POLS/HNKLY 4914
Spring Semester
In this unique educational experience, students learn about and practice the art and science of political influence and advocacy in Washington. They develop policy proposals and put together advocacy plans for those proposals. At the end of the semester, students travel to Washington, D.C. to put their knowledge and their plans to work. They meet with governmental officials and advocate for their policy proposals. This immersive experience combines the best of theory and practice, and allows students to learn how political advocacy really works in our national politics.
During the trip to Washington, D.C., housing is provided at the University of Utah’s newly renovated five-story brownstone, the Orrin G. Hatch Center. This historic building is in the heart of Dupont Circle and central to all of D.C.’s most significant landmarks.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Learn how to perform policy research.
Understand theories behind advocacy, policy making, and political influence.
Develop targeted policy proposals, and learn policy writing skills.
Learn lobbying and advocacy strategies.
Understand how influence works in Washington, D.C.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Capital Encounter course is available to all University of Utah students. The Hinckley Institute seeks students who demonstrate independence, maturity, and responsibility.
The class travels at the conclusion of the spring semester and is there for one week.
The 2025 cohort will be in DC May 1 - 7.
The regular semester weekly meeting time is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:10AM - 10:30AM.
Yes. You must register for three credit hours of HNKLY 4914. In addition to base tuition, there is a $300 course fee.
Students are responsible for the cost of tuition (with a $300 course fee), airfare, and food while in DC. The Hinckley Institute generously covers student housing.
Starting in Fall 2023, Hinckley Interns will be housed in the new Orrin G. Hatch Center, located at 1529 18th Street, NW Washington, D.C. This new location will be able to house up to 50 students across five floors. There are 8 single bedrooms, 14 shared double bedrooms, and 5 shared triple bedrooms. The Hatch Center will be fully furnished and have kitchen basics. Other amenities include student lounges, a rooftop terrace, and wi-fi.
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Dr. James Curry - Associate Professor, Political Science
Professor Curry’s research focuses on U.S. politics and policymaking, especially the U.S. Congress. Dr. Curry previously worked on Capitol Hill in the offices of Daniel Lipinski and the House Appropriations Committee.
Gina Shipley - Hinckley Institute
Gina serves as the managing director for national internships for the Hinckley Institute. She has helped hundreds of Hinckley Interns succeed while working in the nation’s capital.
"For anyone looking to do work in the area of public policy—whether it is running for office, working on congressional or legislative staff, working for advocacy groups or a non-profit etc.—this class is a MUST!"
"As a communication and international studies major, the Capital Encounter class was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the work that lobbyists do and about how policy is made. It was such a great insight into how lobbying actually works, and gave me the chance to experience lobbying."