2009 Fall POLSCI 219S-01
Bulletin Course Description Study of policy that nations adopt to marshal their political, economic, military, technological, and diplomatic resources to achieve their national goals in the international environment they face, drawing on political science, history, public policy, law and political economy and other disciplines to achieve these ends. Course examines the history, current reality, and future prospects of American grand strategy. Consent of instructor required. Instructor: Feaver
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title AMERICAN GRAND STRATEGY Department POLSCI Course Number 2009 Fall 219S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Roland,Alex Primary Instructor Feaver,Peter D Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
The course examines the global challenges and opportunities confronting the
United States and the efforts of U.S. policymakers to craft a grand strategy
that adequately addresses them. The course covers key historical junctures in
the development of American Grand Strategy, ranging from pre-World War II
to the present. The class will examine both the theory and the practice of
grand strategy, and will consider both defenses and critiques of the choices
US leaders have made.
Textbooks
Reading load will be very heavy, but will primarily make use of reserves.
Assignments
Students will write two "engagement/response" papers, short informal
reaction
papers engaging that week's readings. These papers will serve as the
springboard for class discussion that week.
There may also be a separate "speaker series" associated with this course
that brings outside speakers (both academics and practitioners) to campus.
Students will be expected
to participate in this series actively.
Exams
None
Term Papers
Students will form groups to write original research papers on a topic approved
by the professors. Paper length is roughly 20-30 pages.
Grade to be based on
class participation 20%
Response papers 20%
research paper
- Oral presentation 10%
- written paper 50%
Additional Information
This class is cross-listed with PS, PPS, and History, and it will be co-taught with
Alex Roland (History). Students wishing to sign up for the course as a History
course must get a permission number from Prof. Roland. Students wishing to
sign up for the course as a PS or PPS course must get a permission number from
Prof. Feaver
