How Washington Really Works

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how decisions and policy are really made in Washington. Through six case studies, the course will explore modern American policy debates, politics and institutional dynamics, with a particular focus on the personalities, motivations, and ambitions of elected leaders. The role of interest groups, think tanks and media will also be examined. The course will use Socratic-style lectures, class discussions, and weekly class speakers to explore these issues. In the final weeks of the course, students working in groups of politically-like-minded colleagues will be tasked with crafting comprehensive, politically realistic policy proposals to reduce poverty, restore American democracy and deal with economic and military challenges posed by China. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Students must have familiarity with, and interest in, modern American history, politics and government.