POLS 5330 - U.S.-Panamanian Relations: Decisions and Documents

Three credit hours.

U.S.- Panamanian relations during the late 19th and 20th centuries, in the context of U.S.- hemispheric relations and U.S. to global power status. Through course modules on canal treaties and historic turning points, students master the background necessary to conduct their own research projects based on archival materials. The course will focus on benchmark decisions, which include responses to opportunities and crises in Panama, decisions to agree or refuse to negotiate canal treaties, and decisions about alternative control regimes for the Panama Canal. Major themes of the course include perceptions of national interests, adaptation to changing international realities, conflict resolution, and bargaining behavior during negotiations.

Prerequisites: graduate status; consent of the instructor is also required for on-line students.