This is a hybrid course with two main learning objectives. First, students will gain a better understanding of financial intermediation by exploring why banks exist (i.e., what unique value do banks create); their interaction with the government (e.g., central banking); and the need for, and design of, banking regulation. Second, students will develop their presentation skills for an academic audience. This component of the course has three sub-objectives. First, students will develop an ability to search for academic literature. Second, students will develop an ability to use the LaTeX typesetting software to produce professional-looking presentations. And third, students will refine their presentation skills by conducting class presentations and providing feedback to their colleagues on their presentations.