XSPP-127 - Democracy in Action Institute

Course Description

Democracy in Action Institute is offered on the following dates:

• July 1 - July 7, 2018

• July 22 - July 28, 2018

This summer, spend a week immersed in politics, activism, and social justice in Washington, D.C. Partnering with the Close Up Foundation, Georgetown’s Democracy in Action Institute will take you on an experiential journey examining the roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society.

Through visits to some of D.C.’s museums, political institutions, and memorial sites, you’ll explore the inner workings of the legislative process, current political policies and tensions, and approaches to responsible citizen advocacy and activism. You’ll also examine key concepts and controversies of American history and how they shaped the modern-day political system.

Over the course of the week, you'll discuss and debate major national issues—including everything from gun control, immigration and healthcare to the opioid epidemic—and explore your ability to impact those issues through political discourse and advocacy. You'll meet with congressional committees on Capitol Hill and learn how to effectively promote a cause and defend your stance to elected officials. At the end of the week, you'll establish a plan to take further action on issues that matter to you in your local and national communities.

• Controversial issues in the news

• Enduring questions of American Democracy

• History of D.C. neighborhoods

• Monuments and memorials

• Debate and deliberation

• Citizen activism

• Community engagement

• Visit some of D.C.’s major memorials and museums, including the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture

• Explore the role of historical figures and institutions in shaping current policy decisions

• Participate in debates on current issues and take on the role of legislators during a congressional simulation  

• Meet with an elected official or congressional staff member on Capitol Hill

• Study historic citizen action movements in key D.C. neighborhoods

• Discuss how citizens can make a difference in their community and learn strategies for taking action

Sample Day*

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Opening Workshop: Get to know your Program Instructor and classmates and lay a foundation for the week

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Faces of Democracy Study Visit: Examine and debate the proper size and scope of government at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

1:45 p.m. Smithsonian American History Museum: Consider how well the museum meets its mission and vision statement of inspiring a broader understanding of our nation and its many peoples.

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. National Archives: Explore our nation’s history through documents, photos, and records.

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Reflection on the Mall: Walk through the Sculpture Garden and debrief the day.

5:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Neighborhood Visit & Dinner: Explore Chinatown and discuss the effects of gentrification on historic neighborhoods. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. War Memorials: Visit the Vietnam, Korean and Lincoln Memorials and examine how wars are memorialized and consider what that says about the United States.  

8:45 p.m. Return to Georgetown

9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Residential Living Supervision and Activities

Students are typically engaged in academic programming from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with free time and optional student activity programing until curfew. Students arrive and check-in on Sunday and depart on Saturday.  

* Core topics, hands-on experience and sample day are subject to change.