Montgomery College -- Rockville Campus

Department of History and Political Science

Politics in Action

PS 260 (3 credits)

Instructor: Ron Walters, Ph.D.

The Washington, D.C. area is the focal point of political life in the United States and a unique setting for the study of democratic government. Building upon Montgomery College’s (MC) commitment to experiential education and interactive learning, the redesigned Politics in Action course provides an opportunity for students to learn first hand about the real world of politics and cutting-edge issues in American government.

Overview

Politics in Action will be offered three times a year – during the fall and spring semesters, as well as once during the summer over both sessions (June-August). Students will participate in an academic seminar and a voluntary internship that complements classroom studies.

The seminar class will meet for three hours on five Saturdays or five weekday evenings during the semester and over the summer. It will explore the role of various actors in the U.S. policymaking process such as the President, Congress, and interest groups, as well as spotlight one policy area (e.g., health care, social security) for focused review and discussion.

Internship placement opportunities through MC include Congressional offices, executive agencies, political party organizations, and interest groups. Whatever the field of interest, there is an organization in the area that can help cultivate educational and career goals!

Students may arrange for an internship on their own – or use an existing job to satisfy the internship requirement – provided that it illuminates some aspect of American Government and is approved by the instructor.

Enrolling in the Course

Prerequisites:

• completion of the Introduction to American Government course at Montgomery College (or similar course at another college or university) with at least a 3.0 (B); and

• an overall grade point average of 3.2 at Montgomery College (or honors equivalent at another college or university).

Students must submit a short application form indicating their placement interests, contact information, etc., at least three weeks prior to the start of class. The next class will be offered during the summer of 2006. Applications must be received no later than May 9, 2006.

A copy of the student’s transcript must accompany the completed application. The application form is available in the Department office (Humanities 270, Rockville Campus) or on the Department’s Website:

www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/hpolscrv

Securing an Internship

Securing an internship is ultimately the responsibility of the student; however, assistance will be provided. After admittance into the course, the instructor will schedule a time to speak with each student to help locate an internship consistent with his/her interests. An internship sponsor will most likely require an interview with a student before he/she begins working.

If a student wishes to explore internship possibilities on his/her own, research materials and other resources are available on reserve in the Rockville campus library. Again, the specific work assignment must be approved by the instructor and comply with requirements of the course. Please notify the instructor before initiating contact with a potential internship sponsor.

Requirements and Grades

Grades will be based on the following: journal entries, research paper, an evaluation from the internship supervisor and class participation.

Students will be expected to work a minimum of 15 hours per week at their internships. Since participation is critical to the success of a seminar course, students will also be expected to attend all classes and to be prepared to discuss reading assignments in light of their internship experiences.

Questions

Contact the Department of History and Political Science at 240-567-5178 or Ron Walters at 301-351-5028.