Politics & Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

Winter 2027

Being in Washington is all about meeting with and talking to people: political representatives, community leaders, policy experts, media figures — there are so many stories, opinions and analyses to listen to in the nation’s capital! Become an “insider” for 10 weeks by interning with an organization of your choice and engaging with a wide range of speakers and sites throughout the DC area.

Exterior of Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.

The Washington DC program is all about networking, listening, and learning by doing in the US Capital and the primary hub of America’s engagement with the world. The State Department, Defense Department, intelligence communities, aid agencies, the World Bank, the WHO, hundreds of embassies and countless NGOs all reside in DC and participate in a broad dialog about world affairs and global policy in DC. Together, we will explore international and foreign policy issues like national and global security, international development, peace and conflict, global governance, and domestic politics topics such as climate change and human needs. We hope the experience might inspire students to consider careers engaging with these topics professionally.

The Washington DC program was founded in 1983. Since then, hundreds of Carleton students have had a rewarding, and sometimes, career-launching experience with many alumni holding prominent positions in all sectors. We are looking for students who are interested in a professional experience in Washington and who are well-positioned emotionally and intellectually to gain from it. Join us!

Greg Marfleet Dorothy H. and Edward C. Congdon Professor of Political Science, and Steve Poskanzer, Professor of Political Science & President Emeritus

Learning Goals

To expand awareness of the actions and influence of the United States in global affairs and public policy through topical readings and direct exchange with diplomats, politicians, policy makers, and analysts.
To familiarize students with the US political process and the key institutions of the US government through topical readings and direct exchange with political representatives, campaign and party officials, legislative staff, and committee-based staff.
To explore how the process of problem identification, program development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy reflects the interests of stakeholders and citizens through interactions with private sector actors, NGOs, and news organizations tasked with monitoring and disseminating political information.
To develop and practice skills relevant to the analysis of politics and policy, including tracing paths of political influence, understanding legal frameworks, considering the impact of elections and public opinion, and applying technical tools used for the evaluation process, including quantitative data analysis, interviews, and qualitative case analysis.

Personal Development Goals for Students include:

To acquire career-related experience in a political, news media, NGO, or public-policy environment through a program-length internship.
To encounter and learn to take advantage of networking experiences in professional, intellectual, and alumni circles in the nation’s capital.
To experience elements of what life after Carleton will be like, including living independently in a city (commuting, shopping, cooking, etc.) while meeting the expectations of their employment supervisors and instructors.

Prerequisites

Students are encouraged to participate in the Washington D.C. program as sophomores, juniors, or seniors. There are no prerequisites.

Course of Study

18 Credits

Students will intern on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and attend seminars on Wednesday and Friday.

~ Classes are subject to change. ~

POSC 288: Politics and Public Policy in Washington, D.C., Program: Global Politics & Pub Policy in Washington DC (6 credits)

Students will participate in a seminar centered around meetings with experts in areas of global politics and policy. Over the course of the term they will collaborate in groups to produce a presentation exploring the political dimensions of public policy with a focus on how problem identification, institutional capacity, and stakeholder interests combine to shape policy options.
Instructor: Professors Marfleet and Poskanzer

POSC 289: Politics and Public Policy in Washington, D.C., Program: Politics & Public Policy in Washington DC (6 credits)

Students will participate in a seminar centered around meetings with experts in areas of U.S. politics and policy. Over the course of the term they will collaborate in groups to produce a presentation exploring the political dimensions of public policy with a focus on how problem identification, institutional capacity, and stakeholder interests combine to shape policy options.
Instructor: Professors Marfleet and Poskanzer

POSC 293-07: Politics and Public Policy in Washington, D.C., Program: Practical Experience in DC (6 Credits, S/CR/NC)

All students will intern at an office in Washington or participate in some form of sustained civic engagement activity with instructor approval. In the past students have worked for legislators, executive agencies, interest groups and media outlets. Part of this experience involves keeping a weekly journal and writing a reflective summary paper.
Instructors: Professors Marfleet and Poskanzer

Housing

Students will be housed in an apartment building with Wi-Fi that is a fifteen-minute subway ride from Capitol Hill. Students may use the Library of Congress for research.

Internships

A professional internship is an integral component of the program. Students will intern on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at a variety of organizations from government offices to think-tanks to non-profit organizations. Students are responsible for finding their own placements with assistance from the program directors and Carleton’s Career Center.