POLITICAL SCIENCE 535
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
WEDNESDAYS AT 6:00PM
Dr.
Dennis V.
Hickey
Office: Strong 325
Fall
2008
Tel: 836-5850
Email:
dennishickey@missouristate.edu
Home Page:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm
Strong Hall
Office Hrs: Thursday 3:00-5:00
Wednesday 1:00-3:00; 4:00-5:00
or by appointment
Class Objectives: This course is designed as an introduction to American foreign policy. As such, it complements the university’s public affairs mission by promoting cultural competence among students and advancing the internationalization of this institution. First, we explore the various governmental institutions and societal forces that play a role in the shaping of American foreign policy. Special attention will be devoted to the powers of the executive and legislative branches in developing policy. Second, we will focus upon the substance of American foreign policy--we will briefly examine the foundations and evolution of America's containment policy and attempt to determine how America has moved "beyond containment." We will also discuss current security and economic policy issues. Third, we will explore current policy toward a number of selected world regions and/or nations. Emphasis is upon the problems and substance of policy, although students are invited to bring theoretical or methodological interests to bear on any issue. Finally, students will acquire skills in the rudiments of staff analysis, program assessment, and policy decision-making. You will learn how to identify foreign policy issues, gather relevant information on them, assess the various options available for action and make well-informed and well-reasoned recommendations.
Books:
(1) Steven W. Hook, US Foreign Policy: The Paradox of World Power (2nd Edition) CQ Press, Washington, D.C., 2008
(2) Annual Editions, American Foreign Policy, 2007-2008, McGraw Hill, 2008.
Hand-outs: From time to time, hand-outs will be distributed in class. Students are expected to read/study these materials. Also, some materials will be emailed to students.
Web-based Readings: Some readings will be posted on the world
wide web. Students will receive a user name and password to access relevant
papers. Details will be presented in our seminar.
Films: From time to time, we will watch some documentary films. Students are expected to pay attention and take notes during films.
Attendance: Attendance is always important. But it is critically important when a class meets only once per week.
Exams: Three examinations (short answer and essay). Weekly reading assignments are essential preparation for each class meeting and examination. Some questions may be drawn from materials presented only in class. Please budget your time. Following the exam, we will take a short break and then begin the next section of the course.
Briefing Books: Rather than a traditional term paper, each student will prepare a "briefing book." The briefing book should be 15-20 pages for undergraduate students (20-30 for graduate students), typewritten (double spaced) and turned in on time. At least twenty sources must be cited in the briefing book. Student must use footnotes (not endnotes) and may follow any acceptable style (Chicago manual of Style preferred). I suggest that you begin thinking about your briefing book long before it is due--all late books will be penalized. Proposals are due on October 8, 2008 (instructor reserves the right to approve or reject proposals). The book itself may be submitted anytime, but no later than class on November 19. All students must adopt the approach outlined at the back of this syllabus for the briefing book—no exceptions to this rule. The books will be returned during the final exam. Please do not ask for your grade or briefing book before the final.
Grades: Each exam (including the final) will be weighed equally (each counts about 25% of your semester grade). The briefing book is worth 20% and meaningful (constructive) class participation counts about 5%. So, your final grade will be determined as follows:
Exam 1: 25%
Exam 2: 25%
B.Book: 20%
Exam 3: 25%
Participation 5%
Discussion Leaders: From time to time, students will be expected to summarize readings and lead class discussion. The instructor will appoint discussion leaders—especially during PART II and III of the class. The student should prepare a short talk outlining the major points of the article and distribute a short handout to students and the professor.
Disability Accommodation: 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.
Dropping the Seminar: It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this seminar, but do not follow proper procedure for dropping it, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. To drop a class anytime after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center (seehttp://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/chnsched.html). You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip. It does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor, or a department head. If you wish to withdraw from the University (i.e., drop all your classes), contact the Registration Center, Carrington 320, 836-5522
Non Discrimination Statement: 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/.
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 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.
PART I
The Making of American Foreign Policy
During these meetings, we are scheduled to discuss the topics listed below.
1. The Constitution, the President, the National Security System and Foreign Affairs
Read: Hook, Chapter 4 and Annual Editions, Chapter 17 and 21.
2. The Foreign Policy Bureaucracy
Read Hook, Chapter 6 and Annual Editions, Chapter 19
3. Congress: Its Constitutional Role and The Way It Works
Read Hook, Chapter 5
5. Other Influences on American Foreign Policy: Interest Groups, the Media and Public Opinion.
Read Hook, Chapters 7, 8 & 9 and Annual Editions, Chapter 14 &15.
EXAMINATION I: October 1, 2008 (subject to change)
The United States and the Post Cold War World;
US Military and Economic Policy Issues
During these meetings, we are scheduled to discuss the topics listed below.
1. The Historical Setting: Containment & Beyond Containment
Read Hook, Chapters 1 and 2. Read Annual Editions, Chapters 2 and 5.
2. US Defense and Security Issues/Arms Control
Read Hook, Chapter 10
Read Annual Editions, Chapters 20, 27, 29, 30 and 31.
FILM: THE ATOMIC CAFÉ
3. The US & International Political Economy
Read Hook, Chapter 11
Read Annual Editions, Chapter 16, 25, 26
EXAMINATION II: November 5 (subject to change)
PART III
America and the World
During these meetings, we will examine the following subjects:
1. US Policy and the War in Iraq
Read materials outlining arguments for immediate withdrawal or a sustained presence in Iraq. Read Annual Editions, 35 and 36. Also, articles will be distributed or posted on the website (password required)
2. US Policy Toward the Middle East & Iraq
Read Annual Editions, 33, 34, 35, 38 and 32.
