WKU News

On the weekend of October 26th, a group of Mahurin Honors College scholars took their studies to the nation's capital as part of their Legislative Process course, PS: 316. Students were immersed in the rich culture of Washington, D.C. and filled their trip with visits to many national monuments and renowned museums that line downtown. The headlining event, however, was the opportunity for students to sit in on a number of panels and interviews filled by Capitol Hill staffers and other key figures involved in the Hill’s activity.

These uniquely personal interactions with those involved in our country’s legislative process were fully made possible by the course instructor, Allison Feikes. Feikes, a WKU Mahurin Honors College alumnus who graduated in 2014 with a bachelor's in Political Science and International Affairs, has since built a career in federal policy on the Hill and has a passion for knowledge. It is this passion that encouraged her to begin teaching a course at Western in Fall 2024, which, “helps students better understand the U.S. government in practice and takes a deep dive into the appropriations and defense law making processes.”

With Feikes' guidance, the seven students led conversations that covered a wide variety of topics and issues, such as the importance of bipartisanship in Congress, emerging technologies and what it means for policymakers, and the essential role communication plays in Congressional offices. This allowed students to apply their classroom discussions to real-world settings, deepening their understanding of the complexities of policymaking and how various factors influence the development and implementation of policy.

“This trip was highly informative and showed me that getting a job in Congress after graduation is a very real possibility,” said John Rains, a member of the group studying English and Political Science.

If you are interested in participating in an experience like this one or wish to learn more about future opportunities, contact Dr. Scott Lasley, the Political Science Department Head.