Politics and Media in The United Kingdom
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What You Need to Know
Interviews with former and future Cabinet members, scholars, diplomats, members of the Houses of Commons and Lords, the European Union, writers, editors, and producers from print media, television, radio, and the film industry are distinctive features of this program, now in its 25th year. Students gain a working knowledge of how the media cover politics and the interconnectedness between the makers and shapers of public policy and public opinion, in Britain and beyond. Other features include internship options after the program ends.
Students can elect to stay in London for an additional 5 weeks to intern for a political, public service, or media organization. Internships are competitive and specific placements cannot be guaranteed. In previous summers positions were arranged at the House of Commons, BBC Westminster, NBC News- London Bureau, National Campaign for the Arts, NHS Trust (health care), the London Towers (professional basketball team), the Theatre Museum, Raindance Film Festival, Flashback TV (documentary film), Compass (political think tank), Chuff Media (music promoter), Borkowski (public relations), Fox Kalomaski (marketing), Blackspring Press (publisher), Pace News (documentary film), 18 Doughty (Internet news TV), Childern's Heart Foundation (public interest group), and a law firm.
Politics and the Media in the United Kingdom
(PSC, 473, 6 credits, undergraduate)
Students are responsible for completing all requirements of the five-week course, including a class presentation and writing assignments. Grades are based on participation in the class meetings and the interview sessions, as well as the written work. Students who commit themselves to the experience and participate diligently can expect to perform well in the course.
Experience Credit
(PSC, 470, 3 credits, undergraduate)
This optional internship program requires a minimum of five weeks of work in an organization. To qualify, students must submit a resume with their application. Grades are based on the organizational supervisor's evaluation and the student's written reflections. Students may not audit the internship.
Syracuse University Newhouse School students, with the exception of those dually enrolled with Arts and Sciences, must obtain written approval from the Newhouse Students Records Office in order to earn credit for PSC 470.
Internships are available only to students enrolled in PSC 473. There is no formal course component during the internship period, and interns are expected to take responsibility for the success of their job experiences, with limited faculty supervision, after a brief transition period. The London Centre is available for unforeseen personal problems throughout the summer.
Grant Reeher is Associate Professor of Political Science at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. In January 2008 Professor Reeher was named recipient of the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence Award in the area of Engaging the World. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including a guide to success in political internships. He has also published many editorial essays on various political topics, including pieces in The New York Times; The Chicago Tribune; Newsday; The Philadelphia Inquirer; and The Ottawa Citizen, and writes a regular political column for The Syracuse Post-Standard. He has been quoted in many published stories, including pieces appearing in The New York Times, USA Today; The Los Angeles Times; Salon; Newsday; Roll Call; and The Washington Times. You can contact the professor: Grant Reeher gdreeher@syr.edu.
Christopher Cook began his broadcasting career directing and producing documentary films for the BBC. He has also worked on major documentary series for Channel 4 Television. He has worked in radio, producing arts magazine programs for the BBC, Radio 2,3,4, and 5 and the BBC World Source.
Undergraduate students in good academic standing at any accredited college or university are eligible for this program.
Because enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply early.
Students will arrange and pay for their own round-trip transportation to London. Transportation for course-related excursion is arranged by SU Abroad and covered by the program fee.
Advantage Travel has arranged a group flight for students on this program. We encourage students to travel on the group flight, which includes ground transportation upon arrival. Please review and complete the attached group travel sign-up form to express an interest in being included on the group flight. No payment or commitment is required to complete this form. Summer flights book early, so request your seats now.
Please note that while we encourage students to pursue flight arrangements, we would not encourage you to purchase your airline tickets before confirming that the program and courses you plan to take will be offered in 2008. Please request written notification from us that you can book your flight. You will have to present this notification if we cancel the program at a later date, and you want to be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket.
Students are housed in shared rooms in furnished flats arranged by Syracuse University for the duration of the program. SU Abroad’s pre-arranged housing is located in the heart of the University district, the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London, and a short walk to our London Centre. Students will be required to pay a $400 security deposit. This security will be held to ensure against damage to the apartment. The deposit will be returned after the apartments are cleared and deemed undamaged by Acorn Management Group.
Students who choose to arrange and pay for their own housing must notify SU Abroad in writing by March 15, 2008. You can advise us of your housing intentions through an email to SU Abroad, suabroad@syr.edu. The program fee will be reduced for students who choose to live independently. These students should expect to pay about 160 British Pounds (about $305) per week for a shared apartment. They will also be responsible for their own hotel bookings and costs for the first few days of the program while they look for housing. They can contact the Royal National Hotel to pay the hotel directly for their accommodations.
Students in pre-arranged housing, who elect to stay in London for an internship, can remain in their flats after the program ends on July 4 and pay an additional housing fee. More information on the additional cost of housing will be provided.
| Program Begins: | May 28, 2009 |
| Program Ends: | July 4, 2009 |
| Application Deadline: | March 1* |
* Applications received after March 1 will be considered if there is still space in the program.
| UNDERGRADUATE (6 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,424 (estimated) |
| Program Fee | TBA |
| Total | TBA |
| UNDERGRADUATE (9 credits) | |
| Tuition | $8,136 (estimated) |
| Program Fee | TBA |
| Total | TBA |