OveRVIEW

Capital Semester on Political Journalism

Students in front of the Capitol

For 40 years, The Fund for American Studies, in partnership with Georgetown University, has been educating student leaders from across the nation and the world. Capital Semester is offered each fall and spring. It combines professional experience, courses for credit and exclusive briefings, providing college students with an unparalleled experience in the nation’s capital.

LIVE.

Institute students live in furnished apartments on Capitol Hill, just steps away from restaurants, shops and the metro station. All participants are enrolled as full-time students at Georgetown University, Washington’s leading institution of higher learning.

Students will attend exclusive site briefings and dialogues with journalists, politicians and policy makers. Past speakers have included Fred Barnes of Fox News and The Weekly Standard, Charles Mahtesian of the National Journal and The Almanac of American Politics, Undersecretary of State Paula Dobriansky and members of Congress.

LEARN.

Students meet Tim Russert after attending a live taping of Meet the Press

The rigorous curriculum consists of the following three courses (12 credits):

Theories of Constitutional Interpretation (GOVT 408 • 3 credits)
In order to cover political journalism, one must have a thorough understanding of the political principles upon which the country was founded. This course reflects on the provisions, values and contributions the Constitution has made to policy and governance in the United States.

Economics and Public Policy Issues (ECON 219 • 3 credits)
Every news story has an economic angle. This course enables students to analyze how economics affects public policy issues. Theory of economics is explained to show how economic systems work in societies.

Journalism Public Affairs Internship Seminar (GOVT 241 • 6 credits)
This dynamic course allows students to earn credit for their internship experience. Working journalists will lead discussions of current public policy issues, internship reflection, career building activities, and practical journalism exercises.


INTERN.

Capital Semester on Political Journalism assigns internships in print and broadcast media with newspapers, magazines, newsletters, television networks and radio networks, as well as internet publications, news services and PR firms. Students work approximately 30 hours per week. While responsibilities vary, they often include covering congressional hearings, writing articles for publication, editing and producing news stories and assisting with media relations and research.

A student conducts an interview for her internship with Voice of America

Past Internship sites include:

ABC Nightline
Barson Marsteller
Business Week
CBS News
The Chicago Tribune
Congress Daily
Daily Telegraph of London
Feature Story News
Gannett News Service
Hispanic Radio Network
Meet the Press
MSNBC
National Journal
National Public Radio
Radio Free Europe
Talk Radio News Service
USA TODAY
U.S. News & World Report
The Washington Times

ADMISSIONS

Students pose during a White House briefing

All students must be undergraduates who have completed at least two semesters of study at an accredited college or university by the start of the program. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. When applying online, under “Application Information” please select either Capital Semester Fall 2008 or Capital Semester Spring 2009.

Fall 2008 Deadlines:
Early Deadline -March 1, 2008
International Student Deadline -April 1, 2008
Final Deadline -June 1, 2008

Spring 2009 Deadlines:
Early Deadline - October 1, 2008
International Student Deadline - October 15, 2008
Final Deadline - November 1, 2008

Scholarships
Approximately 75% of students receive scholarship funding with an average award of $4,000. Awards are based on academic excellence, leadership ability and financial need.

Program Costs
12 Credit Tuition & Housing - $12,500



LIVE. LEARN. INTERN. Spend the Semester Reporting in the Nation's Capital.