Justice Antonin Scalia meets with the Fall 2010 Group

Standing in the Supreme Court courtyard with Justice Scalia after our discussion

November 18-Students on the CMC-Washington Semester program this fall were lucky enough to join Justice Scalia in the Supreme Court for a candid discussion. The class prepared themselves with information on Justice Scalia's past opinions and strong ideas. With this preparation, students were ask questions that warranted answers straight from the source. No where else but DC would students have such a special opportunity.

Known for his frank answers and strong will Justice Scalia did not hold back on answering questions about campaign finance reform, the affect of the justices on national issues, and many other topics. Students came well prepared with questions that, while not softball questions, did not probe too far into specific cases so the Justice was able answer freely. Overall the class had a rewarding experience with Justice Scalia, he even permitted a photo for posterity.

Monticello: A lesson in penmanship

CMCers join in on the fun (and surprising difficulty)

of writing with a quill.

Above, Michelle Brody practices her penmanship

Andres Angel shares his workspace with young writers

L to R: Sonia Aggarwal, Elena Davert, and Michelle Brody

amuse themselves with the age-old practice of using

inkwells for writing with feather quills.

Monticello | Home of Thomas Jefferson

After getting their fill of Charlottesville, the Washington Semester students went off to Monticello, the prized estate of Thomas Jefferson. The site is now a well established historical center with tours of the home, grounds, and garden available for visitors. Though no pictures are allowed inside the home—to preserve the artifacts—the photos included show CMCers enjoying the home.

Old Fashioned Field Trip

Welcome to the Academical Villiage of the University of Virginia!

CMC Washington Semester students took an old-fashioned field trip to the historic Charlottesville, Virginia—home to the University of Virgina, founded by Thomas Jefferson. Pictured here we have the Fall 2010 group in front of the well-know rotunda, a building carefully planned by Thomas Jefferson.

A tour given by a UVA student commenced the field trip. There is a very rich history behind the University, much of which is covered by the tour. Interim Director, Professor Courser, a UVA graduate school alum, was able to supplement much of the tour from the knowledge he gained while attending.

White House Garden Tour

The White House Garden tour is a biannual event held by the White House. Open to the public, it can be a long wait for those interested in the unique chance to browse the White House grounds (and the new Kitchen Garden!) Luckily, this semester, CMC-DC Student, Mark Munro is interning at the White House and during the tour, he helped other CMCers whiz through long lines.

(Pictured From L to R: April Weathers, Elena Davert, Whitney Dawson, Mark Munro, Emily Lopez, Emily Norhoff all CMC '12)

The White House internship is tough but rewarding internship. And lucky for DC Semester students those rewards sometimes get spread around. On top of the White House Garden Tour fast pass, Washington Semester students will be treated to an East wing tour from Mark at the end of the semester.

The Capitol Shot

20 smiling students with Professor Courser posing for the iconic DC program shot after a Capitol tour by CMC and DC program Alum Tyler White.

The Grill

Halibut, courtesy of the night's grill master, Heath, and cous cous and sweet and spicy veggies provided by Marissa made up the food for our first cooking night.


Halibut may be a bit advanced for a novice cook, but the internet provides fantastic resources for beginners. The veggies and cous cous are two go-to items that every student living on their own should know about. Cous cous has a fast cooking time and veggies will soak up some great flavors, like Marissa's addition of red chili sauce and ginger.