Upcoming Short-Term Opportunities in DC

Unable to spend a full semester but don’t want to miss out on hands-on learning in DC? Have you returned from the Aspin Washington Internship Program but already want to go back? Do you want to test out DC before committing to a full semester or summer? Then, these hybrid and short courses throughout the year may be for you!

Upcoming courses are listed below and sorted based on their course registration period.

Summer 2026 (May-mester)

The “May-mester” includes a two‑week intensive, in-person experience at the Aspin Center from May 11–22, followed by two weeks of asynchronous online learning. Students will earn three credits and gain hands-on exposure to national institutions, historical sites and public policy discussions. Students participating in the Summer Aspin Internship Program that enroll in this course will move into their summer apartment at the start of this May-mester.

Dates: Monday, May 11 to Saturday, May 23 - Students in D.C.

Registration and Costs: To register, please complete the interest form and email Aspin Center Director, Dr. Paul Nolette by April 1, 2026. No application to the full Aspin Washington, D.C. Internship Program is required; these are standalone courses. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic adviser when planning summer enrollment.

Students will be billed for $2,850 for the three credits ($950/credit) and $750 (for housing and program fees). For the most accurate financial information, please reach out to Marquette Central. Students are responsible for their own transportation to DC, food and personal costs while in DC.

A $200 non-refundable deposit is due to the Bursar’s Office by April 8. Deposits—submitted via cash or check to the attention of Lindsey Ronk—will be applied to summer tuition and/or housing costs.

POSC 4932-101: Politics of the American Revolution (3 credits)

This class, taught by Sam Harshner will focus on how political actors throughout American History have used the memory, rhetoric, and events of the American Revolution to further their political goals.  As the recent controversy over the rival depictions of the American Revolution from the 1619 Project and the 1776 Commission show, this event retains the ability to foment passions and further political claims. The class will ask students to reflect on the politics of the Revolution in a number of eras including the Civil War, the Progressive Era, and the New Deal.  Coursework will include short readings, reflective writing on site visits, and a final project on the Revolution's place in contemporary America. Site visits will include trips to Mount Vernon, The White House, Gettysburg, and The Smithsonian African American History Museum.

This 3-credit course counts in the Marquette Core Curriculum as an ESSV2 course.

ENGL 4739 - Storytelling for Others (3 credits)

Students in this Narrative 4–based course taught by Dr. Leah Flack will learn to tell stories ethically and effectively—both their own and those of others. The course emphasizes listening skills, cross‑media storytelling techniques and becoming trained as a Narrative 4 facilitator.

Students will be in Washington, D.C., from May 12–23 for an immersive schedule that includes discussions, site visits, panels and events. Additional coursework will be completed virtually by June 6.

This course meets ESSV2, HUM: Basic Needs & Justice, and Writing Intensive Core Curriculum requirements.