Chairman Bernanke's College Lecture Series

In March 2012, Chairman Ben S. Bernanke delivered a four-part lecture series about the Federal Reserve and the financial crisis that emerged in 2007. The series began with a lecture on the origins and missions of central banks, followed by a lecture that discussed the role and actions of the Federal Reserve in the period after World War II. In the final two lectures, the Chairman reviewed some of the causes of, and policy responses to, the recent financial crisis, focusing specifically on the actions of the Federal Reserve.

The lectures were offered as part of an undergraduate course at the George Washington University School of Business.

On-demand video, transcripts, and presentation slides are available for each lecture.

Lecture 1: Origins and Mission of the Federal Reserve

March 20, 2012

Lecture 2: The Federal Reserve after World War II

March 22, 2012

Lecture 3: The Federal Reserve's Response to the Financial Crisis

March 27, 2012

Lecture 4: The Aftermath of the Crisis

March 29, 2012

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Last Update: January 27, 2017