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After spending 16 years as a member of Congress (both in the House, and Senate), former University of Colorado President Hank Brown knows his way around Capitol Hill. It is that wealth of knowledge and experience that Brown brings to “Icons of the American Republic,” a course that was first taught last Fall as part of the political science department’s curriculum.

According to the syllabus, the course examined “the founding period of the United States through the events, concepts and individuals depicted in the art exhibited in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.”

Being taught by one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the field is one thing, but adding in a trip to Washington, D.C., with visits to the U.S. Capitol Building, and you have one of the more remarkable courses ever taught on the Boulder campus, participants say.

While the course ran for the duration of the semester, the trip took place from Nov. 14 through Nov. 16. Transportation and lodging were provided for the students, who were joined on the trip by a small group of donors and CU alumni. Brown made a significant donation to cover a portion of the costs. The remained was covered by the endowment for the Newton professorship, an endowment that Brown holds.

“The trip brought to life what we had studied during the semester. It gave them an up close and personal feel for not only the art, but the politics of our national capital,” said Brown.

The group was also joined by then Sen. Ken Salazar, who spoke to the class and answered a wide-range of tough questions from the students.

Brown is hoping to continue teaching this course and taking the trip to D.C. every fall. The trips will generally involve a weekend in November, and are open to any donor or alumni who wish to take part in the journey. In addition to those plans, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Todd Gleeson is working to create a program for study and experiential learning in the nation’s capital.