International Relations
Semester Course Outline
First Quarter
Topics
UNIT 1
Introduction to Foreign Policy
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UNIT 2
What is foreign policy?
Foreign policy is based on
national interests and
values.
National Interests
Values of foreign policy
Development of foreign
policy
Implementation or Tools
of foreign policy
(When we are finished with
these topics, we will then have
a test—This will be sometime
in the middle of September)
Key Players of foreign policy &
Introduction to Weapons of
Mass Destruction (WMDs)
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Key Players of foreign policy
Election 2016 Candidate
Profiles/Issue Profiles
History of nuclear weapons
WMD=NBC
Loose Nukes in Russia and
other non-proliferation
treaties/agreements
(During this unit, we will
begin researching for our big
debate project—These
projects will be selected by
students and will be done at
the conclusion of each unit of
study-A few sample debate
topics are given)
Things to discuss with your
student!
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What is a hot spot? (Hot Spot
Assignment)
What are national interests? (Security,
economic, and ideological interests)
Hot Spot Project—What US national
interests are at play in your country’s
hot spot?
What national interests are at play in
Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, and with ISIS?
How does a country develop its foreign
policy?
How does a country implement its
foreign policy?
Apply the development and application
of foreign policy to Syria/ISIS/Ukraine
and another foreign policy simulation
Who are President Obama’s senior
advisors and describe the role they play
in the development/implementation of
US foreign policy? (Play on Playa
Activity and Government Letter
Assignment)
Who has more power in
developing and implementing
foreign policy, Congress or
President Obama?—Mock Debate
Where in the world are there nuclear
weapons? What conclusions can one
draw about this?
Describe the role WMDs play in US
foreign policy today? (Think Syria)
Iran Simulation
North Korea Simulation
Which country is more of a
national security concern to the
US, Iran or North Korea?—Debate
Topic
Second Quarter
Topics
UNIT 3 Terrorism: What led to Sept. 11th
and the impact on foreign policy
today?
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UNIT 4
What is terrorism?
History of terrorism
Types of terrorism
What led to 9-11?
Current Terrorism Issues—
Terrorism Project
International Organizations &
Post-Cold War Foreign Policy
 United Nations
 NATO and the EU
 Containment
 Nation-Building
 Democracy Promotion
Things to discuss with your
student!
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How did 9-11 come about? (Inside 9-11
Video, 9-11 Commission Report)
9-11 Parent Interview
September 11th was or was not a
conspiracy—Debate Topic
What impact do terrorists groups have
on contemporary society? (Terrorism
Project)
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What is the role of the United Nations,
peacekeeper or peacemaker? (UN
Simulation)
 The US should or should not lead
the world to stop human rights
violations—Debate Topic
 The UN is or is not a useful foreign
policy organization—Debate Topic
 What are the most pressing foreign
UNIT 5 What should the future of US
foreign policy be?
policy issues today? (Cyber-terrorism,
 Lead the world to democracy
terrorist/non-state attacks, human
rights abuses, etc.)
 Protect US Global Interests
 Human Rights Simulation
 Build a More Cooperative
World
 The US does/does not have a duty
to promote freedom and
 Focus Our Efforts at Home
democracy (nation-build) around
(Towards the end of the semester, we
the world—Debate Topic
will revisit the 3 Hot Spots chosen at
beginning of the semester to see if
 What should the future of US foreign
students still see these 3 places as the
policy be? (Four Futures Simulation
most pressing foreign policy concerns)
and Final Exam Essay Question)
In any current events course, the topics above may change due to more pressing foreign policy issues
such as our current situation with Election 2016 candidate and issue profiles, debate analysis, ISIS,
Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine. However, the contemporary situations or dilemmas allow students to
develop a very real sense as to what it is like to be the President of the United States, one of his
advisors, a friend to the US, or a foe. To help students get the most out of a class as this,
please encourage them to regularly be “plugged in” to what is going on in the world.
We look forward to having your child this semester and as always, if you do have
questions/concerns/or just want to talk about IR, please feel free to e-mail or call us at any time.
Thanks and have a great semester!!
Mr. Klokkenga— klokkej@unit5.org or Phone Number 336-6365