printer friendly pagePUBLPOL 73: Energy Policy in California and the West (CEE 263G, ENERGY 73, POLISCI 73)
This seminar provides an in-depth analysis of the role of California state agencies and Western energy organizations in driving energy policy development, technology innovation, and market structures, in California, the West and internationally. The course covers three areas: 1) roles and responsibilities of key state agencies and Western energy organizations; 2) current and evolving energy and climate policies; and 3) development of the 21st century electricity system in California and the West. The seminar will also provide students a guideline of what to expect in professional working environment.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
2 times
(up to 2 units total)
Instructors:
Cain, B. (PI)
;
Marcus, F. (PI)
PUBLPOL 100: Hoover Institution National Security Affairs Fellows Mentorship Program
This course is designed to give Stanford undergraduates an introduction to civil-military relations, leadership development, and operational aspects of American foreign policy. Admitted undergraduates will be mentored by a distinguished leader from the Air Force, Army, CIA, Coast Guard, FBI, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, or State Department for the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters of the 2022-23 academic year. Participation in all three quarters is required. These military leaders and diplomats are part of the Hoover Institution's National Security Affairs Fellows program. The scheduled class time will be used for group activities, lectures from the National Security Affairs Fellows on their experiences in the military and the State Department, small group meetings with mentees and mentors, and special sessions with senior American foreign policy leaders. At the end of each quarter, students write short reflection papers. No expertise in international affairs is necessary to apply and all majors are welcome. Selection is based on academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, and interest in international affairs. The program is directed by Dr. Amy Zegart. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to hoovernsaf@stanford.edu by September 2, 2022.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
3 times
(up to 3 units total)
Instructors:
Zegart, A. (PI)
PUBLPOL 101: Introduction to American Politics and Policy: In Defense of Democracy (AMSTUD 123X, POLISCI 102, PUBLPOL 201)
American democracy faces a series of unprecedented challenges. This course will identify the greatest areas of weakness in the American political system, make sense of the most pressing threats facing democracy, and contemplate how democracy can be strengthened. With this them - in defense of democracy - in mind, we will examine several questions: What guiding principles, norms, and institutions organize and structure American politics, and how do they affect the health and effectiveness of American democracy? What do patterns of political participation and representation in the United States tell us about the health of our democracy? How do partisan and social identities breed hostility and antagonism among the mass public? How does information from the media and other sources advance or frustrate democratic outcomes? What does increased violence - political, racially motivated, or otherwise - reveal about the trajectory of democracy in the United States? This is a course built on the science of politics, and our aim is to bring the scientific study of politics to bear on these pressing questions.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI, GER:DB-SocSci
Instructors:
Bonica, A. (PI)
;
Jefferson, H. (PI)
;
Bethlendy, L. (TA)
...
more instructors for PUBLPOL 101 »
Instructors:
Bonica, A. (PI)
;
Jefferson, H. (PI)
;
Bethlendy, L. (TA)
;
Fikejs, E. (TA)
;
Rhee, K. (TA)
PUBLPOL 103F: Ethics of Truth in a Post-Truth World (PUBLPOL 203F)
This course will explore changing notions of truth in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are blurring the boundaries of humanity and boring through traditional notions of nation states, institutions, and human identity. We will ask one over-arching question: does truth matter anymore? If so, why and how? If not, why not? Either way, how does truth relate to ethical decision-making by individuals and institutions and to an ethical society? How does truth relate to a life well lived? Six themes will organize our exploration of more specific topics: science and subjectivity; identity; memory; authenticity; religious truth; and truth and the law. Examples of topics to be explored include, among others: truth and technology (from deep fakes to home devices); white supremacy; DNA testing and the 'identify as' movement, and identity; University history (Rhodes, Georgetown slavery, Yale Calhoun College...); the connections among truth, memory, and history; new
more »
This course will explore changing notions of truth in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are blurring the boundaries of humanity and boring through traditional notions of nation states, institutions, and human identity. We will ask one over-arching question: does truth matter anymore? If so, why and how? If not, why not? Either way, how does truth relate to ethical decision-making by individuals and institutions and to an ethical society? How does truth relate to a life well lived? Six themes will organize our exploration of more specific topics: science and subjectivity; identity; memory; authenticity; religious truth; and truth and the law. Examples of topics to be explored include, among others: truth and technology (from deep fakes to home devices); white supremacy; DNA testing and the 'identify as' movement, and identity; University history (Rhodes, Georgetown slavery, Yale Calhoun College...); the connections among truth, memory, and history; new questions in gender and racial identity; Chinese beautifying app Meitu and other social media "truth modifiers"; the sharing economy; the impact of AI and DNA testing sites on legal truth. Scotty McClennan will explore truth through major literary characters and the impact of religion on truth. We will consider how we determine and verify the truth; how we "do" truth; the role of truth in ethical decision-making; the importance of truth to effective ethical policy; and the relationship of the truth to a life well lived. An analytically rigorous short final paper in lieu of exam. This three-credit seminar may be taken as a stand-alone course or may accompany
