Washington, D.C.
Catch a flight NetworkingMeet an expert Gov't & Public Policy
Spend 5 days in the nation’s capital learning about applied politics as it relates to political campaigns and elections.
6 days travel at
$1,625 plus tuition
POL 391
3 Credit Hours
Instructed by
Dr. Jonathan Klingler
Priority Deadline
October 3, 2025
Travel Overview
Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities.
You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.
What You'll Do
- Visit campaign operatives and connect with both Democratic and Republican consultants for a behind-the-scenes understanding.
- Interact with interest groups, lobbying organizations, and other public relations firms to understand their influence on public policy.
- Meet with elected officials to understand their roles on today's political landscape.
What You'll Learn
- Gain an understanding of the fast-paced day-to-day life as a campaign professional.
- Discover how media outlets cover campaigns and elections.
- Apply class concepts, readings, and discussions to current political debates, enhancing your understanding of contemporary issues.
- Develop the skills to critically analyze modern political science research and stay informed with news reports on key social issues.
All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.
Meet Your Instructors
All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences.
Dr. Jonathan Klingler
Associate Professor of Political Science
jklingle@olemiss.edu
Dr. Jonathan Klingler is from Belleville, IL, and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Political Science. He has been a UM faculty member since 2018, and has taught POL 391 since 2022.
Dr. Klingler’s academic research focuses on Congress and the Executive Branch, and he has published a book on the Big Five personality traits of Congress members and their influence on behavior. Dr. Klingler also teaches POL 101: Introduction to American Politics, POL 251: Political Science Methods, POL 303: The American Presidency, POL 304: American Legislative Process, POL 550: Research in Politics, and POL 704: Seminar in Executive Politics.
“The practice of politics is very important because it operates at the place where high-minded political ideas are translated into actual government. It can be easy to be dissatisfied, distrustful, and angry about processes in government especially when you can’t see them operate firsthand. However, once those things become familiar and known, you can actually take steps to make things better that have a chance of succeeding.”
– Dr. Klingler
From the Field
