AMST3016 Internship Program: Washington DC

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.

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.

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

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