PS1510 American Foreign Policy

Course Description and Objectives

This course provides students with the opportunity to examine the major aspects of the United States' foreign policy. We shall analyze the role of the United States in the international arena by assessing the options and capabilities available to US foreign policy makers. After reviewing the conceptual and theoretical foundations of international politics as well as the principal institutions involved in foreign policy making, we shall focus on the challenges to the United States in the post-Cold War world. In this context there are two interesting questions to be pondered:

1. Should the United States pursue the role of a global police man, that is to maintain a particular international order by force? If so, could it afford to do so, and who are the US's friends and enemies?

2. In what ways has the international environment changed since the end of the Cold War and in what ways must US foreign policy change to meet the challanges of the post-Cold War era.

It is my hope that each student will develop an increased awareness of the importance of the relationship between the United States and the international system. It is further hoped that students will be motivated to follow contemporary political issues in both American and foreign politics and to participate in the political process.

The course will also serve as a preparation for the UPJ Model Uniteded Nations team to prepare for future participation in MUN contests. Students will learn to analyze international scenarios, write appropriate position papers and draft resolutions.

---

Course Requirements

• students will be required to complete two exams during the semester and a cumulative final exam.

• Note that students interested in improving their standing always have the opportunity to write a 10-12 paper on an agreed-upon topic relating to the course topics.

• Students should complete the assigned reading prior to the class discussion. Students are also expected the come to class regularly. Attendance will be spot-checked and recorded. Attendance and class participation is a part of your final grade. Missed exams have to be made up, respectively you may be required to write a paper (see above). Make-up exams have to be arranged prior and will be held at my convenience.

• In conjunction with the Model UN training, students must be prepared to give short speeches, write draft papers, engage in public debate and in skillful negotiating.

• Be assured that you shall always find an open door if you have questions or concerns related to class materials.

  ---

  Required Texts

  There are two required text, one is a comprehensive text- and reference book, the other is essentially a reader featuring opposing viewpoints on important issues of international and foreign policy.

  1. John T. Rouke, Ralph G. Carter, Mark A. Boyer (1994) Making American Foreign Policy (Sluice Dock Guilford CT: Dushkin Publishing) (MAF)

  2. John T. Rourke (1994) Taking Sides -- Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in World Politics (Sluice Dock Guilford CT: Dushkin Publishing) (TS)

April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu