At a pivotal moment of volatility, speculation, and dramatic divisions in political sentiment and economic wellbeing, this course will explore the conditions from which this moment emerged, with an emphasis on the intersections of identity-group stratification (race, ethnicity, gender, etc.), power and political economy. Moreover, the course will explore the simple but profound questions of what should be the purpose of an economy and what should be the public’s role in achieving that purpose. The course will explore the intersections of race, social stratification, and political economy in order to promote economic and racial justice. Students will develop analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills around a political economic agenda of inclusion, civic engagement and social equity. The course will run in conjunction with the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy’s Henry Cohen Public Lecture Series. The course will be action-oriented and geared towards developing public intellectual skills. Students will engage with some of the nation’s leading policy and social justice leaders from academic, philanthropy, government, and grassroots organizations. They will develop critical thinking, presentation, and leadership skills with specific training to write influential opinion-editorials and deliver public speeches around paradigm change and building a more inclusive and just society.