Our ten seminars emphasize experiential education with students meeting with more than 30 experts in their fields along with active participation in discussions, simulations, debates, and real-life problem solving. Students also intern two days per week in an organization related to their professional interests.
Three of our courses focus upon service learning to enhance students’ understanding of course content and to develop professional skills. These courses, described below, are an excellent opportunity for students interested in service and practical engagement to explore DC and the world.
- International Environment and Development - Students study sustainable development while conducting group service learning projects to support programs in the countries we visit – Costa Rica and Nicaragua in the fall and Ghana in the spring. Students study theories of advocacy and education and put them into practice both in the US and abroad.
- Peace and Conflict Resolution - Students engage in both group and individual service projects ranging from education of our campus community to direct service in organizations in the countries that we visit. Effective advocacy, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork are emphasized. Fall students travel to Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, and Austria and spring travel is to Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey.
- Transforming Communities and Public Policy - In this course, students deeply engage with community and social change in Washington, DC and are actively involved in community projects, with local leaders, and with service organizations. Service learning is integrated throughout the class and includes theoretical and practical analysis of community service, engagement, and sustainability.
