Washington Semester Program, Washington, DC - American University
HOME | ABOUT | ADMISSIONS | REQUEST INFO | APPLY | PROGRAMS | INTERNSHIPS | LOCATION & HOUSING | ALUMNI

Prof. Katharine Kravetz

Assistant Professor of Justice
PH: (202) 895-4931
FX: (202) 895-4960

Office location:
Dunblane 111, Tenley Campus

B.A., Harvard College
Georgetown University Law Center

Download Prof. Kravetz's c.v.

Katharine Kravetz is a graduate of Harvard College and the Georgetown University Law Center. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Iran, a Public Defender and attorney in private practice in Washington, DC, and the director of study abroad at American University. She came to the Washington Semester in 1991 to teach in the Justice program. In 2000 she created and inaugurated the Transforming Communities program, linking public policy to healthy communities.

Q&A

 What made you decide to go into your field and What do you like best about Washington, D.C.?

In my youth, I experienced the power of Washington DC to transform communities. On one occasion I received a personal tour of Congress from then Senator (and later Vice President) Hubert Humphrey and sat in the Vice President's chair on the floor of the Senate. In 1963 I participated in the March on Washington and heard Martin Luther King and others speak from the Lincoln Memorial. But the most powerful moment that day for me was riding on the bus at dawn through Northeast Washington, where DC residents -- men, women and children -- lined the streets and waved to us in welcome and thanks. Events such as these left an indelible impression on me and led me to Washington in 1971 after her tour as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I am constantly searching for the connections between communities and the big policy questions that confront us and I find that connection particularly powerful in Washington. I also love the natural beauty and walkability of Washington.


What do you love the most about teaching? Specifically, in the Washington Semester?

I've been teaching at American University since 1979. I gravitated to the Washington Semester Program because of its combination of rigorous academics and powerful experiences, which makes it such a unique learning experience.


How do you think today’s students will meet the leadership challenges of tomorrow?

Education and experience. They unlock the door.


What advice would you give to a prospective Washington Semester student?

Come! You will not be sorry.