The Archer Fellowship is a unique academic experience, which includes the classes below. All undergraduate Archer Fellows enroll in the same 15 hours.
Politics of National Memory - 3 credit hours
Professor Shema Mbyirukira
This course uses the monuments, memorials, and museums between Arlington National Cemetery and Capitol Hill as a classroom to examine the stories that the United States has told about itself. In each class, we explore these sites of memory and analyze the historical context, political stakes, and ideological structures behind these narratives. This enables us to engage with difficult but essential civic questions related to our historical legacy, national identity, and responsibilities to each other. In doing so, fellows will cultivate a lifelong relationship with the nation’s capital; build their competence and enthusiasm to make sense of historical sites and narratives beyond Washington, D.C.; sharpen the critical thinking skills; and enhance their confidence and effectiveness as leaders in civic life.
Politics of National Memory - 3 credit hours
Professor Shema Mbyirukira
This course uses the monuments, memorials, and museums between Arlington National Cemetery and Capitol Hill as a classroom to examine the stories that the United States has told about itself. In each class, we explore these sites of memory and analyze the historical context, political stakes, and ideological structures behind these narratives. This enables us to engage with difficult but essential civic questions related to our historical legacy, national identity, and responsibilities to each other. In doing so, fellows will cultivate a lifelong relationship with the nation’s capital; build their competence and enthusiasm to make sense of historical sites and narratives beyond Washington, D.C.; sharpen the critical thinking skills; and enhance their confidence and effectiveness as leaders in civic life.
The Policymaking Process - 3 credit hours
Dr. Derek O'Leary
This course introduces fellows to the federal policymaking process from the perspective of the legislative branch of government in the United States. Fellows will work closely with the class lecturers to identify stakeholders in the federal policy process and understand the various entry points for these stakeholders to influence policy outcomes. Through a policy simulation, fellows will act as members of Congress and learn to craft legislative policy through participation in simulated congressional hearings and a congressional committee bill mark-up.
Dr. Derek O'Leary
This course introduces fellows to the federal policymaking process from the perspective of the legislative branch of government in the United States. Fellows will work closely with the class lecturers to identify stakeholders in the federal policy process and understand the various entry points for these stakeholders to influence policy outcomes. Through a policy simulation, fellows will act as members of Congress and learn to craft legislative policy through participation in simulated congressional hearings and a congressional committee bill mark-up.
Advocacy and Politics: Success in Washington - 3 credit hours
Dr. John Daly
This course is an introduction to the issues individuals face when placed in the role of persuading others to adopt an issue or idea in a political environment like Washington, D.C. You will learn ways of communicating ideas memorably and impactfully, techniques for building and maintaining a “brand” name that motivates people to listen to you, ways of building allies through narrative and networking, methods for framing issues so they are potentially adoptable (i.e., pre-selling), and ways to apply various theories of persuasion to political issues. The goal is for class participants to grasp concepts they will see and experience during their internship in Washington, D.C. This is not a class on social movements although we will allude to some throughout the semester. It is instead about specific tools and techniques people can use to change others’ opinions about issues.
Dr. John Daly
This course is an introduction to the issues individuals face when placed in the role of persuading others to adopt an issue or idea in a political environment like Washington, D.C. You will learn ways of communicating ideas memorably and impactfully, techniques for building and maintaining a “brand” name that motivates people to listen to you, ways of building allies through narrative and networking, methods for framing issues so they are potentially adoptable (i.e., pre-selling), and ways to apply various theories of persuasion to political issues. The goal is for class participants to grasp concepts they will see and experience during their internship in Washington, D.C. This is not a class on social movements although we will allude to some throughout the semester. It is instead about specific tools and techniques people can use to change others’ opinions about issues.
Archer Center Washington Internship - 6 credit hours
Dr. Jennifer Diascro
Fellows will enhance their professional skillset through experiential training in their internships, group discussion sessions, individual reading and reflection, and practical assignments. Fellows will meet regularly to integrate their practical training with other lessons in professional development.
Dr. Jennifer Diascro
Fellows will enhance their professional skillset through experiential training in their internships, group discussion sessions, individual reading and reflection, and practical assignments. Fellows will meet regularly to integrate their practical training with other lessons in professional development.
