REQUIRED
PURCHASES:SEMINAR IN
FOREIGN POLICY DECISION MAKING
POLITICAL SCIENCE 613
Dr. Dennis V.
Hickey
Tel: 836-5850
Spring 2009
Office: STRO 325
Email:
dvh804f@missouristate.edu
Homepage:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm
Office Hours: MWF 10:00-1100 and
Wednesday
1:00-3:00pm;
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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.
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 5, 2009.
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, 2009.
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, 2009(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 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 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:
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%
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION POLICY:
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.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
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/.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
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 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.
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? 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.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE 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.
WEEK ONE: January 15, 2009
TOPICS: INTRODUCTION TO SEMINAR
REQUIRED READINGS:
Materials/Handouts distributed in class.
WEEK TWO: January 22, 2009
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 29, 2009
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 5, 2009
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 12, 2009
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 19, 2009
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 26, 2009
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 5, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
TEST NUMBER TWO (two hours allowed). BRING BLUE BOOK TO CLASS
WEEK THIRTEEN: April 9, 2009—NO CLASS (SPRING HOLIDAY)
WEEK FOURTEEN: April 16, 2009
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 FIFTEEN: April 23, 2009
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 30, 2009
CLASS PRESENTATIONS
WEEK SEVENTEEN: May 7, 2009
CLASS PRESENTATIONS
FINAL EXAM: THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 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:
January 15: First Day of Class
March 23-27: Spring Break (no class)
April 9: Spring Holiday (no class)
May 1: Last Day to Drop
May 8: Study Day
May 14: Final Exam
RETURN TO DR. DENNIS HICKEY'S HOMEPAGE