PUBLPOL 134 Ethics on the Edge to full the Public Policy major ethics requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Distinguished Career Institute Fellows are welcome and should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud directly at susanliautaud@googlemail.com. Students wishing to take the course who are unable to sign up within the enrollment limit should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud at susanliautaud@googlemail.com. *Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements and students taking the course for Ways credit must obtain a letter grade. Other students may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC. To satisfy a Ways requirement, this course must be taken for at least 3 units.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 2-3
| UG Reqs: WAY-ER
PUBLPOL 105: Empirical Methods in Public Policy (PUBLPOL 205)
Methods of empirical analysis and applications in public policy. Emphasis on causal inference and program evaluation. Public policy applications include health, labor and saving. Assignments include hands-on data analysis, evaluation of existing literature, and a final research project. Objective is to obtain tools to 1) critically evaluate evidence used to make policy decisions and 2) perform empirical analysis to answer questions in public policy. Prerequisite:
ECON 102B. Enrollment is limited to Public Policy students. Email greteh@stanford.edu for an enrollment number. Public Policy students must take the course for a letter grade.
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
Instructors:
Chee, C. (PI)
;
Zhao, P. (TA)
PUBLPOL 113: America: Unequal (CSRE 3P, SOC 3)
It was never imagined "when the U.S. was founded" that the rich would be so rich and the poor so poor. It was never imagined "when the U.S. was founded" that opportunities to get ahead would depend so profoundly on one's family circumstances and other starting conditions. How could this have happened in the "land of opportunity?" What are the effects of such profound inequality? And what, if anything, should be done about it?
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI, WAY-EDP
Instructors:
Grusky, D. (PI)
PUBLPOL 114: Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence (AMSTUD 115S, INTNLREL 115, POLISCI 115)
This course examines the past, present, and future of American espionage. Targeted at first years and sophomores, the class surveys key issues in the development of the U.S. Intelligence Community since World War II. Topics include covert action, intelligence successes and failures, the changing motives and methods of traitors, congressional oversight, and ethical dilemmas. The course pays particular attention to how emerging technologies are transforming intelligence today. We examine cyber threats, the growing use of AI for both insight and deception, and the 'open-source' intelligence revolution online. Classes include guest lectures by former senior U.S. intelligence officials, policymakers, and open-source intelligence leaders. Course requirements include an all-day crisis simulation with former senior officials designed to give students a hands-on feel for the uncertainties, coordination challenges, time pressures, and policy frictions of intelligence in the American foreign policy process.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
PUBLPOL 115: Practical Training
Qualified Public Policy students obtain employment in a relevant research or industrial activity to enhance their professional experience consistent with their degree programs. Prior to enrolling students must get internship approved by the Public Policy Program. At the start of the quarter, students must submit a one page statement showing the relevance of the employment to the degree program along with an offer letter. At the end of the quarter, a three page final report must be supplied documenting work done and relevance to degree program. Meets the requirements for Curricular Practical Training for students on F-1 visas. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-5
| Repeatable
for credit
PUBLPOL 119: Automation, Autonomy, and the Future of Warfare (PUBLPOL 219)
This course seeks to prepare future policymakers and industry leaders for the complex debate surrounding the development and employment of automated and autonomous weapons for warfare. Exploring the developmental, legal, ethical, and operational considerations of introducing automated and autonomous systems into warfare, the course will seek to create a broad understanding of strategic opportunities and risk. The course will begin by examining the principles and functions of war to provide a baseline of why warfighters pursue automation and autonomy, and we will examine historical examples of how militaries have integrated these concepts in a variety of contexts. The course will then examine the relevant technologies - both those immediately available and those that push the future technological frontier. Those include computers, robotics, and artificial intelligence as well as the processes for turning technology into warfighting capability. In the final phase we will review applicabl
more »
