Year
2021
Units
9
Contact
1 x 7-week industry placement per semester
Prerequisites
1 1 of AMST1002, GOVT2005
2 2 of AMST2002, AMST3013, POLI1003, AMST3015, GOVT1003, GOVT1001
2a GOVT1004 - Foundations in Political Systems and Institutions
3 Admission into BLLAW-Bachelor of Laws
3a Admission into BLLAWFP-Bachelor of Laws
3b Admission into BLLAWH-Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
3c Admission into BLLAWHFP-Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
4 GOVT3010 - Washington Internship Program pre-briefing
Must Satisfy: ((1 and (2 or 2a)) or ((3 or 3a or 3b or 3c) and 4))
Other requirements
Topic approval is required for enrolment in this topic. Students should apply via courseadvice.bgl@flinders.edu.au.
Enrolment not permitted
1 of AMST3010, AMST7009, AMST7011 has been successfully completed
Course context

Enrolment in the topic will be based on academic performance in the prerequisite topics.

Further information about the placement is available from the College of Business, Government and Law.

Topic description

This topic consists of a placement in Washington DC in an institution of American national government. The placement will generally be in the legislative, executive or judicial branches of the US national government. While in Washington, students will pursue a project of interest to the internship provider and the student.

The aim of the topic is to allow students knowledgeable about American society, politics, history and culture, a work experience opportunity in the structures of American political life.

Educational aims

This topic aims to:

  • Introduce students to the operations of the US political system by work experience in a Congressional or associated office in Washington DC
  • Balance theoretical knowledge of US politics by observing how policies are formulated in practice
  • Develop an understanding of the various pressures that shape the policies of working politicians and administrators
  • Sharpen research and reporting skills through working on applied projects as part of their involvement in the workings of their office
  • Consolidate students' written and communication skills
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Understand the specific characteristics of the work done by the office or unit to which they were assigned
  2. Provide an oral report on a project chosen for further study and arising from the experience gained in the placement
  3. Complete a satisfactory 6000-word paper based on that project