Until now, students interested in politics and journalism have been at a disadvantage in a small town like Oxford.

        But no longer.

        A 1991 Miami graduate is leading a new three-week for-credit program to show students the inner workings of the nation's capital. This week, in fact, Miami students have invaded the Beltway.

        “I told them Washington speaks a foreign language — people talk in codes. They live in tribes like on Survivor,” said Chad R. Pergram, a native of Jacksonburg in Butler County and lead instructor.

        Until June 3, 14 Miami students — in journalism, political science, public relations and communications — will meet with members of Congress, producers and reporters for The Washington Post, ABC, National Public Radio, Wall Street Journal, C-SPAN, CNN, Associated Press and United Press International.

        In addition, students will meet with former senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole, said Mr. Pergram, who now works for NPR.

        “This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn more about how the government and Washington operate,” he said.

        They will also spend four days working in internships.

        “The intent is to develop a sense of the interplayof media and politics in Washington,” said Claire Wagner, a Miami spokeswoman. “The class grew from an annual five-day spring trip that previous classes have taken to D.C.”

        This week, students met their host families, heard lectures and talked with Rear Adm. Craig Quigley, a Pentagon spokesman. They also spoke with Jamie McIntyre, CNN's military affairs correspondent.

        Students also met with Brian Lamb, C-SPAN's founder and CEO, and Clarence Page, an opinion-page columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Two groups of Washington reporters also discussed with students how to cover and report about Congress.

        “We'd like to make this a regular part of Miami's program,” Mr. Pergram said. “We think it will go well. There's been a lot of interest.”

        He calls it the Miami University Washington Program.

        Next week, students will view Meet the Press and talk with guests, host Tim Russert and senior producer Betsy Fischer. They'll also see a Congressional hearing, talk to the press secretary for the speaker of the House, and tour the Luxembourg embassy. (Luxembourg is of special interest to Miami students because their school maintains a campus there.)

        At the end of their visit, students will hear lectures by Sam Donaldson of ABC News and Mr. Pergram, who will discuss radio.

        “It's going to be a fascinating three weeks,” he said.

        HAMILTON — The Great Miami Arts Jam!, a free program to introduce children to classical music and other arts, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave.

        The program will feature mimes and jugglers, face painting, balloon hats and walk-around puppets.

        The Fitton and WGUC's Classics for Kids will work with arts organizations to offer interactive musical performances, hands-on art, music workshops and other creative projects for kids.

        Information: 863-8873.

       Randy McNutt's column appears Saturdays. Contact him at 755-4158 or at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester, OH 45069.

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