Research Seminars

Research seminars are a primary component of GAI’s Legislative Studies Certificate Program. Participants can register for these seminars only after successful completion of core and advanced course requirements and an official acceptance into the certificate program.         

Please submit your certificate program application materials before enrolling in any of the research seminars listed below.   

Research Seminars typically meet four times for two-hour sessions, over the course of approximately 12 weeks. The first meeting date is published on the registration schedule, with the remaining meetings determined during the first class at times that are most convenient for the largest number of participants.

While most seminars are conducted in person some sessions may be offered in an online format. If a session is indicated as an online option expect class meetings to be conducted in a live virtual format (generally over Zoom) with mandatory attendance. In addition, each seminar requires writing a medium length (10-15 pp) research paper. More detailed instructions about paper submission and other writing/reading assignments for each seminar will be provided to all enrolled participants about two weeks before the start date of each class. 

Individuals who live outside of the metropolitan Washington, DC area can arrange to take the in-person research seminars as an Independent Study option. Please email gai@georgetown.edu first before submitting your registration. Alternatively, out-of-town students can simply opt to register for a seminar that is already offered as an online option. 

Current Seminar Offerings:

• Interest Groups and Advocacy
• Congress and Intelligence Policy
• Congressional Power and Presidential Authority
• Congress and National Security Policy
• The Politics of Tax and Budget Policy
• Committees and Parties in Congress