3. US Policy Toward China
Read Dennis Hickey & Lilly Kelan Lu, “"The Future of Sino-American Military Cooperation: Challenges and Opportunities," forthcoming in Sujian Guo (editor) 'HARMONIOUS WORLD' AND CHINA'S NEW FOREIGN POLICY. New York: Rowman and Littlefield, 2008. Placed on reserve in the library. This article is posted on web (password required)
Read Dennis Hickey, “Strategic, Economic or Political Partner: Understanding the Basis of America’s Continuing Commitment to Taiwan” paper delivered at the international conference, Taiwan’s Search for Democratic Partners: Workshop at St. Anthony’s College, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom, June 15-16, 2007. This paper will be emailed to students or placed on reserve.
Read Annual Editions, Chapters 8
4. US Policy Toward the South
Read Annual Editions, Chapters 11, 12 and 13
5. US Policy Toward Transnational Policy Problems
Read Hook, Chapter 12.
6. US Policy Toward Russia and Europe
Read Annual Editions 6 & 7 and readings posted on web (password required).
FINAL EXAMINATION
Our Final Exam is scheduled for Wednesday December 17 at 8:00pm. We will try to move it to 6:00pm. Details presented in class. The exam will cover only the last portion of the course.
Miscellaneous Information
And Some Important Dates
For your convenience, some important dates are provided below. For more detailed information, please see the MSU academic calendar at http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.asp
August 25: Fall Semester Begins
August 27: First Day of our Seminar
September 1: Labor Day (Monday)
October 1: Test 1 (tentative)
October 8: Briefing Book Proposals Due
November 5: Test 2 (tentative)
November 19: Briefing Books Due
November 26: Thanksgiving Holiday (No Class)
December 5: Last Day to Drop
December 10: Last Day of our Class
December 12: Study Day
December 17: Final Exam for our Seminar (Exam 3)
BRIEFING BOOK REQUIREMENTS:
READ CAREFULLY
I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Choose some feature of current US foreign policy that is of some importance to a part of the world. Explain briefly what the policy is and why the US pursues such a policy. Then, discuss its importance and effect upon that part of the world. Finally, offer some policy alternatives and make a policy recommendation.
II. WHAT IS A BRIEFING BOOK? Briefing books are developed by US government agencies (CIA, DIA, etc), executive departments (State, Defense, Treasury, etc.) and scholars in "think-tanks" and universities. They are used by officials in Washington when developing policy toward a particular country or foreign policy issue. These studies enable decision-makers to evaluate the advantages and problems (or, if you will, the costs and benefits) of various policy options and the anticipated consequences of the policy recommendation.
III. WHY DO I HAVE TO WRITE A BRIEFING BOOK? The goals of this course are twofold. One, to understand the making of American foreign policy and the major foreign policy issues confronting the United States. Two, to acquire skills in the rudiments of staff analysis, program assessment, and policy decision-making. In this class, you will be expected to be able to identify foreign policy issues, gather relevant information on them, assess the various options available for action and make well-informed and well-reasoned recommendations.
IV. PROCEDURE First, you need to identify the foreign policy issue that will be addressed. Second, you must gather relevant information. In order to accomplish this task, you must be able to use the library. A trip to the documents section of the library should familiarize students with US government document--use them!!! Of course, books, magazines and journal articles may be employed in your paper. Be sure to take advantage of the Lexis/Nexis computer system. I would rank sources as follows.
1.Primary source materials: Interviews, US government documents (current Congressional hearings, CIA reports, CRS reports, etc.).
2.Scholarly journal articles: Great for detailed analysis. Policy journals include Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy and Orbis. There are also numerous policy journals with a specialized focus (Asian Survey, Asian Affairs, etc).
3.Newspapers: Best are the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times and London Times. Great for"late-breaking" news and facts, but often weak on analysis.
4. Magazines: Time, Newsweek, etc. Good for background material and some late-breaking news. High School students rely upon them when conducting research.
5. Books: Great for background material. In foreign policy analysis, many are outdated when they reach the public.
V. A FEW ADDITIONAL WORDS ABOUT ELECTRONIC RESOURCES: Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of electronic resources, but don’t forget that the library is also full of great books! You may find very useful links to newspapers, think tanks and government agencies by visiting my website at:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/useful%20links.htm
Be sure to visit the various think tanks on the website. These will help enormously when conducting research (think tank links include Brookings, Heritage, Cato, the Atlantic Council etc.)
When using electronic sources, be sure to keep a copy of any article that you cite. Should questions arise about academic dishonesty (particularly plagiarism), you will need to show the instructor a copy of the cited article.
VI. OUTLINE FOR BRIEFING BOOK For your convenience, we will use an example. We are going to write a paper on US policy toward Arms Sales to Taiwan. We will use the following steps.
1. Background & Current policy
a. Brief mention of US involvement with Taiwan
b. Current general US policy toward arms sales to Taiwan
2. Option Number One: Reduce Arms Sales
a. positive consequences
b. negative consequences
3. Option Number Two: Eliminate Arms Sales
a. positive consequences
b. negative consequences
4. Option Number Three: Increase Arms Sales
a. positive consequences
b. negative consequences
5. Conclusions
a. Policy Recommendation
b. Consequences: Domestic & International (explain why this policy is "better" or preferable to others) and positive and negative consequences.
SPECIAL NOTE: When constructing your briefing book, clearly identify the various sections and sub-sections of the book with appropriate headings. For example, clearly separate Option 1 from Option 2 with a heading (Option 1: Reduce Arms Sales to Taiwan). And clearly separate positive and negative consequences as sub-sections. Students who do not follow this key provision in this assignment will be penalized
BACK TO DR. DENNIS HICKEY'S HOMEPAGE