SEMINAR IN
FOREIGN POLICY DECISION MAKING
POLITICAL SCIENCE 613

Monday 6-8:50pm

Dr. Dennis V. Hickey
Tel: 836-5850
Office: STRO 325
Spring 2007

Homepage: http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm

Office Hours: Monday 4:00-600;
Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm; 5:00-6:00pm

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

In this seminar students analyze those factors that shape foreign policy decision making, especially as they have evolved in the 20^th century and early 21^st 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.

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.

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.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.smsu.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html; also available at the Reserves Desk (Meyer Library), and in abbreviated form in the MSU Undergraduate Catalog. It is your responsibility to read and understand MSU’s Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (cheating) is not tolerated. Anyone who engages in academic dishonesty may receive a grade of “F” for a project/exam or for the entire semester. For more information, see BearFacts guidelines.

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.

CELL PHONES:

Turn them off before class or do not bring them to class. Be forewarned that a ringing cell-phone—which is a rude nuisance in a seminar—will lower your participation grade.

SPECIAL NEEDS:

To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Disability Services (DS), Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 (voice); (417) 836-6792 (TTY) http://www.smsu.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to DS prior to receiving accommodations. DS refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. A fee is charged for testing. For information, contact the LDC (417) 836-4787; http://www.smsu.edu/contrib/ldc/

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 5, 2007.

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 5, 2007.

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 16, 2007(five points deducted for each business day that a paper is late--April 17 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 535. Moreover, a paper about religions in a country like Brazil i not acceptable unless it focuses on the influence or role that religion plays in shaping foreign policy of that 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 April 30 and May 7, 2007.

9. Research Facilities at MSU: Missouri State University is a multipurpose, metropolitan university serving almost 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 both Lexis/Nexis and the World News Connection (successor to the Foreign Broadcast Information System). 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.

CLASS PARTICIPATION:

This is a graduate seminar. It differs from an undergraduate class in which the professor is expected to lecture. Students are required to complete all assigned reading prior to our class meeting. Moreover, almost every week discussion leader(s) will summarize and analyze some of the main points of the assigned readings. Most often, these presentations will follow my introductory comments or lecture that I have prepared for our seminar. It is critically important for students assigned to serve as discussion leaders to take their assignment seriously. Prepare an outline of those points you wish to discuss during the seminar—do not read a paper to our seminar or attempt to “wing it.” Also, be forewarned that disruptive behavior, a ringing cell phone, an inability to answer questions or contribute to class discussion and failure to attend class are all causes for a failing grade (even a zero) for participation.

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%

CLASS SCHEDULE

WEEK ONE: January 22, 2007

TOPICS: INTRODUCTION TO SEMINAR

REQUIRED READINGS:

Materials/Handouts distributed in class.

WEEK TWO: January 29, 2007

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: February 5, 2007

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. Distributed in class.

(4) Stephen D. Krasner, “Are Bureaucracies Important? (or Allison Wonderland). G. John Ikenberry (editor). American Foreign Policy: Theoretical Essays on reserve in Meyer Library.

WEEK FOUR: February 12, 2007

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 21, 2007 (note: this is our Wednesday evening seminar—Monday seminars meet on Wednesday during this week)

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 26, 2007

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: March 5, 2007

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 12, 2007

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 19, 2007—NO CLASS (SPRING BREAK)

WEEK ELEVEN : March 26, 2006

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: April 2, 2007

TEST NUMBER TWO (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS

PART III: THE US AND VIETNAM: ANOTHER CASE STUDY IN FOREIGN POLICY DECISION MAKING AND CLASS PRESENTATIONS

WEEK FOURTEEN: April 9, 2007

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

Michael Roskin, “From Pearl Harbor to Vietnam: Shifting Generational Paradigms and Foreign Policy” in G. John Ikenberry (editor). American Foreign Policy: Theoretical Essays. NOTE: THIS READING IS PLACED ON E-RESERVE IN MEYER LIBRARY.

WEEK FIFTEEN: April 16, 2007

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 SIXTEEN: April 23, 2007

TOPICS: TO BE ANNOUNCED

WEEK SEVENTEEN: April 30, 2007

CLASS PRESENTATIONS

WEEK EIGHTEEN: May 7, 2007

CLASS PRESENTATIONS

FINAL EXAM: WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M.. BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS (exam will cover both the Vietnam case and materials presented earlier in the semester)

IMPORTANT DATES:

February 21: Seminar meets on Wednesday

February 26: Exam 1

March 5: Paper Topics Due

March 19: Spring Break

April 2 Exam 2

April 16: Papers Due

May 16: Final Exam and graded papers returned

MSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process 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 Jana Long, Equal Opportunity Officer, Carrington 128, (417) 836-4252. Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor’s attention, and/or to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head

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