American Cities
In Person
Washington, D.C.
American Presidents:
Pop Culture to Political
October 26–27, 2024
36 credit hours
$275
Washington, D.C.:
American Presidents: Pop Culture to Political
The President of the United States is a looming figure in American culture. This is particularly true in Washington, DC where a new president can shift the feel of the city, create new hotspots, and stir gentrification. On the world stage, the character of the President affects how Americans are viewed. We find that even our movies and pop culture change with each presidency. Over the years, we have interpreted the presidency in the context of heroic stories, fairytale romances, comedies, and dark tragedies. While you are out and about in Washington DC, you will question the mythos of the American President and explore:
Are our favorite movies about the presidency accurate and have they changed over time?
How have presidential campaigns changed over time? How are they different elsewhere?
How does a leader tap into the feelings of the American public? Or do they influence and create feelings?
Who do we decide is an important leader in history and who is forgotten?
How have different administrations changed the face of Washington, DC?
Your guide on this adventure is Rebecca Grawl, author of "111 Places in Women’s History in Washington That You Must not Miss"!
in person
36 credit hours
$275
Wednesday
October 23
7pm-9pm
(online orientation)
Saturday-Sunday
October 26-27
(in Washington, DC on foot)
Wednesday
October 30
7pm-9pm
(online final project submission)
Requirements:
Your course will consist of a pre-assignment, independent coursework, and final assignment as well as live classes with your teacher and other au pairs. Credit for J-1 visa students is 36 hours. Students earning J-1 visa credit must attend all classes, including the orientation, and complete all homework.
Please note that your pre-assignment will be emailed to you one week before your orientation.
Students who require their certificate sooner than outlined above should request their final assignment in advance by contacting BMCC at aupair@bmcc.cuny.edu. Please note that BMCC needs two days from the date a student submits their final assignment to issue an educational certificate.
If you have any questions at this time, please email us at aupair@bmcc.cuny.edu. Please continue to stay safe.
About your instructor:
About Rebecca Grawl
Becca is a native Texan whose annual childhood treks to D.C. resulted in a lifelong love of our nation's capital. After graduating from Randolph-Macon Woman's College (now Randolph College), she's pursued a decades-long career in public history and tourism.
Becca can be seen on Mysteries at the Museum on the Travel Channel, is a host and researcher for the Tour Guide Tell All podcast, and has been featured in local press outlets such as DCist, WAMU, Washingtonian, Washington City Paper, and more.
She is also the co-author of the 111 Places in Women's History in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss guidebook, published in 2021.
