AMST3016 Internship Program: Washington DC

Professor Don DeBats

2019

1 x 7-week industry placement per semester

1 1 of AMST1002, GOVT2005
2 2 of AMST2002, AMST3013, POLI1003, AMST3015, GOVT1003, GOVT1001
2a GOVT1004 - Foundations in Political Systems and Institutions
Must Satisfy: (1 and (2 or 2a))

Topic approval is required for enrolment in this topic. Students should apply via courseadvice.bgl@flinders.edu.au.

1 of AMST3010, AMST7009, AMST7011 has been successfully completed

Associated majors: American Studies; Political Studies; International Relations

This topic consists of a seven-week placement in January and February 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. This project will form the core of the assessment package attached to the topic.

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.There will normally be a quota of 6 students shared between this topic and AMST7016. Admission will be based on academic performance in the prerequisite topics. Terms and conditions for the placement are available from the College of Business, Government and Law.

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.

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

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2019 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.