PREPARATION FOR THE WISCONSIN IN WASHINGTON PROGRAM

POLISCI 401

A topics course for the exploration of current issues in Political Science.

POLISCI 602

The public policy process is structured argument and decision making within institutional contexts. This class introduces students to analytic frameworks for thinking about various aspects of this process. We do not study a single context or policy, but, rather, seek to understand how policies might succeed (or fail) in one context or another. The principal framework is institutional analysis, or the way in which formal and informal rules shape policies and their outcomes. Students will learn to perform institutional analysis as well as write a memorandum presenting such an analysis to a policymaker. Students will align their final projects to their personal and professional activities and/or their internship. The course will help students understand how policies can achieve durable impact, and how progress made through policies can be defended amid institutional pitfalls.

POLISCI 315

Practical experience in a legislative office. Policy research. Readings in legislative process.

POLISCI 402

This course offers the opportunity to apply many things learned in the classroom to the professional world and to apply things learned in the professional world to a student's liberal arts education. Interning will introduces students to the professional world of political organizations giving them the chance to enhance professional skills, build a network of contacts, and explore possible career choices. This class stresses active reflection, self-assessment, and the honing of critical thinking and writing. The internship course builds structure with written assignments, activities, reflections, and readings to help students to make the most of their internships. Analytical work in this course will allow students to systematically analyze the workplace in ways that help them recognize prevailing office dynamics, adapt to accepted organizational standards, and to identify opportunities to be a more effective colleague. The course will ask students to analyze their current experiences and to relate them to their past learning and future possibilities.

POLISCI 316

Facilitates transitions from undergraduate academic learning related to Political Science to meaningful and rewarding professional opportunities including jobs, paid internships, graduate study, and post-graduate fellowships. Building on core coursework in Political Science and related disciplines, addresses how to utilize existing academic learning and completed readings and assignments, extra-curricular activities, student research, for-pay work, internships, and interaction with alumni and other personal networks to further develop career options. Also provides practical ways to explore and pursue a wide range of career pathways related to Political Science. Develop essential professional development materials and self-promotional skills.