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.
(1) James M. McCormick, American Foreign Policy and Process. Thomson Wadsworth, 2005 (4th ed.).
(2) Ralph G. Carter, ed. Contemporary Cases in U.S. Foreign Policy. CQ Press, 2005 (2nd ed.).
(3) Recommended Web site for Readings and Research: Foreign Affairs Online (http://people.virginia.edu/~rjb3v/rjb.html)
NOTE: This class begins promptly at 3:35 p.m. T TH. PLEASE BE ON TIME.
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 enrolled in the course must consult the instructor about special requirements.
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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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.
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