John F. Kennedy Institute in Government
The John F. Kennedy Institute in Government is designed for students currently in grades 9 or above who have an interest in politics and public policy.
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Eligibility Washington, DC Trip Course Descriptions |
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Eligibility
Students are required to submit an application, application fee, topic essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and a graded English paper. Applicants for The Kennedy Institute should have completed their freshman year in high school and a course in U.S. history or its equivalent. Knowledge of politics is not necessary, but the desire and willingness to be engaged in various topics — politics, economics, or international affairs — is essential.
Washington, D.C. Trip
The highlight of the fourth week of the program is the five days in Washington, D.C. where students meet with officials from all three branches of government as well as representatives of interest groups, national political parties, and the media. The Kennedy Institute participants see government in operation, observing House and Senate debates and committee hearings on Capitol Hill. They develop a behind-the-scenes feel for politics by spending time with officials in the White House and Supreme Court. Students usually stay on the campus of Georgetown University.
Course Descriptions
The courses — two majors and one minor — are pre-determined for this program.
HS41 American Government and Politics
In this foundation course the Constitution and federalism are viewed through the lens of contemporary politics. Students learn how the offices of the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court operate in theory and reality. This course focuses on topics of current interest and major political candidates and their respective party platforms.
HS42 Foundations of Economics and Politics
This course explores the underpinnings of Western political philosophy and, in doing so, students also are exposed to the basic tenets of modern economics and the ways in which public policy shapes and is shaped by economic conditions. The course explores the meanings conservatism and liberalism in contemporary politics and provides comparisons with other political and economic systems where appropriate.
hs020 Topics in Public Policy (minor course)
The New York Times and other national and international newspapers serve as the lens through which students will analyze how different groups impact American public policy. This work prepares Kennedy Institute students for meetings on the Washington trip.