/Politics and the Media For more information, click here.
Aug 13-27, 2006	Camp David III ’06: Negotiating Road Map for Israeli-Palestinian Peace For more information, click here.
May 14-28, 2006	International Conflict Seminar on U.S.-Cuban Relations, Terrorism and the Darfur Crisis For more information, click here.