REQUIRED
PURCHASES:SEMINAR IN
FOREIGN POLICY DECISION MAKING
POLITICAL SCIENCE 713
Dr. Dennis V.
Hickey
Tel: 836-5850
Spring 2011
Office: STRO 325
Email:
dvh804f@missouristate.edu
Homepage:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm
Office Hours: Tuesday 1:00-2:00pm; Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm; Thursday 1:30-3:30pm
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
In this seminar students analyze those factors that shape foreign policy decision making, especially as they have evolved in the 20th century and early 21st century. We will focus on both the United States and other nations. In addition to an examination of the governmental institutions and societal forces that influence policy, students will critically analyze decision-making models that have been developed to explain how and why foreign policy decisions are made. This semester, two case studies in foreign policy decision-making will be employed. The class complements the university’s public affairs mission by enhancing a student’s appreciation for ethical leadership and cultural competence.
REQUIRED
PURCHASES:There are only two required textbook purchases for this class. However, don’t be lulled into complacency by these numbers. These readings require some thought. Remember that students will be expected to discuss the readings during our seminar. All students must purchase the following titles from the MSU bookstore:
Lee H. Hamilton with Jordan Tama. A Creative Tension: The Foreign Policy Roles of the President and the Congress. Washington, D.C.: Woodrow Wilson Center Press, 2002.
Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy. New York: Palgrave, 2003.
REQUIRED
BOOK ON RESERVE AT MEYER LIBRARY
Students will also read an entire book that will be placed on electronic reserve at Meyer Library. Students must read the following title:
Dennis Van Vranken Hickey, Foreign Policy Making in Taiwan: From Principle to Pragmatism. London: Routledge Press, 2007.
RESERVE
READING:
Relevant chapters of G. John Ikenberry (editor). American Foreign Policy: Theoretical Essays (fourth edition). New York: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, 1999, have been placed on reserve in Meyer Library. Our ‘secret code’ to access these readings is PLS 613.
Relevant chapters of John Stoessinger, Crusaders and Pragmatists: Movers of Modern American Foreign Policy, have been placed on reserve in Meyer Library.
EXAMINATIONS:
3 examinations. Each student will take his/her examination on the scheduled examination day (see below). Be sure to bring a blue book to class with you on examination day. In order to prepare for examinations, attend class, take notes and read the texts.
MAKEUP EXAMS:
There will be no make-ups for unexcused absences. In the event that you miss an exam, you must contact the professor within 24 hours to arrange a make-up (you must phone 836-5850 and leave a message where you can be reached if I am not in the office). Unless you are lost somewhere in the Nevada desert, you or someone else should be able to reach a telephone and contact me. And note that there will be no make-ups for make-ups.
ATTENDANCE:
As this class/seminar meets only once per week, attendance is critically important. Missing one class is the equivalent of missing an entire week of classes. And be forewarned--some questions on the exams may be from material NOT covered in your texts.
RESEARCH PAPER & CLASS PRESENTATIONS:
1. Scope: Students will be required to write a research paper. Approaches, methodologies and topics may vary in two important respects.
2. Some students may wish to write a paper that examines American foreign policy decision-making. For example, the role of Congress in US policy toward China and Taiwan. Another might focus on the evolving role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the making of US foreign policy. Still another might adopt a more theoretical approach. Irrespective of approach, however, ALL topics must be approved by the instructor no later than March 3, 2011.
3. Other students may wish to write a paper that examines foreign policy making in another country. For example, we will read a book on foreign policy decision-making in Taiwan. If you opt to examine the foreign policy decision-making process in a country other than the US, be sure to begin your research early in the semester. Do not wait until February to learn that you cannot obtain the required materials for your project. ALL topics must be approved by the instructor no later than March 3, 2011.
4. As students will present the results of their research to our class, each student will focus on a different area. Topics will be assigned (approved) on a first come, first serve basis. In the event that two or more identical proposals are submitted on the same day, we will toss a coin, draw straws or otherwise resolve the issue quickly.
5. Requirements: 15-30 pages (excluding endnotes & bibliography), type-written, double
spaced, fifteen outside sources (beyond assigned readings in class). Papers are due no later than the class meeting on April 14, 2011(five points deducted for each business day that a paper is late--April 15 will be counted as the first penalty day). Students will submit two copies of their research paper. A "marked-up" copy (with a grade) will be returned during the final examination. Please do not ask for your paper prior to that time.
