In late January, as part of a three-credit course (PS 300: Washington Federal Seminar), seven Asbury students visited Washington, D.C., to hear policymakers and activists, see landmark buildings and monuments, and to reflect upon the interaction of politics and faith. Dr. Steve Clements, Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, led the trip which included attending the three-day-long Christian Student Leadership Conference (CSLC), sponsored by the National Association of Evangelicals.
“Asbury students are challenged repeatedly, over an intense week, to consider the array of opportunities that are available to them for direct involvement in politics in our national capital, and how they as followers of Christ can have an impact in government and service,” Clements said.
In addition to touring the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress, students this year heard from six members of the US Senate, and interacted with numerous Congressional staff members. Visited sites included the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Cathedral, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Air and Space Museum, and monuments along the Mall (including the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial). Students also heard briefings in the Hart Senate Office Building, and met with Kentucky delegation members.
“This experience was so helpful for my leadership skills as someone who is involved in politics,” said History major Bethany McMullen ’27. “My favorite part about this trip was getting to speak with Kentucky representatives. It was a wonderfully informative time that I will remember in the many years to come.”
Clements reflects on the trip, which began more than 40 years ago.
“Asbury students have been taking part in the CSLC for decades,” he said. “In fact, I attended this conference myself along with several other Asbury students when I was a senior, way back in January of 1983.”
Clements outlines the nature of the class for students.
“We have numerous Monday evening class sessions on campus (before and after the trip), with an assigned book, journaling, and various writing assignments,” he said. “We may adjust this trip-course from time to time, but we hope to keep stewarding the tradition of the Washington Federal Seminar into the future.”
Asbury graduates continue to pursue excellence in their fields. Almost 90 percent of History or Social Science majors attend graduate school. For the past two years, 100 percent of all Social Studies Teacher Education graduates have received placement in the teaching workforce.
The Asbury University Social Science & History Department offers four majors (History, Political Science, Social Studies Grades 8-12, and Sociology) and five minors (History, Human Trafficking Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law, and Sociology).