PSCI 564 - US Foreign Relations

Institution:

The Citadel

Subject:

Political Science

Description:

This course will address two major topics: (1) the constitutional and structural foundations of the American foreign policymaking process, through a consideration of the presidency, executive institutions (the state department, department of defense, the intelligence community, and Congress, as well as the ongoing dynamic relations among these actors. The role and impact of other relevant actors in the foreign policy formation process (i.e., the media, interest groups, as well as that of public opinion will also be addressed. (2) The second no less important issue we will address is that of globalization on the choices and freedom of action the United States had enjoyed since the end of WW II. The emergence of a transformed geopolitical environment as well will be reviewed. Students will be guided in analyzing the new context of American foreign policy as follows: (a) engaging in individual and small group analysis and presentation on individual foreign policy cases, to wit., researching how impact of American foreign policy is interpreted by leaders and publics in selected countries; (b) looking at survey research to understand the shaping and role of American public opinion on the foreign policy process; and (3) cross-comparison of the views of various activist elite foreign policy influencers, and the manner in which these views enter the formal foreign policymaking process (for example, the cycling of key policymakers from government to think tanks, the media, and academic institutions. Students will be expected to complete a comprehensive final exam as well as submit a research paper on a topic derived from the course content. Students with relevant experiences (such as military or government service, may with the instructors permission utilize such documentable experience in their research paper

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.citadel.edu

Phone Number:

(843) 225-3294

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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