DPI-122: Becoming a Policy Entrepreneur in the United States

“Becoming a Policy Entrepreneur” focuses on the tools and frameworks for identifying and advancing a policy agenda in the United States.  We begin with an overview of the “Policy 101” theories and techniques taught at HKS, and we transition to student-focused projects. Like economic entrepreneurs, we imagine our students will use a range of specific tools to get their issues on an agenda – and will learn the skills to track and advance those interests.  The course blends theory (book learning) with very practical cases and mini simulations.  No special background in U.S. Political Institutions is needed, though the course is most helpful to students who expect to work in public policy within the United States.  A special emphasis is placed, throughout, on state, local, and tribal governments, though the tools work at the federal level, too.