The Washington Summer Institute

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The Washington Summer Institute

Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

The Washington Summer Institute at George Mason University consists of preset and customized programs designed to enhance the experience of visitors to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Participants can gain insight into the American experience while enjoying Mason’s beautiful campus and all the opportunities our proximity to Washington, DC provides. 

#1

Largest Public University
in Virginia with students
from 130 countries

#95

Overall
Wall Street Journal
National Ranking

#33

Public University
Wall Street Journal
National Ranking

10

Graduate Programs
in the TOP 30 nationally
U.S. News and World

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The American Experience — Areas of Study

U.S. Politics

The U.S. Politics program explores the complexities of domestic and foreign policy in the United States. Taught by experts from George Mason University, the course overviews the federal and state government systems, recent conflicts and controversies in American society, and examines how institutions such as the media work to constrain the power of politicians and business leaders. Classes will be held in the mornings and early afternoons and site visits will take advantage of being in Washington, DC - the center of American democracy. Students will also have the chance to explore Washington, DC and enjoy the central hub of US political life. 

U.S. Culture

U.S. Culture is rich and diverse. A long history of immigration has created a culture that is based in Western European roots but incorporates aspects of all who call the U.S. home. Due to its large size, the U.S. also has a variety of regional cultures. Many people around the world know U.S. Culture through movies, T.V. shows, music, and social media – but does that show true U.S. culture? Is there such a thing as one culture for the U.S.? Come find out for yourself through this exciting program. Lectures will cover different aspects of culture, and excursions will allow students to immerse themselves in the American experience. 

U.S. Law

This summer program will be a cursory look into the skills and practices needed for lawyers in the US. Students will learn about basic research and writing skills necessary for the study and practice of law in the U.S., while covering substantive areas of law, including contracts, torts, and Constitutional law. This course will not provide an exhaustive survey of each topic, but rather exposure to a large amount of foundational information in a short period of time.  

How to Get in Touch

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Contact Information

Johnson Center, Room 235
4400 University Drive, MS 2B8 
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-2154
In case of emergency call
+1-703-993-7500
703-993-2153
wsi@gmu.edu
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Office Location

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