U.S. Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies

An insightful and comprehensive course offered by HarvardX

Course Description

This introductory-level course provides a broad overview of how laws are put into action through the executive branch, addressing a multitude of issues from the environment to the economy. By examining specific examples such as the 2008 economic downturn and climate change, students will gain a deep understanding of how U.S. policies affect social issues, economic growth, taxes, regulation, and foreign affairs.

What You'll Learn

  • The intersection of religion and politics in the U.S.
  • The nature and tools of U.S. fiscal and monetary policies
  • America's unique welfare policies compared to other Western democracies
  • The structure and politics of the U.S. tax system
  • Partisan divisions over regulatory policy and their underlying causes
  • Factors contributing to America's economic power
  • The evolution of U.S. trade policies and agreements
  • Overview of American government structure and its fragmented power system

Who This Course Is For

  • Students of political science, public policy, or American studies
  • Professionals working in government, non-profit organizations, or policy-related fields
  • Anyone interested in understanding the complexities of U.S. public policy and its impact on society

Real-World Applications

  • Informed civic participation and voting decisions
  • Understanding and analyzing current policy debates and proposals
  • Developing policy recommendations in professional settings
  • Assessing the potential impacts of policies on businesses and communities
  • Enhancing critical thinking skills for evaluating political claims and news coverage
  • Preparing for careers in government, public policy, or political analysis

Course Syllabus

Week 1: Social Policy

  • Intersection of religion and politics
  • Issues like abortion and same-sex marriage in partisan politics

Week 2: Fiscal & Monetary Policy

  • Definition and tools of fiscal and monetary policies
  • Case study: Response to the 2008 economic downturn

Week 3: Welfare & Income Policy

  • U.S. welfare system structure and politics
  • U.S. tax system structure and politics

Week 4: Regulatory Policy

  • Partisan divisions over regulatory policy
  • Case study: Climate change policies

Week 5: Foreign Policy

  • Evolution of America's position as a trading nation
  • Analysis of trade agreements (NAFTA, TPP)

Week 6: Dynamics of American Politics

  • Overview of major tendencies in the American system
  • Impact of fragmented power structure on U.S. politics