Summer Practicum 2026 Courses (June 1 – July 31) Maxwell in Washington
PAI 700 | Disinformation and Influence in the Digital Age | Nina Jankowicz, American Sunlight Project and former Disinformation Governance Board
Schedule:
Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00PM - 8:40PM ONLINE
Monday, June 1st to Thursday, July 31st
Course Description:
This course will explore how global actors have weaponized false or misleading information to shape public perceptions, achieve strategic geopolitical goals, make money, and pollute the information environment. Students will study the new tools being used by state and non-state actors and examine the reach/effectiveness of disinformation campaigns in shaping public dialogue. This course will further explore how the practice of disinformation has changed in the information age, how both state and non-state actors weaponize technology, social networks, and other tools for dissemination, and what makes human beings and societies vulnerable to information operations.
PAI 700 | Congress, Executive Power, and the Reality of Policy Making | Michael Williams, Director of Studies, IR Graduate Programs and Cameron McPherson, Senior Director of Government Affairs
Schedule:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, 6:00PM - 8:40PM
Tuesday, June 2nd - Thursday, July 9th (no class week of July 4)
Course Description:
This course examines the role that the United States Congress is currently playing in the making of U.S. foreign policy, whether as partners or adversaries with the White House and other Executive Branch agencies. Using historical and current case studies, this course will examine the sources and conduct as well as the actual process of making foreign policy to include addressing the political and bureaucratic dynamics shaping those decisions. Students will examine direct and indirect ways by which Congress impacts U.S. foreign policy action including the appointments clause, the approval of treaties, the authorization, and appropriations processes as well as through oversight and investigations. Special attention will be given to the accelerating consolidation of foreign policy authority within the Executive Branch and the corresponding challenges Congress faces in reasserting its constitutional role — including through war powers, control of the purse, and sanctions legislation. Students will examine how a more assertive presidency, willing to act unilaterally on matters ranging from military operations to treaty withdrawal and trade policy, is reshaping the traditional balance between the branches and what tools, if any, Congress retains to check or influence those decisions. The course will include short lectures, extensive seminar discussion, and will involve significant interaction with guest speakers who have experience addressing the issues raised during the course.
PAI 700 | Washington Practicum
Students can earn up to three credits working as an intern for an agency or organization that focuses on public and international affairs.
Students are accepted on a rolling basis as space permits.