“Participation in the CPE Summer Institute has benefited me not only personally but it has increased my effectiveness as an activist. It was a truly empowering experience.” Abigail Adams, Freedom Center
Our Popular Economics Institutes (also called Summer Institutes) are week-long intensive trainings in economics for social activists, progressives, educators, students, and anyone who wants a better understanding of economics. We focus on how economic systems impact our lives and work everyday. Our trainings are highly participatory and build on the knowledge and experience of our participants. No background in economics is required.
Special Tracks: Each year, we choose an issue area that we focus on in the workshops and panels as well as in the core classrooms. Examples include the economic crisis, the solidarity economy, health and economic justice, and immigration. See past CPE Popular Economics Institutes.
Our 2011 Popular Economics Institute was on Media, Democracy, and the Economy.
Core Classrooms: At the heart of the Summer Institute program are two core courses, one on the U.S. Economy, one on the International Economy. All participants must choose one core course. The core classes meet each day in the mornings. Below is a sample of topics.
U.S. Economy
- Economy, race, class and gender
- Personal to global economic histories
- Labor and the workplace
- Roots of the economic meltdown & policy solutions (eg. fiscal & monetary)
- An introduction to international economics
- Economic alternatives
International Economy
- History of the global economy
- International trade
- International production
- International finance, roots of the economic meltdown and solutions
- Creating a new world economy
Afternoon and Evening Events: In addition to the core courses we offer a rich selection of workshops, panels and discussion groups. There is also time for relaxation, recreation and networking.
Academic and professional development credit is available through the UMass-Amherst Continuing education Department. Earn 3 undergraduate or graduate credits; 67.5 Professional Development Points; or 6.75 Continuing Education Units.
