Health, Community and Policy (HCP)

HCP 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is only for Graduate Archer Fellows and tailored to each student’s graduate program of study. An Archer Center faculty member will work independently with each student to develop a research project that is designed to advance the student’s academic and research goals. The project will align with the requirements of the student’s graduate degree. Individually, Fellows will identify a policy problem and develop and describe strategies for assessing the policy problem, develop strategies for resolving or addressing the policy problem, and determine linkages between specific academic/research interests, knowledge resources in the D.C. area, and their internship experiences. Collectively, as part of a policy working group, Fellows will read additional material specific to their policy area as a group and congregate to discuss and review each other’s work, with the objective of enabling cross-pollination, recognizing inter- and intra-disciplinary linkages and divergences, and providing a forum for networking.

HCP 6963. Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is only for Graduate Archer Fellows and consists of an internship in a governmental or non-governmental organization in Washington, D.C. The student is expected to work full-time (40 hours a week) at the internship, which may be paid or unpaid. Students are responsible for seeking and selecting their internships. The Archer Center does not guarantee any internship placements, but Archer Center faculty and staff will provide students with information about internship opportunities and advice about placements. The Archer Center faculty meet regularly with students to debrief and to integrate this practical training with other lessons in professional development.

HCP 6973. Inside Washington: View of Federal Government. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is only for Graduate Archer Fellows and will provide the student with an overview of the federal policymaking process and the various public/private stakeholders and institutions that participate in this process. Specifically, the course focuses on three key elements of federal policymaking: separation of powers and original constitutional intent, influencing federal policy, and creating effective advocacy strategies. Students will examine a sampling of the extensive literature on political theory/philosophy, political institutions, political behavior, public policy and public administration. Students will also meet regularly with practitioners, such as officials from Congress, the White House, executive branch agencies, think tanks, organized interest groups, media/communications and lobbying firms.