I'm Just a Bill

Catalog description

This course is about relationship management, power (both formal and informal), influence, and negotiation, using the American legislative process as a framing device and backdrop. The course is an immersive simulation of the American legislative process, in which you will role-play as a member of the U.S.House of Representatives, a Senator, or a senior advisor to the President. You will receive a unique role with broad guidance for roleplaying in the simulation and specific policy objectives to achieve. You will engage in legislative debate, negotiate extensively, offer amendments, and vote, with the ultimate goal of enacting new laws. The simulated legislative agenda involves four policy topics: economics, energy & climate, technology policy, and international affairs. This class is for beginners: no prior knowledge of the US government, legislative process, or policy topics is needed. Through this class, you will learn about the formal and informal rules of legislating, how a bill really becomes a law, and the policy topics covered. Most significantly, you will practice how to make tough tradeoffs, garner power and influence, persuade others, and manage complex relationships.