Leadership and Policy Development: Domes

The purpose of this course is: (1) to familiarize participants with contemporary issues in US and international economic policy development; (2) to better understand the interplay of domestic and international political factors that influence public sector decision-making, and (3) to improve skills for drafting memoranda and making presentations to senior policymakers. The class will focus on domestic and international economic policy issues in which the US has played a significant role or has a substantial interest. It will focus on topics that arise in a variety of contexts: unavoidable issues with looming deadlines; managing to avoid a potential crisis; and affirmative initiatives where policy leaders choose an objective to advance. Discussions will put class participants in seats at different policy tables, and memos will reflect these varying perspectives.

This course will be conducted in a small group discussion-based format. Participation will be key to making the sessions productive and worthwhile. Students will get the most from these sessions if they come to class prepared with questions based on the readings, as well as their own perspectives on the issues at hand. 

The first lecture will offer an introductory framework and there will be a session dedicated to writing for the workplace. All other meetings will alternate between a lecture/discussion on a particular topic and student presentations on that topic. Students will take opposing views and present their arguments through a memo and an oral presentation. After the presentations, Professor Lew will moderate a discussion in which the class can express views on the presentations and policy options presented. The discussion will simulate a meeting of key decisionmakers with Professor Lew playing the role of the decisionmaker.