IDEAS IN ACTION

Read a faculty member's perspective on IDEAS IN ACTION
Read a student's perspective on IDEAS IN ACTION

The Office of the Provost is now accepting applications from faculty members interested in teaching an IDEAS IN ACTION course. See below for application information.

Program Overview
In 2006 the Provost created the IDEAS IN ACTION program: a series of undergraduate courses that focus on cutting-edge public policy issues. The key element of an IDEAS IN ACTION course is that students conduct research and analysis under the supervision of a Penn faculty member on a project brought to the class by a leading public official or distinguished policymaker from outside the university. The idea is to link faculty, students, and community through the research enterprise. The policymaker meets with the class at its outset to present them with a real-world problem and returns at the end of the semester for an in-depth briefing on the students’ research findings. The policymaker may also visit the class periodically over the course of the semester.

IDEAS IN ACTION funds undergraduate-level courses in any academic discipline in any of the four undergraduate schools. Existing courses that have been re-worked to take advantage of the IDEAS IN ACTION concept are eligible for funding as are entirely new courses. The program is intended for standing faculty, although a limited number of grants may be awarded to non-standing faculty. A grant of up to $5,000 is made available to each IDEAS IN ACTION course to cover the cost of bringing the distinguished policymaker to campus (including housing and incidentals such as a meal with the class).

In short, IDEAS IN ACTION provides Penn undergraduates with an unparalleled opportunity to put their research to work by engaging with policymakers on vital questions and contributing fresh ideas to policymakers on some of the most important issues of the day.

Program Support
The Fels Institute provides support for each IDEAS IN ACTION course during its development and throughout the semester. If requested, Fels can assist in identifying an appropriate policymaker to work with the class. Each IDEAS IN ACTION course is listed in the instructor’s home school and cross-listed at Fels under a 400-level course number to provide one-stop course listing. In addition, Fels can lend support to IDEAS IN ACTION courses throughout the semester with a project manager to work with the instructor, distinguished policymaker, and students on the project. At the conclusion of the course, Fels makes the students’ research and findings available to policymakers across the nation and around the world through the Institute’s website and other means.

Application Information
Applications are currently being accepted for courses offered in Spring 2008, Fall 2008, and Spring 2009. To apply, submit an application form and budget worksheet to the Office of the Provost.

Applications are also available from Associate Provost Dr. Andy Binns. To request an application form, e-mail assocprv@pobox.upenn.edu.

Additional Information
Additional information on IDEAS IN ACTION is available through the Provost’s office at 215.898.7225 or assocprv@pobox.upenn.edu.

Faculty members who wish to discuss a possible IDEAS IN ACTION course or would like assistance in preparing a proposal should contact Dr. Donald Kettl at the Fels Institute of Government at dkettl@sas.upenn.edu.

Undergraduate students interested in these courses should contact Alyson Gross at the Fels Institute of Government at alysong@sas.upenn.edu.

IDEAS IN ACTION Courses

Spring 2008
Cultural Models and Health - ANTH 437 / HSOC 437 / GAFL 474
Forests, Water, People - GEOL 425/GAFL 473
Women Leaders & Emerging Democracies - GAFL 560

Fall 2007
Blueprints on Crime, Education, and Jobs for Philly’s New Mayor - PSCI/GAFL 440-401
Effecting Change in Philadelphia: Reforming City Government - URBS 403-401/GAFL 472-401
Genetics & Social Policy - STSC/HSOC 428
Healthy Schools - PSCI 335
Toward Environmental Sustainability on Penn’s Campus– ENVS 494-401/GAFL 471-660

Spring 2007
Advances in Health Systems Analysis - NURS 400-401/GAFL 474-401
Consumer Behavior - MKTG 211/GAFL 473-001/002/003
Religion and U.S. Public Policy - PSCI/GAFL 440-401

Fall 2006
The Presidency and Economic Policy - PSCI 205-001

Spring 2006
Homeland Security in Philadelphia - GAFL 475-001