Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The main aims of American Foreign Policy are:

1. To undertake advanced study of US foreign policy-making, developing a well informed and conceptually sophisticated understanding of the foreign policy process and institutional relationships, in the context of recent and contemporary issues.
2. To develop critical understanding of, and to enhance competence in using, theory, concepts, and models to investigate and explain foreign policy processes.
3. To prepare students for independent study on aspects of US foreign policy processes.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. AFP begins by considering theoretical and conceptual issues associated with foreign policy, and how foreign policy relates to other dimensions of governmental and non-governmental activity. The emergence of the global role of the US after 1945 and major development in postwar foreign policy are briefly reviewed.
2. Particular attention is given to the complex internal dynamics of foreign policy-making in the US, and their associated strains. The roles of Congress, organised interests, media and public opinion will be considered, in addition to those of the presidency, State Department, military and intelligence establishments and other governmental agencies centrally involved in the making and implementation of foreign policy.
3. The final section of the course concentrates on recent changes and contemporary challenges in the foreign policy environment, and actual or potential US responses to them.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of POL8020, you should be able:

1. to elucidate and critically assess alternative explanations of foreign policy.

2. to analyse and assess recent and contemporary developments in the international role of the US.

3. to analyse patterns of foreign policy decision-making and implementation, and the relationship between foreign policy and other sectors of public policy.

4. to use case study presentations to examine and throw light upon particular aspects of US foreign policy.

5. to undertake independent study on aspects of US foreign policy.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. undertake independent investigation in this field
2. show enhanced skills in handling evidence and argument, and in written and oral communication

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

A 2 hour seminar group meeting weekly, with student presentations, is the most appropriate mode for advanced study of this topic. Students are exposed to a range of ideas, information and arguments, and develop their capacities both to express and defend their own views, and to examine critically those of others.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The research paper is chosen from a list, in consultation with the tutor, allowing the student to demonstrate learning outcomes to the best of their ability.

General Notes

N/A