INRL20090 United States Foreign Policy

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module examines the historical development, domestic and international sources, and major debates in US foreign policy. The module is divided into four parts. The first introduces a set of theories and concepts from the study of international relations to help us understand and explain US foreign policy choices and behavior. The second provides an overview of the institutions and processes central in the design and implementation of US foreign policy. The third examines functional issues of US foreign policy, such as US national security policy, US foreign economic policy, and the role of human rights in US foreign policy. The fourth examines US foreign policy toward key contemporary issues, including nuclear proliferation, China’s rise, and Russia’s newly assertive behavior.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to understand and explain the historical development of US foreign policy, use theories and concepts to explain and evaluate US foreign policy choices and behavior, and evaluate how effective US foreign policy has been in achieving the goals it has set out. This module aims to equip students with specific knowledge about the past, present, and future of US foreign policy, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to specific real-world situations.

Indicative Module Content:

Some of the main topics that this module will address include: the domestic and international sources of US foreign policy; the primary goals of US foreign policy and how they have changed over time; the primary means used to achieve these goals; and US foreign policy toward key global actors and regions.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Total

24
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module incorporates several different learning approaches and strategies, including lecture, discussion, case studies, simulation exercises, and analytical writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
United States Foreign Policy (INRL30310)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: C. 3,000-word essay that will require the student to analyze some important question or debate in the study of US foreign policy. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50
Essay: C. 3,000-word essay that will require the student to analyze some important question or debate in the study of US foreign policy. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.