Summer Springboard
Politics, Policy & Government
ACADEMIC COURSE
LEARN ABOUT THE ROLE POLITICAL PARTIES, PUBLIC OPINION, AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS CAN HAVE ON SHAPING BEHAVIOR AND POLICIES AT THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS
Course Highlights
- Engage in a Senate simulation by drafting and championing legislation, navigating the lawmaking process from committee hearings to a final Senate vote.
- Join campaign teams—candidates, advisors, speechwriters, media, and more—to strategize and elect a new president.
- Examine how political parties, public opinion, and special interest groups shape policy at federal, state, and local levels.
- Meet with policymakers and think tanks to explore real-world careers in politics, law, and public service.
- Work across party lines, manage lobbying pressure, and debate policy to determine if your bill becomes law.
- Immerse yourself in experiential simulations while learning the theory behind political behavior, institutions, and strategy.
Summer Springboard
Politics, Policy & Government
Course Overview
Immerse yourself in the American political system as you draft legislation to represent your political goals. Use your power of persuasion to convince others of the value of your bill and move it from your committee to the Senate floor. Negotiate with other political parties and special interest groups that are attempting to change or derail your bill and ultimately, a debate and vote will decide if your legislation will become law.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Outcome #1
Gain hands-on experience navigating how a bill becomes law—from drafting legislation to committee review, negotiation, debate, and final passage.
Outcome #2
Evaluate the impact of political parties, public opinion, lobbyists, and special interest groups on policy formation at all levels of government.
Outcome #3
Strengthen public speaking, debate, and negotiation skills through persuasive presentations, cross-party negotiations, and campaign simulations, helping build confidence in communication and leadership.
Outcome #4
Gain insight into potential professional paths in the field of government and policy by engaging with policymakers, think tanks, and real-world political scenarios
