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U.S. Foreign Policy (344-0-20)

Instructors

Jennifer Lin

Meeting Info

555 Clark B03: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

September 11, 2001 is perhaps a turning point for American Foreign Policy. This course will focus on contemporary issues related to foreign policy while being cognizant of the traditional theories and approaches. We will begin the course with a discussion on the theories of international relations and factors that shape American foreign policy. Then, we will move to discuss various issues in foreign policy, including nuclear weapons, trade and sanctions, terrorism, humanitarian aid, climate change and artificial intelligence. Readings in this class will contain a mix of textbook chapters, academic articles and news reports that contextualize US foreign policy in action. The assignments in this class will include short current event papers, and a midterm and final take-home essay.

Registration Requirements

Recommend Intro to American Politics and/or Intro to International Relations, but not required

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to discuss the various aspects of US foreign policy and become critical of how the US makes policy as new issues develop. They should be able to build a toolbox to connect theories in international relations and the real world to make informed and sophisticated judgments and be able to communicate that to a general audience.

Teaching Method

Half lecture, half interactive learning

Evaluation Method

Short current events papers, midterm and final take-home essay

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area