This required course forms the core of the Cornell in Washington program for students in the public policy option. The central course objective is to provide students with the instruction and guidance necessary to analyze and evaluate their own chosen issue in public policy. Toward that end, the course has three components: (1) weekly lectures providing background on the structures and processes of national politics and policy as well as training in research methodology; (2) student externships; and (3) individual research papers or projects. All three components interrelate so as to provide students with a strategy and framework for integrating classroom based learning, field experience, and individual research.

Required of all Cornell in Washington students pursuing the American experience option. Weekly lectures on the scope and methods of the various American studies disciplines; and the pursuing of an individual research project by each student, based on the resources available in Washington.

CAPS program requirement. A historical review of the fragile and volatile US - China relationship from the opening by Richard Nixon in the early 1970’s until the present. Several individual sessions will be led by current or former executive branch or congressional officials, business people, journalists, representatives of non-governmental organizations and others who have worked in China or have participated in the making of US policy toward China. Enrollment limited to CAPS participants.

CAPS program requirement. Continuing instruction in spoken Chinese and in various genres and styles of written Chinese.

CAPS program requirement. Continuing instruction in spoken Chinese and in various genres and styles of written Chinese.