Economics of Public Policy

How does political and social protest bring about change? What strategies and techniques do social movements and protests use to take on entrenched and established powers in the nation’s capital? Achieving real change is difficult. Yet, there are several examples of successful social movements in American history and politics that came to Washington and effectively changed the course of the nation's politics and history. This class will explore the dynamics of mass mobilization and advocacy on the national stage. By discussing protests and other advocacy events and interacting with guest speakers, students will learn about the successes—and failures—of social groups’ efforts to make change in American politics and society.