Course

Public Policy Bootcamp

Rice University

This Public Policy Bootcamp is designed for individuals eager to understand government operations and policy without the time commitment of daily news reading.

Key features of the course include:

  • A crash course on national public policy.
  • Insights into fiscal and monetary policy.
  • Guest speakers from the Baker Institute for Public Policy.
  • Discussions on the impact of these policies on everyday life.

By participating, you will enhance your knowledge of foreign affairs and economic principles, equipping you to impress peers and potential employers.

Course Lectures
  • This module delves into fiscal policy, highlighting how government actions address crucial economic issues. Students will explore:

    • The role of fiscal policy in economic growth.
    • Understanding government debt and deficit.
    • Income equality and its implications for society.

    By the end of the week, participants will grasp the importance of fiscal policy in shaping economic outcomes.

  • This week focuses on monetary policy and the Federal Reserve's crucial role in the economy. Key topics include:

    • The mechanism of money supply control.
    • The impact of interest rates on economic activity.
    • How monetary policy decisions affect global economies.

    Students will learn to analyze the Federal Reserve's strategies and their broader implications for economic stability.

  • This module provides a comparative analysis of austerity versus stimulus through a case study of the UK and US during a recession. Students will:

    • Examine the stark differences in fiscal policy approaches.
    • Understand how these policies affect recovery and economic health.
    • Analyze the intersection of fiscal and monetary policies.

    By the end of the week, students will appreciate how different strategies shape national and global economic landscapes.

  • This week focuses on Wall Street, providing insights into its functions and the evolving landscape of financial regulation. Key areas of study include:

    • The role of Wall Street in the national economy.
    • Recent changes in financial regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act.
    • Impact of financial institutions on economic stability.

    Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of financial markets and their regulatory frameworks.

  • This module examines how economic decisions made at the national level influence the lives of ordinary Americans. Topics include:

    • The role of government in everyday life.
    • The concept of the social safety net.
    • A historical and future perspective on programs like Social Security.

    Students will explore the implications of policy decisions on social welfare and community well-being.