It explores competing constituents in the formulation of American foreign policy, law and diplomacy, and multinational cooperation in global issues, such as human rights, the environment, international trade, and peacekeeping. Students will also have the option to do a ride-along in a patrol car with the D.C. Police. Themes, such as historical accuracy, truthfulness of presentation, changing cultural views, morals, gender roles, and stereotypes, will be explored. Students will view films such as The Candidate, The American President, All the President's Men, Clear and Present Danger, Dave, Citizen Kane, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and Kisses for My President. They will visit sites and review situations presented in the films, along with field trips to the Watergate Hotel, the maze under Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and the National Archives to hear the Nixon tapes.
Topics differ each semester.
It is designed for students to explore directions for government action and to critically examine the impact of government legislation and regulations on issues. It traces the structure and design of major historic sights to the social, religious and political growth of the country, including government support of the arts. Field trips will include some of the most notable landmarks, memorials and museums known worldwide for exceptional design and presentation. This course will demonstrate the interrelationships between government agencies, such as the Departments of Labor and Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Federal Reserve Board, among others, to major corporations, trade organizations and the Congress. Students will meet with officials and discuss timely issues, learn how to lobby Congress on business matters, observe aspects of the global business community in the Nation's Capital, and understand more fully the shaping and export of American capitalism.