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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2007/2008
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Home : College of Humanities and Social Science : School of Social and Political Studies (Schedule J) : Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies)

American Foreign Policy (P01071)

? Credit Points : 20  ? SCQF Level : 11  ? Acronym : SPS-P-AFP

This course examines the foreign policy of the United States and its impact on the international system. It will place contemporary foreign policy in historical context and examine the evolution of policy, especially since the end of the Cold War and 9/11. Specifically, the course will focus on how the architecture of US government, domestic political factors, and the new politics of Homeland Security shape American foreign policy, as well as the possible roles of alliances and international organizations in the so-called War on Terrorism.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date Start End Room Area Additional Information
07/01/2008 11:10 12:00

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate:
- firm knowledge of the key events and debates in post-war American foreign policy and understand their significance.
- an ability to apply the theoretical literature on international relations to the United States and its position in the contemporary world.
- understanding of the factors motivating the behaviour of the main political and bureaucratic actors contributing to the formulation and execution of American foreign policy.
- an ability critically to evaluate US foreign policy in view of its stated objectives and wider global objectives connected to questions of international order.
- understanding of the different ways in which power is conceptualised in debates about US foreign policy.
- an ability to explain the main determinants
- international and domestic -- of US foreign policy and international behaviour.
- an ability to advance reasoned and factually supported arguments both orally and in writing.

Assessment Information

Assessment is by 4000 word essay on a (short) list of set questions.

Contact and Further Information

The Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Course Secretary

Mrs Sue Grant
Tel : (0131 6)51 1777
Email : sue.grant@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

Prof John Peterson
Tel : (0131 6)51 3023
Email : John.Peterson@ed.ac.uk

School Website : http://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/

College Website : http://www.hss.ed.ac.uk/

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