Values & Capitalism Hosts: Cedarville University and the American Studies Program
Values & Capitalism recently hosted two visiting student groups for an introduction to AEI, a lecture on the history of think tanks, and an overview of the Values & Capitalism project. On October 7th, a group of Cedarville University students, led by Professor Marc Clauson, braved heavy rains for an afternoon visit to AEI. And on October 21st, a group of 21 students and six faculty members from the American Studies Program, a semester-long experience organized by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, visited AEI for a lunch and discussion.
AEI senior fellow Karlyn Bowman addressed both groups of students, providing an oral history of think tanks in the U.S. Ms. Bowman outlined the origins of these unique institutions from the founding of the first such research institution, the Russell Sage Foundation, to today’s proliferation of think tanks in Washington and across the country. Think tanks have evolved over the years with more active, advocacy institutions as well as greater numbers of niche think tanks, Ms. Bowman noted. However, issues like health care and trade remain popular research topics at think tanks as they were in the early 20th century—evidence of the durability of Washington policy preoccupations. AEI is a “university without students” model, in contrast to federally funded research entities and so-called advocacy tanks.
The students also heard from the Values & Capitalism staff about a recent event, “The American family: How a ‘new normal’ is reshaping religion, work, and today’s economy.” Our team presented data about massive changes in family formation in the U.S., and the economic consequences of those changes for our society more broadly. We also shared copies of Home Economics and looked at a new video about the leading themes in the book. Finally, students heard about opportunities at AEI, including internships and our upcoming Summer Institute.
Values & Capitalism looks forward to hosting students from the Lutheran College Washington Semester program on October 30. If you are interested in bringing your students to visit AEI, please contact Tyler Castle for more information.
