Carleton University
Ottawa CanadaSenate Academic Planning
November 14, 2006
To: Senate
From: Samy Mahmoud, Provost and Chair of SAPC
Re: New Internship: Washington Center Internship Program
The Department of Political Science has taken the lead in establishing a connection to the Washington Center, a well established institution that manages intern positions in Washing D.C. and also teaches academic seminars on American politics. This year Carleton University formally signed an agreement with the Washington Center. At this time the Department of Political Science is bringing forward to Senate the academic framework that will support this valuable internship opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Senate Academic Planning Committee considered these programs at its meetings of Nov 9 and 14, 2006 and now
recommends that Senate approve of both the undergraduate and graduate Washington Center Internship Programs.
The academic details are presented below; background information about the Washington Center is presented in the Appendix.
1. Undergraduate Program
The inclusion of the Washington Center Internship Program into the Political Science undergraduate curriculum complements the creation of the Concentration in North American Politics. The Internship will provide students with the opportunity to integrate practical and theoretical aspects of studies in North American politics.
1.1 Description
The Washington Center Internship Program is open to Honours or Combined Honours Political Science students in the third year or the first term of fourth year. Admission is open to students with at least a 9.5 GPA in Political Science. Successful completion of the program satisfies the requirements for one term of full-time study (2.5 credits). Students spend one term (Fall, Winter or Summer) in Washington D.C. They serve four days a week as an intern in Washington D.C. and also take two seminar courses offered by faculty of The Washington Center. The normal 2.5 credit course load for participants in the program is:
PSCI 3905 (1.5 credits), Washington Center Internship
PSCI 4905 (0.5 credits), Washington Center Seminar I
PSCI 4906 (0.5 credits), Washington Center Seminar II
Full information on the program and application forms can be obtained from the Department of Political Science.
1.3 The Courses
PSCI 3905[1.5 credits]
Washington Center Internship
A one-term internship in the NAFTA Leaders Program of The Washington Center offered in Washington D.C. Evaluated by faculty members of The Washington Center, but governed by Carleton University regulations and coordinated by the Department of Political Science at Carleton University. Graded Sat or Uns.
Prerequisite: selection to The Washington Center Internship Program and one of PSCI 2200, PSCI 3200, or PSCI 3201.
Internship four days a week.
PSCI 4905 [0.5 credit]
Washington Center Seminar I
A seminar offered by The Washington Center. Offered by faculty of The Washington Center, but governed by Carleton regulations and co-ordinated by Carleton’s Department of Political Science.
Prerequisite: selection to The Washington Center Internship Program and one of PSCI 2200, PSCI 3200, or PSCI 3201.
Seminar 3 hours per week.
PSCI 4906
Washington Center Seminar II
A seminar offered by The Washington Center. Offered by faculty of The Washington Center, but governed by Carleton regulations and co-ordinated by Carleton’s Department of Political Science.
Prerequisite: selection to The Washington Center Internship Program and one of PSCI 2200, PSCI 3200, or PSCI 3201.
Seminar 3 hours per week.
2. Graduate Program
The Internship will provide graduate students with the opportunity to integrate practical and theoretical aspects of studies in North American politics.
2.1. Description
Washington Center Internship Program
The Washington Center Internship Program is open to full time master's students who have completed at least two terms of study at Carleton. Admission is open to students with at least a 9.5 GPA in Political Science graduate courses. Successful completion of the program satisfies the requirements for one term of full-time study (1.5 credits). Students spend one term (Fall, Winter or Summer) in Washington D.C. They serve four days a week as an intern in Washington D.C. and also take two seminar courses offered by faculty of The Washington Center. The normal 1.5 credit course load for participants in the program is:
• PSCI 5904(0.5 credit), Washington Center Internship
•PSCI 5905 (0.5 credit), Washington Center Seminar I
•PSCI 5906 (0.5 credit), Washington Center Seminar II
Full information on the program and application forms can be obtained from the Department of Political Science.
2.3. The Courses
PSCI 5904 [0.5 credit]
Washington Center Internship
A one-term internship in the NAFTA Leaders Program of The Washington Center, offered in Washington D.C.
Prerequisite: permission of the Department.
PSCI 5905 [0.5 credit]
Washington Center Seminar I
A seminar offered by The Washington Center.
Prerequisite: permission of the Department.
PSCI 5905 [0.5 credit]
Washington Center Seminar II
A seminar offered by The Washington Center.
Prerequisite: permission of the Department.
3. Both programs:
3.1. Supporting faculty
The coordinator of the program is Prof. Melissa Haussman
3.2. Resource Implications
The program can be implemented within the currently assigned resources of the Department.
Appendix: Background Information on the Washington Center
Washington Center
From their website
1. About The Washington Center
Now in its 31st year, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an educational nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges and universities in the U.S. and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit. The largest such program, The Washington Center has over 35,000 alumni, many of whom are leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world.
The Washington Center provides diverse, highly motivated interns to thousands of organizations in government, business and the non-profit sector. They contribute significantly to their placements and often prove to be of longer-term interest as prospective employees.
More broadly, The Washington Center maintains a vital role in service to society as a whole, developing the workforce of the future and encouraging all of its participants to be informed, public-spirited and civically engaged. For this reason, The Washington Center has support from a growing array of states, federal agencies, corporations, foundations, and private donors.
Whether you are a prospective student, represent a college or university or a potential placement site, or are interested in providing financial support, you will find most of the information you need in one of the sections of this site. For further information, please feel free to call The Washington Center toll-free at 1-800-486-8921 (locally 202-336-7600) or email us at
2. Mission
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars provides an integrated academic and work experience to prepare college students and professionals for lives of achievement and civic engagement.
For 31 years, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars has played a crucial role in preparing young people for leadership and promoting civic participation by connecting motivated students with companies, organizations, congressional offices and federal agencies that exemplify the values of leadership and community service. The Washington Center is extremely proud that, according to research, 30% of its alumni work in some form of public service.
The Washington Center has a solid history of producing capable leaders for both the public and private sectors. Regardless of whether their career paths lead to public service or the corporate world, all alumni of The Washington Center share a heightened sense of civic responsibility, an appreciation for the vital role public service plays in a productive society and the knowledge that each individual can and must contribute to the ongoing work of our country.