POSC 350: US Foreign Policy (IR)
Prerequisite: POSC 140 for non-POSC majors/minors or POSC 140 and POSC 290 for POSC majors/minors.
Three hours lecture (3).
Examines U.S. foreign policy, today and historically. Students will learn how U. S.
foreign policy is created, the actors involved, and the various constraints policy-makers
face. Students will acquire a sound conceptual and practical understanding of the
foreign policy challenges that U.S. policy-makers face and apply what they have learned
to real world issues today.
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.
Detailed Description of Course Content
POSC 350 integrates an analytical course on US Foreign Policy with a professionally focused course designed to help students operate in the US foreign policy, intelligence, and defense communities.
As part of learning to analyze US foreign policy, students learn the institutions which make foreign policy and a selection of cases in how US foreign policy was made historically to the present day.
In addition to this analysis, students learn to do US foreign policy through reading and listening to interviews with professionals in US foreign policy, defense, and security fields. Students explore in depth working in foreign policy, intelligence, and cyber. They learn about jobs in these areas and the types of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to get those jobs.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
POSC 350 is a highly interactive course involving lecture, in-class activities, simulations, negotiations, multimedia, and student discussion.
Goals and Objectives
Learning Goals:
1) To understand the past and present of US foreign policy making and the relevant institutions involved in policymaking.
2) In addition, to explore professional practice through the application of knowledge, skills, and critical reflection.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Students are able to describe major approaches to US foreign policy.
2) Students analyze and evaluate the foreign policies of recent administrations.
3) Students apply acquired knowledge and skills to develop professional identity or professional practice.
4) Students critically reflect on their learning, abilities, experiences, or role within professional contexts.
Assessment Measures
Students may be assessed through class participation, in-class activities, simulations, negotiations, papers, and exams.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 31, 2016
April 1998 Reviewed M. J. Franck, Dept. Chair
March 01, 2021