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Course Descriptions
Each year, the D.C. Summer Institutes provide a variety of unique courses spanning different academic disciplines. These courses provide students from all majors with the opportunity to explore timely topics, engage with experts, and experience learning beyond the classroom in Washington, D.C. Most courses also carry a COLL 300 or 350 credit. For 2027, we are offering an American Politics Institute,a Global Cultures Institute (subject to change as info is still pending), a News & Media Institute (subject to change as info is still pending), and a Public Health Institute. In addition to their enrollment in a specific Institute, students will take an Internship course.
Representation in American Democracy
Taught by Professor Mackenzie Israel-Trummel
The Representation in American Democracy Institute is a seven-credit academic program composed of an accelerated course and an internship in the D.C. area. The coursework will be taught by Professor Mackenzie Israel-Trummel and involves intensive instruction from academic experts and political figures to explore the inner workings of political polarization and how it has changed the nature of political groups, parties, media, and officeholders. The internship involves undergraduate student fellows witnessing and interacting firsthand with policymakers in the formation of American political practices through internships at Washington, D.C. think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and political agencies.
Fellows also are expected to develop a deeper knowledge of a topic in American politics by completing a research paper due at the end of the summer. In addition, fellows will receive career guidance by the institute professor and Washington Center team, and network extensively with area alumni.
Fellows also are expected to develop a deeper knowledge of a topic in American politics by completing a research paper due at the end of the summer. In addition, fellows will receive career guidance by the institute professor and Washington Center team, and network extensively with area alumni.
The Public Health Institute is a seven-credit academic program comprised of a one-week spring prep course, a two-week intensive course at the end of May, and a summer-long internship with an affiliated course (either through Public Health or Interdisciplinary Studies, depending on an individual student’s course needs). Combined, this program allows W&M students to work, learn, and live in D.C. for the summer.
This course will explore health impacts in D.C. and how to advance health throughout the population. In addition, the course will discuss individuals and organizations who work to improve health in our nation's capital. Students will learn what it means to work in the public health field. Learning about health in D.C. and considering solutions to complex public health problems will help students prepare for their summer internships and future work and study beyond the D.C. experience.
In the two-week intensive May course, students will hear from speakers and conduct site visits at organizations who are working to enhance health in D.C. Through these site visits and guest lectures, students will learn about the benefits and challenges of working in a variety of public health settings. Students will connect with individuals and organizations who will provide invaluable insights and connections to help students advance in their potential future careers. Discussions, readings, and assignments will give students an excellent foundation for studying and working in a wide variety of fields.
This course will explore health impacts in D.C. and how to advance health throughout the population. In addition, the course will discuss individuals and organizations who work to improve health in our nation's capital. Students will learn what it means to work in the public health field. Learning about health in D.C. and considering solutions to complex public health problems will help students prepare for their summer internships and future work and study beyond the D.C. experience.
In the two-week intensive May course, students will hear from speakers and conduct site visits at organizations who are working to enhance health in D.C. Through these site visits and guest lectures, students will learn about the benefits and challenges of working in a variety of public health settings. Students will connect with individuals and organizations who will provide invaluable insights and connections to help students advance in their potential future careers. Discussions, readings, and assignments will give students an excellent foundation for studying and working in a wide variety of fields.
(INTR 499) Internship Course
This course is designed for students participating in the D.C. Summer Institutes. The aim of this course is to further students’ understanding of professional competencies and to help students think critically about the skills gained in their summer internship. In this course, students will be responsible for observing, analyzing, and reflecting on their professional experiences. Each assignment maps to a NACE competency.