374-01 US Foreign Policy

Survey of CourseThis course provides an overview of the contemporary controversies in American foreign policy as well as the diplomatic history of the United States.The course begins by focusing on the history of American diplomacy, especially the origins and evolution of the Cold War.We will then analyze the Post-Cold War foreign policies of President George H. W. Bush, President Clinton, and President George W. Bush.After the midterm we will assess whether the US will remain the sole superpower in the 21st century, is in relative decline, or can continue to shape much of world politics even if its power is in decline because of the legacy of the liberal values it has brought to the international system.We will then evaluate the foreign policy of President Obama.Has Obama's foreign policy been successful or not?What should be the criteria used to analyze Obama's foreign policy?Finally, the course will assess whether the US should be using drones to attack terrorists or whether this tactic is counterproductive.This course is intended to provide a historical and analytical framework from which students can develop their own understanding of the US role in world politics. ExamsThere will be two exams in this course.The first will test the history of US Foreign Policy, especially since World War II through President George W. Bush.This exam will be held in class on October 7th and will consist of multiple choice, identification, and essay questions.The test accounts for 20% of the final grade.The final exam will be due on Tuesday, December 16th.This exam will be a take-home essay test that will ask students to evaluate US-China Relations and US drone policy.This two and a half to four page single-spaced final exam accounts for 20% of the student's final grade and should be submitted via email to white@xavier.edu. Class ParticipationStudents are expected to participate in class discussion, and students are responsible for the readings the day they are assigned.Students are also encouraged to ask question that arise from lecture, readings, or current events.Regular attendance is required.