Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU30741 US global politics |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES90CW10 |
| Requisites: |
| In taking this unit you cannot take EC30041 |
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Aims:
* To provide students with the theoretical and conceptual tools with which to think analytically and critically about US global politics; * to explore the evolution and current nature of US interactions with the world by analysing US foreign policy in its historical context; * to be able to understand and explain the formulation and conduct of US foreign relations and its impact in different policy domains (rule/order, security, economy, environment). Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit students should: * be able to understand the historic context for and main theoretical issues surrounding American foreign relations; * be familiar with the institutional context of US foreign policy and the various interests that compete for influence over policy; * display a good knowledge of the role played by the US during the Cold War and the implications of this for global order; * be able to discuss competently the changing nature of US foreign policy since the end of the Cold War; * have a good understanding of the main controversies concerning America's role in the world across different policy domains. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Content: Lectures and seminars will cover the following main topics: * foreign policy analysis in general and as applied to the United States; * the foreign policy making process; * the historical evolution of US foreign policy up to World War I; * US foreign policy during the interwar years; * US foreign policy during the Cold War; * US foreign policy after the end of the Cold War; * The "Bush revolution" in US foreign policy; * US foreign policy in different policy domains (e.g. rule/order, security, economy). |