Political Science 170 United States Foreign Policy Fall Semester, 2005-06

Dr. Lawrence J. LeBlanc Office: WWP 484 Tel. 288-3422/6842 E-mail Lawrence.LeBlanc@Marquette.edu Office Hours: TTH 11:00 – 12:00 TTH 2:00 - 3:00 W 11:00 – 1:00 (or by appointment)

Objectives: This course deals with issues and problems in the organization and conduct of United States foreign policy. Although we will be concerned with the historical dimension of these issues and problems going back to the founding, we will focus mainly on developments in the post World War II period. The reading assignments, essay examinations, and the term paper requirement are intended to encourage the development of analytical, research, and writing skills.

Readings:

(1) James M. McCormick, American Foreign Policy and Process. Thomson Wadsworth, 2005 (4^th ed.).

(2) Ralph G. Carter, ed. Contemporary Cases in U.S. Foreign Policy. CQ Press, 2005 (2^nd ed.).

(3) Recommended Website for Readings and Research: Foreign Affairs Online (http://www.people.virginia.edu/~rjb3v/rjb.html)

Attendance Policy: Strongly Recommended

NOTE: This class begins promptly at 3:35 p.m. T TH. PLEASE BE ON TIME.

Requirements: To perform well in this course, students will have to do the assigned readings and attend classes regularly. The examinations will draw on the readings as well as lecture notes. There will be three essay examinations during the semester: one before mid-semester, one after mid-semester, and a final.

In addition, all students must write a paper (12-15 pages), on a topic approved by the instructor, on a subject in US foreign policy of interest to them. All students must submit, in writing, their proposed paper topics by class time on Thursday, September 15. Papers are due not later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17. Students may choose to work in groups of two or more on a project approved by the instructor. The same deadlines that apply to individual papers apply to group projects. Students interested in working on group projects should see the instructor as soon as possible, and not later than Thursday, September 15.

Graduate Students: Graduate students enrolled in the course must consult the instructor about special requirements.

Grading Scale: The following scale will apply in assigning grades on the exams and the term paper:

93-100 A 73-77 C

88-92 A/B 68-72 C/D

83-87 B 58-67 D

78-82 B/C -57 F

Grades for the course will be determined by applying the following formula: 25% of the scores on each of the examinations and the paper.

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COURSE OUTLINE

I. Introduction: The Study of Foreign Policy

McCormick, Preface

Carter, Preface, Introduction

II. The American Approach to Foreign Policy

McCormick, Introduction to Part I, Chapter 1.

III. The Setting of American Foreign Policy

McCormick, Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

IV. The Making of American Foreign Policy

A. The Domestic Context

McCormick, Chapters 12, 11.

Carter, No. 1

B. Presidential Preeminence

McCormick, Chapter 7.

Carter, Nos.3, 4, 15.

C. Bureaucratic Influences

McCormick, Chapters 9. 10.

D. The Role of Congress

McCormick, Chapter 8.

Carter, Nos.2, 14.

V. Foreign Policy Tools

A. Diplomacy

Carter, Nos. 12, 13

B. Covert Action

Carter, Nos. 5, 6.

C. Economic Instruments

Carter, Nos. 9, 10, 11.

D. Military Power

Carter, Nos. 7, 8.

VI. Conclusion

McCormick, Chapter 13.

Name: ______________________________________________

EVALUATION SHEET FOR TERM PAPER

Course: _____________________________ Semester: ___________________________

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6. Bibliography:__________________________________________________________________________________

7. Spelling (see notation “S”): ______________________________________________________________________

8. Sentence Structure (see notation “SS): ____________________________________________________________

9. Word Usage (see notation “U”): __________________________________________________________________

10. Paragraph Structure (see notation “PS”): __________________________________________________________

11. Punctuation (see notation “P”): __________________________________________________________________

12. General Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________

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Grade: ______________________