From inaugural balls and witty political satires to thought-provoking lectures and tours of the most influential sites in the nation, "Campaign 2008: The Presidential Inauguration Seminar" will give ten Sonoma State students a first-hand look at President-Elect Barack Obama's inauguration.
The intersession course explores the aftermath of the 2008 General Election, including the nomination and swearing in of the 44th U.S. President. Those enrolled will fly to Washington D.C. for the ceremony and will participate in inaugural events from Jan 10-20.
SSU students participating in the seminar include Kimberly Jay, Aven Kampton, Caroline Martin, Jeannine Miller, Julie Norris, Derek Pierre, Margaret Robinson, Lisel Schmitt, Raleigh Souther, Kathryn Strickland, Daniel Willner and Erika Zehm.
The 10-day academic seminar provides a backstage view into the Presidential Inauguration. Students will delve into the critical issues and events that surround this transfer of power. It features a combination of lectures, site visits, tours and special events.
Guest speakers will include Steve Bell, former news anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America," and Mark Russell, a noted political satirist.
Amnesty International, Fox News Channel, CNN, The Washington Times, the Federal Election Commission are just some of the many sites students will visit as well as the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican National Committees.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the course culminates on the steps of the White House as President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in. The Inauguration Parade follows, as well as a chance to attend the Inaugural Ball.
At the end of the seminar, students will produce a final essay to be turned in for a grade and as a memo to the new President of the United States.
Professor David McCuan leads the class in discussing the steps it took for the next Commander-in-Chief to be chosen and inaugurated, briefing them on the nominations of presidential candidates, general election campaigns, and the ratification of the general election results by the Electoral College.
Other California campuses participating in the event include Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Sacramento, San Diego State, University of San Diego, Loyola Marymount, San Francisco State, and Whittier College.
For more information, visit The Washington Center web site at www.campaign2008.info.
For more information, contact Professor David McCuan at (707) 246-5746.
