POLS 0008. American Foreign Policy
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Overview of American diplomatic history and the politics of foreign policy formation and implementation. Survey of contemporary international issues confronting the U.S. (CSU, UC)
POLS 0008 - American Foreign Policy
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pols-0008/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 lecture Description: Overview of American diplomatic history and the politics of foreign policy formation and implementation. Survey of contemporary international issues confronting the U.S. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Discuss the relevance of American diplomatic history to contemporary U.S. foreign policy. Assess the power of domestic governmental and social actors in crafting U.S. foreign policy. Apply relevant theories and decision making models to specific examples of U.S. foreign policy. Contrast various policy tools and methods of employment. Summarize the interests pursued and policies employed by the United States abroad. Critically evaluate U.S. foreign policy. Course Content Outline Introduction National interests Policy tools American Diplomatic History Early American diplomacy 19th century 20th century Policy-Making Process Executive branch and models of decision making Crisis decision making Congress Social Groups and Public Opinion Contemporary Issues in U.S. Foreign Policy American leadership National security Economic growth Democratization and human rights Course Objectives Course Objectives At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Discuss the concept of national interest in terms of security, material benefits and values; 2. Categorize events in American diplomatic history in terms of major themes such as isolationism, republicanism and expansionism; 3. Contrast U.S. policy during the Cold War to policy after 9/11; 4. Apply relevant theories and decision making models to specific examples of U.S. foreign policy; 5. Analyze the roles and interaction of key governmental bodies in forming and implementing policy; 6. Compare the foreign policies of contemporary Presidents; 7. Compose a policy statement that would protect and/or promote U.S. interests in a given crisis; 8. Evaluate the ability of actors in society to influence policy; 9. Differentiate the policy tools available to the U.S. in conducting relations with the world; 10. Describe the policies employed and interests pursued by the U.S. in the security realm (including war, alliances and terrorism); 11. Describe the policies employed and interests pursued by the U.S. in the economic realm (including trade and environment); 12. Describe the policies employed and interests pursued by the U.S. in the area of human rights and democracy; 13. Evaluate the merits of current U.S. policy. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read chapter 4 on the Executive Branch and come to class prepared to discuss relevant actors. 2. Read opinion piece from newspaper about U.S. leadership and discuss merits in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write an essay describing U.S. interests to explain policy at a particular time in U.S. history. 2. Simulate the crisis decision-making process in class and present the president with the results. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0215L POLS 110 POLS 0001 POLS 120 POLS...0002 COMM 130 COMM 0008 COMM 140 COMM...
