CSPS 79303 - (was 7393) Studies in American Grand Strategy

Three credit hours.

Was CSPS 7393. Seminar regarding American foreign policy. Designed to give students a greater understanding of current debates over U.S. grand strategy and the role of the United States in the world today. Particular attention will be devoted to the War in Iraq and the Bush Doctrine of Preemption. Using their knowledge of history and past approaches to grand strategy, students of this seminar will be able to critique current U.S. foreign policy and provide thorough, well-supported recommendations for the future. Intensive, hands-on course that assumes a certain level of knowledge of American foreign policy.

Divided into three sections, Part I begins with an overview of the foundations of American foreign policy from the beginning of the republic through the end of the Cold War. Part II focuses on the War on Terror, the War in Iraq, and the debate over the Bush Doctrine. Part III, students will examine other issues such as great power relations, views of the U.S. from abroad, energy security, and the crisis in Darfur. During the final three meetings of the class, students will be expected to break into teams to design a new foreign policy for the next administration, using short 3-5 page papers and formal PowerPoint presentations, known as “Clinton Briefs”. Provides students with the opportunity to synthesize what they have learned and hone their writing and presenting skills.