Overview
Students who decide to participate in the Illinois in Washington program will take courses that connect their internship experience to the study of politics, public policy, and professional development.
The curriculum includes coursework on the Washington policymaking environment, an internship seminar, and (in the fall and spring) an additional elective course.
Semester Course Schedule
Fall and Spring: Students take PS 125: The Washington Experience and PS 491: Illinois in Washington Internship Seminar, along with one additional 3-credit course. Students are encouraged to take PS 321: Principles of Public Policy, which is typically offered as part of the program. However, another approved (online) UIUC course may be used instead.
Summer: Students take PS 491: Illinois in Washington Internship Seminar only. Because PS 491 is offered as a 6-credit course during the summer, students do not take PS 125 or an additional course.
Course Syllabi
Course syllabi are housed on Box by the Department of Political Science and can be accessed HERE. Of course, please note that syllabi are subject to change from semester to semester, but they provide a general sense of how Illinois in Washington courses are structured and what students can expect.
Students must be signed in to their @illinois.edu email account to access the syllabus materials.
Courses
PS 125: The Washington Experience
Required in the Fall and Spring | 3 credits
PS 125 introduces students to the people, institutions, and organizations involved in politics and policymaking in Washington, D.C. The course looks at how elected officials, government agencies, think tanks, law firms, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups work to influence policy and advance their goals.
The class includes visits to organizations and offices throughout Washington. Students will learn about the work these organizations do, how they fit into the policymaking process, and the role they play in current policy debates. Students also complete short written assignments connected to the visits and course material.
PS 125 meets in person in Washington, D.C., on Fridays.
PS 491: Illinois in Washington Internship Seminar
Required in the Fall, Spring, and Summer | 6 credits
PS 491 is the seminar that accompanies students’ internships in Washington. The course gives students time and structure to reflect on their internship experience, connect it to what they are learning academically, and think through their professional and career goals.
Students also complete policy-focused research and writing assignments. The course helps students build skills in research design, policy analysis, evaluating evidence, and writing policy papers. Throughout the semester, students will consider how their internship experience relates to broader questions in political science, public policy, and their own future plans.
PS 491 meets in person in Washington, D.C., on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters. The summer format may vary.
PS 321: Principles of Public Policy
Optional in the Fall and Spring | 3 credits
PS 321 is an optional course taught in person in Washington, D.C., by Professor Charisma Howell. The course focuses on how public policy is created, implemented, evaluated, and debated.
Students examine policy issues in their political, social, economic, and legal contexts. The course emphasizes policy analysis, case studies, research, discussion, and writing. Depending on the semester, the course may focus more closely on a particular policy issue or area of public concern.