Beyond the Classroom

Internships

Every student is encouraged to take an internship during their college career. Since Gallaudet University is located in the nation's capital, internship opportunities can be an invaluable personal and career experience for you. Government majors have interned in the D.C. area, as well as nationally and internationally. Government internship locations have included: private law firms, House and Senate office on Capitol Hill, U.S. Department of Justice, "Meet the Press," and the European Union of the Deaf in Brussels, Belgium.

Out of the Classroom Experience
The Department strongly feels the educational experience is bolstered by a strong sense of community among students and between students and faculty. You can get involved in many informal and formal events that include movie nights with classic selections from the American Film Institute, formal debates, Mock Trial program, and trips to local historical sites, including Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, as well as study trips to Europe.

The dynamics of the modern workplace is changing and today's competitive workforce must be knowledgeable in the use of technology. The faculty in the Department of Government and Public Affairs are skilled in online and IT technology, and use it to enhance the classroom learning experience. Students are also introduced to data analysis and statistics which are growing fields in government. The Department also maintains a fully-equipped computer lab for all its majors to complete assignments, study, and discuss issues with fellow majors.

Below are examples of and more information about some exciting experiences that majors participate in "beyond the classroom."

• Mock Trial Program
  • In cooperation with the Heller Ehrman law firm's Washington office, most years we offer a mock trial experience. Up to a dozen students are selected to participate in intensive non-credit experience where they are part of team preparing a hypothetical case for approximately two months. The program culminates in two teams presenting the prosecution and defense cases before a real judge in a real courtroom.
  • See the article recent published about the program http://www.lawcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=2381
  • Coordinated by Professor Penna.
• Internships
  • Students are encouraged to participate in one of the many internships available in the Washington area.
  • Check the internships page for some examples of recent student internships, or watch the videos below.
  • • Mary Harman at the Federal Communications Commission 
    • Kayla Dufrene in Congress
    • Jared Yamauchi in Congress
    • Stephanie Johnston and advocacy
  • Arrange the internship in consultation with the career center and your academic advisor.
• Travel/Study Courses
  • The Department offers Travel -study courses where students can travel to important historical and political sites and learn about different cultures and ideas. These courses combine classroom time with group and individual experiences that enhance the opportunity to learn.
  • Past courses have gone to Williamsburg Va., Philadelphia and to South Carolina.
  • In 2008, our students attended the Democratic Convention and the 2009 Presidential Inauguration through courses offered through the Department.

• Pre-Law Advising
  • The Department offers various pre-law resources to students interested in pursuing a career in law. Students can borrow pre-law texts and receive advise from a pre-law advisor. the Department also sponsors events where students can attend lectures of interest about law school admission and general legal topics.
  • See the Pre-law web page.
• Other Department Activities
  • The Department sponsors other activities for students including:
    • Voter Registration Drives
    • Constitution Day activities
    • Speakers.
    • Movies.