6. Please remember that this class focuses on foreign policy decision-making. It is not a “policy” class and it is not a comparative politics class. Hence, writing a “policy paper” that examines US policy toward North Korea is not acceptable for this seminar. If you wish to write such a paper, please enroll in PLS 635. Moreover, a paper about religions in Central Asian states in not acceptable unless it focuses on the influence or role that religion plays in shaping foreign policy of a given state.
7. Warning: Begin your project ASAP. Do not wait until April to learn that you have to wait for inter-library loan materials. This is not an excuse for a substandard research paper. And always make a "back-up" file when using a computer. "Losing" your work on a computer is not an acceptable excuse.
8. Class Presentation: Students will present the results of their research during class in a power point presentation. Prepare your presentation carefully--it is advisable to use "working notes," but do NOT read your paper to the class. You will be provided with roughly ten minutes for your presentation and five minutes for Q & A (class enrollment may have an impact on time allocated). The dates for presentations are listed below.
9. Research Facilities at MSU: Missouri State University is a multipurpose, metropolitan university serving over 20,000 students. In 1995, Missouri lawmakers approved legislation providing this institution with a statewide mission in public affairs and it is the only university in the state with such a mission. As might be expected, the university's research facilities in political science and international relations are strong. For example, we subscribe to a wide range of political science journals. Moreover, in the area of electronic resources, the library subscribes to Lexis/Nexis. With respect to books, our library's holdings could show some improvement, but we are particularly strong in some areas. In short, visit the library early in the semester to get an idea of the materials that you may require for your project. You may (or may not) need to use inter-library loan. Plan ahead. There is no reason for a student in this class to submit a poorly researched paper.
GRADES:
Your final grade will be based upon examination scores (roughly 25% each), the research paper (roughly 15%), and evidence of preparation for class and meaningful contribution to class discussion (roughly 10%). Being unprepared will lower your grade. Most students should expect a breakdown which approximates the following:
EXAM I: 25%
EXAM II: 25%
FINAL EXAM: 25%
PAPER: 15%
CLASS PARTICIPATION: 10%
PLUS AND MINUS GRADING (new to MSU):
MSU switched to the “plus and minus” grading system last year. The system used in this class is as follows:
93-99%
A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
60-66% D
NON DISCRIMINATION STATMENT:
Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/.
DISABILITY ACCOMODATION:
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at www.missouristate.edu/assets/provost/AcademicIntegrityPolicyRev-1-08.pdf and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy. Plagiarism on your research paper and/or exam could earn you a failing grade on the project and/or in the seminar.
DROPPING THE CLASS:
It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.
CELL PHONES, PAGERS, ETC:
As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor. For example, Dr. Hickey will make allowances for a sick child or immediate relative, pregnancy, and so forth. Discuss your situation with him.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYLLABI STATEMENT:
Students who require assistance during an emergency evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. For additional information students should contact the Office of Disability Services, 836-4192 (PSU 405), or Larry Combs, Interim Assistant Director of Public Safety and Transportation at 836-6576. For further information on Missouri State University’s Emergency Response Plan, please refer to the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.
SHOWING PROPER RESPECT FOR OTHERS IN THE CLASSROOM:
Please do not arrive late for class or leave class early. If you talk, annoy your neighbors or engage in other disruptive activity during the lecture period, you will be asked to leave. If one of your classmates engages in disruptive activity, bring it to the attention of the instructor--do NOT wait until the end of the semester. And, if you are too tired to stay awake in class, you should be home in bed! What about cell phones, pagers and such? See comments above.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
A class schedule follows. Please note, however, that this schedule (including examination dates) is subject to change. For example, cataclysmic world events (turmoil in western China, a bigger war in the Middle East, snow in Springfield, etc.) and/or class discussion may necessitate a change in the schedule. In this respect, attendance may be of critical importance--all changes in schedule will be announced in class.
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEEK ONE: January 13, 2011
TOPICS: INTRODUCTION TO SEMINAR
REQUIRED READINGS:
Materials/Handouts distributed in class.
WEEK TWO: January 20, 2011
TOPICS: The Study of Foreign Policy
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) Chapter One, “Foreign Policy in International Relations,” in Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy
(2) Chapter Two, “The Politics of Foreign Policy,” in Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy.
