Teaching Tip:  These are one-hour lectures and could be shown in class with class discussion following them.

When it comes to lectures, this one might not sound that exciting – “Reflections on the Federal Reserve and Its Place in Today’s Economy” – at least not until you learn that the person giving the lecture is Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Starting on Tuesday, March 20^th, Bernanke will deliver a four-part lecture series about the Federal Reserve and the financial crisis that emerged in 2007. The series begins with a lecture on the origins and missions of central banks, followed by a lecture that will discuss the role and actions of the Federal Reserve in the period after World War II. In the final two lectures, the Chairman will review some of the causes of, and policy responses to, the recent financial crisis, focusing specifically on the actions of the Federal Reserve.

Lecture 1: Origins and Mission of the Federal Reserve

Recorded on March 20, 2012 12:45 p.m. ET.

Lecture 2: The Federal Reserve after World War II

Watch live on March 22, 2012 12:45 p.m. ET

Lecture 3: The Financial Crisis and the Great Recession

Watch live on March 27, 2012 12:45 p.m. ET

Lecture 4: The Aftermath of the Crisis

Watch live on March 29, 2012 12:45 p.m. ET

Live video of each lecture will be available to the public at Chairman Bernanke’s College Lecture Series. Transcripts and video recordings will be made available following each lecture.

Discussion Questions and Assignemnts:

1. Watch the lectures and write a one to two page paper on what you learned.  Be prepared to discuss them in class.