For 17 summers, Political Science Professor Norm Provizer has been taking Metro State students to Washington, D.C. for an intense, three-credit-hour, two-week course called The Washington Semester.

Provizer has led groups of students to the nation’s capital since 1991 for an inside look at the history and culture of the U.S. political machine. In organizing the annual trip, Provizer draws on his many connections, including Metro State alumni, to provide students with a truly unique experience that goes beyond simple tourism. Over the years, the group has dined with presidential press secretaries, become accredited researchers at the Library of Congress, taken private tours of the White House West Wing and attended a variety of exclusive lectures.

Chris Lawson: The Washington Semester should be a "ton of fun" for everyone involved." Photo by Johanna Snow

This year, Chris Lawson (’02, photojournalism), a writer in the Office of College Communications, will join the mix to provide the College community with a behind-the-scenes look at the D.C. experience. During his six-day stint, Lawson will maintain a blog, or online journal, called “D.C. Experience 2008” to take the audience into the action in words and pictures. To provide the most immersive experience possible, the former newspaper photojournalist says he plans to employ a host of tools, such as digital cameras, his mobile phone, laptop and even an iPod to provide real-time updates.

Lawson says this will be a “terrific experiment” that will blend his skills as a photojournalist, writer and multimedia content producer.

“If the execution is anything like the planning,” he says, “it should be a ton of fun for everyone involved.”

To follow the D.C. Experience 2008, please visit http://dcexperience08.blogspot.com/.