WEEK THREE: January 27, 2011
TOPICS: The General: Actors and Agents in Foreign Policy
REQUIRED READINGS:
(1) Chapter 3, “Actors: The Responsible Decision-makers” in Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy
(2) Chapter 4, “Agents: Bureaucracy and the Proliferation of External Relations,” in Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy
(3) Chapter 1, “Introduction,” in Jaw-ling Chang, The Process of Normalization of Relations between the US and the PRC, 1969-1978: A Retrospective Evaluation of Decision-making Models in US Foreign Policy. On e-reserve in library
WEEK FOUR: February 3, 2011
TOPICS: The Domestic Sources of Foreign Policy
REQUIRED READINGS:
Chapter 9, “The Domestic Sources of Foreign Policy,” in Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy
Chapter 10, “The Constituencies of Foreign Policy,” in Christopher Hill, The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy
WEEK FIVE: February 10, 2011
TOPICS: The Specific: The Executive & the Legislative Branch in US Foreign Policy
REQUIRED READINGS:
Lee H. Hamilton with Jordan Tama. A Creative Tension: The Foreign Policy Roles of the President and the Congress. Washington, D.C.: Woodrow Wilson Center Press, 2002. Students must read the entire book.
WEEK SIX: February 17, 2011
Exam 1: Bring a Blue book to Class
PART II: FOREIGN POLICY MAKING IN TAIWAN: A CASE STUDY IN FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING
WEEK EIGHT: February 24, 2011
TOPICS: Foreign Policy Making in Taiwan
REQUIRED READINGS:
Chapter 1: Analyzing Taiwan’s Foreign Policy
Chapter 2: Historical Overview of Taiwan’s Foreign Policy
Chapter 3: A Shrimp Between Whales: the International System and Taiwan’s Foreign Policy
WEEK NINE: March 3, 2011
TOPICS: Foreign Policy Making in Taiwan
REQUIRED READINGS:
Chapter 4: Governmental Institutions and foreign policy decision-making
Chapter 5: Societal Influences and Taiwan’s foreign policy
Chapter 6: Crusaders and Pragmatists: Taiwan’s presidents and foreign policy
WEEK TEN: MARCH 10, 2011: NO CLASS—SPRING BREAK!
WEEK ELEVEN: March 17, 2011
TOPICS: Foreign Policy Making in Taiwan
REQUIRED READINGS:
Chapter 7: Understanding Taiwan’s Foreign Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
FILM: “Nixon’s China Game”
WEEK TWELVE: March 24, 2011
TEST NUMBER TWO (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS
WEEK THIRTEEN: March 31, 2011
TOPICS: The US and Vietnam: A Case in Flawed Decision-making?
REQUIRED READING
James C. Thomson, Jr., “How Could Vietnam Happen? An Autopsy,” in G. John Ikenberry (editor). American Foreign Policy: Theoretical Essays (4th edition). NOTE: THIS READING IS PLACED ON E- RESERVE IN MEYER LIBRARY
WEEK FOURTEEN: April 7, 2011
TOPICS: The US and Vietnam: A Case in Flawed Decision-making?
REQUIRED READING:
(1) Yuen Foong Khong, “Seduction by Analogy in Vietnam: The Malaya and Korea Analogies,” in G. John Ikenberry (editor). American Foreign Policy: Theoretical Essays on reserve in Meyer Library
FILM: FOG OF WAR
WEEK FIFTEEN: April 14, 2011
Vietnam and CLASS PRESENTATIONS
WEEK SIXTEEN: April 21, 2011—NO CLASS (SPRING HOLIDAY)
WEEK SEVENTEEN: April 28, 2011
CLASS PRESENTATIONS
WEEK SEVENTEEN: May 4, 2011
EXAM THREE
BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS (exam will cover both the Vietnam case and materials presented earlier in the semester)
FINAL EXAM: TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2011 AT 3:00 P.M. If we do not make sufficient progress on presentations or seminars, we will have exam three on this day. Otherwise, we will use the class period to return your research papers and exams from May 4.
Miscellaneous Information
January 13: First Day of Seminar
March 10: Spring Break (no class)
April 8: Last Day to Drop
April 21: Spring Holiday (no class)
May 11: Final Exam
RETURN TO DR. DENNIS HICKEY'S HOMEPAGE