This course seeks to prepare future policymakers and industry leaders for the complex debate surrounding the development and employment of automated and autonomous weapons for warfare. Exploring the developmental, legal, ethical, and operational considerations of introducing automated and autonomous systems into warfare, the course will seek to create a broad understanding of strategic opportunities and risk. The course will begin by examining the principles and functions of war to provide a baseline of why warfighters pursue automation and autonomy, and we will examine historical examples of how militaries have integrated these concepts in a variety of contexts. The course will then examine the relevant technologies - both those immediately available and those that push the future technological frontier. Those include computers, robotics, and artificial intelligence as well as the processes for turning technology into warfighting capability. In the final phase we will review applicable legal and policy regimes, and consider the ethical dilemmas created by the introduction of new automated and autonomous capability from military, governmental, commercial, and activist perspectives. A secondary objective of the course is to prepare students with a practical policymaking toolkit for analyzing and developing policy for a complex issue, with applicability beyond the issue of autonomy and warfare. This course encourages students to digest the information about autonomy and warfare, and to think creatively and practically about how policymakers and private sector leaders should address them, through a series of simulations, briefings and written exercises, and exercises intended to represent the actual policymaking progress. This course does not advocate any policy position but instead seeks to foster a more complete understanding of why and how automated and autonomous systems are being integrated into warfare as well as a circumspect review of the advantages, risks, and opportunities. This is a seminar course with limited enrollment. Each class session will be divided into lecture/discussion format where each lecture will set the stage for a vigorous guided discussion. Students will be required to explore policy options and debate the advantages and risk inherent in each option. The course will also leverage industry, technology, policy, and operational experts to provide differing viewpoints and specialized knowledge and experience.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 2
Instructors:
Boyd, B. (PI)
PUBLPOL 134: Ethics on the Edge: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Individuals (PUBLPOL 234)
(
PUBLPOL 134,
PUBLPOL 234 - 3 credits; Ways - ER; Same as
LAW 7020) The objective of this course is to explore the increasing ethical challenges in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are accelerating faster than our understanding and the law can keep pace. We will unravel the factors contributing to the seemingly pervasive failure of ethics today among organizations and leaders across all sectors: business, government, non-profit, and academia. A framework for ethical decision-making underpins the course. There is significant space for personal reflection and forming your own views on a wide range of issues. Prominent guest speakers will attend certain sessions interactively. The relationships among ethics and technology, culture, leadership, law, and global risks (inequality, privacy, financial system meltdown, cyber-terrorism, climate change, etc.) will inform discussion. A broad range of international topics might include: designer genetics; civi
more »
(
PUBLPOL 134,
PUBLPOL 234 - 3 credits; Ways - ER; Same as
LAW 7020) The objective of this course is to explore the increasing ethical challenges in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are accelerating faster than our understanding and the law can keep pace. We will unravel the factors contributing to the seemingly pervasive failure of ethics today among organizations and leaders across all sectors: business, government, non-profit, and academia. A framework for ethical decision-making underpins the course. There is significant space for personal reflection and forming your own views on a wide range of issues. Prominent guest speakers will attend certain sessions interactively. The relationships among ethics and technology, culture, leadership, law, and global risks (inequality, privacy, financial system meltdown, cyber-terrorism, climate change, etc.) will inform discussion. A broad range of international topics might include: designer genetics; civilian space travel (Elon Musk's Mars plans); social media (Facebook Cambridge Analytica, on-line sex trafficking, monopolies); new devices (e.g. Amazon Alexa in hotel rooms); free speech on University campuses; opioid addiction; AI (from racism to the work challenge and beyond); corporate and financial sector scandals (Theranos, Wells Fargo fraudulent account creation, Volkswagen emissions testing manipulation); new corporate challenges (Google selling drones to the military and Facebook's new Libra crypto currency); and non-profit sector ethics challenges (NGOs engagement with ISIS and sexual misconduct in humanitarian aid [Oxfam case]). Final project in lieu of exam on a topic of student's choice. Attendance required. Class participation important, with multiple opportunities to earn participation credit beyond speaking in class. Strong emphasis on rigorous analysis, critical thinking and testing ideas in real-world contexts. Note that this course will require one make-up evening session on a Wednesday or Thursday in early May in lieu of the final class session on June 5. Permission numbers are required for enrollment and will be granted via application at
https://forms.gle/56M29nzXE51cHSFX6. Applications will be accepted March 1-9. The course offers credit toward Public Policy core requirements (if taken in combination with
PUBLPOL 103F) and Science, Technology, and Society majors, and it satisfies the undergraduate Ways of Thinking - ER requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Students taking the course for Ways credit and Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements must obtain a letter grade. Others may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC. Students seeking credit for other majors should consult their departments.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-ER
Filter Results: