Washington, D.C.

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Gov't & Public PolicyNetworking

Winter 2025

Applied Politics

POL 391

Spend 5 days in Washington, D.C. learning about applied politics as it relates to political campaigns and elections.

5 days travel at
$1,550 plus tuition

POL 391
3 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Dr. Jonathan Klingler

Apply by
October 4, 2024

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Learn

  • Gain an understanding of the face-paced day-to-day life as a campaign professional.
  • Discover how media outlets cover campaigns and elections.
  • Apply class concepts, readings, and discussions to current political debates, enhancing your understanding of contemporary issues.
  • Develop the skills to critically analyze modern political science research and stay informed with news reports on key social issues.

What You'll Do

  • Visit campaign operatives and connect with both Democratic and Republican consultants for a behind-the-scenes understanding.
  • Interact with interest groups, lobbying organizations, and other public relations firms to understand their influence on public policy.
  • Meet with elected officials to understand their roles on today's political landscape.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

Meet Your Instructor

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Dr. Jonathan Klingler

Associate Professor of Political Science
Political Science, College of Liberal Arts
jklingle@olemiss.edu

Dr. Jonathan Klingler is from Belleville, IL and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Political Science. He has been a UM faculty member since 2018. Dr. Klingler’s academic research focuses on Congress and the Executive Branch, and he has published a book on the Big Five personality traits of Congress members and their influence on behavior.

“The practice of politics is very important because it operates at the place where high-minded political ideas are translated into actual government. It can be easy to be dissatisfied, distrustful, and angry about processes in government, especially when you can’t see them operate firsthand.

However, once those things become familiar and known, you can actually take steps to make things better that have a chance of succeeding.”

- Dr. Jonathan Klingler

Program Details

Open to students in all majors.

Designed for students interested in:

political science, public policy leadership, sociology, or psychology

 No prerequisites to enroll in POL 391.

 

Prior to Departure

On Campus: January 9-10, 2025

Meet with your Ole Miss instructor and fellow classmates on the Oxford campus for an introduction to the course.

During Travel

Travel: January 12-17, 2025

  • Students make their own travel arrangements to and from the destination.
  • Group transportation via metro will be provided.
  • Students will stay in shared accommodations at a hotel on Capitol Hill, offering a convenient base for your stay.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations before travel.
  • Study USA students may have their airfare billed to their bursar account. You’ll receive details upon course enrollment.

At Program End

To close out your learnings from your course experience, you'll complete a reflective essay upon your return.

Cost of Program

$1,550
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Local transportation during course
  • Lodging/Accommodation during travel
  • Some group meals

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Most meals at travel site
  • Personal spending money

Ready to start your academic adventure?

Who We Are

Study USA is a part of the Office of College Programs, within the Division of Outreach at the University of Mississippi.

The Office of College Programs provides innovative academic opportunities for UM students through unique off-campus educational experiences. Programs include Study USA, the UM Internship Experience, and iStudy.

Study USA partners with UM faculty to offer short-term domestic travel programs across the United States, primarily during intersession and summer terms. Courses connect academic content with experiential learning to enhance student engagement.

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