International Relations Class Syllabus—Fall 2015
My Information
Mr. Klokkenga
Conference Periods: 4th hour and 7th hour. You may also arrange a meeting with me
before and/or after school.
E-mail: klokkej@unit5.org –This is the best way to contact me.
Office Phone Number: 336-6365
Course Description
This semester long course will concentrate on US foreign policy from post World
War II to current day international issues with the majority of focus on current
issues. Major topics of study will include but are not limited to the following:
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What is foreign policy?
What should the future of foreign policy look like? Time Article regarding
excerpt from Ian Bremer’s book, Superpower.
Election 2016 Information-Candidates, Primaries vs. Caucuses, What happens?
How is foreign policy made? For example, ISIS, Arab uprising, Afghanistan,
Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Libya, North Korea, Russia, Ukraine, China, etc.
National Interests/ “Hot Spots”—What are current hot spots and how are they
connected to the US’ national interest?
Weapons of Mass Destruction and their implication on foreign policy
Terrorism—History along with terrorist groups today that impact foreign policy.
Tools of Foreign Policy
Who are the “players” of US foreign policy? Other than the president, who
makes the key decisions?
Congress vs. President of US—Who has the most power?
The United Nations, specifically the UN Security Council—What is its
function/purpose?
US/USSR as Superpowers—Implications on foreign policy—Are there any
superpowers today?
Counterinsurgency and its historical and contemporary uses.
Middle East (Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama) (Segments from Brun)
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What should the future of foreign policy be for the US? (Class simulation/essay)
(THIS WILL BE YOUR FINAL EXAM)
Course Text(s)
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Ambrose, Stephen. Rise to Globalism: American Foreign Policy Since 1938. 8th
edition. (We may be examining sections of this book, not the entire book)
Bremer, Ian. Superpower. Penguin Publishing Company, New York. 2015.
(We will be examining sections of this book, not the entire book)
Another book will be used from time to time when examining current issues of
today and it is Henry Brun’s book, The World Today 9th Edition. (Once again,
we will be examining sections of this book, not the entire book)
Another book will be used from time to time when we exam historical primary
sources. This book is entitled Major Problems in American Foreign Relations.
Newspapers along with foreign policy articles from various magazines/journals.
If possible, guest speakers regarding current foreign policy. Past speakers have
included two Iraqi War veterans, Justin Lightbody and Dan Aldridge, Ben
Backsmeier, a West Point graduate and West alum, and former ISU and now
current Cal. State Dean of the College of Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Jamal Nassar.
Materials for each day
Paper, pen/pencil, textbook (when asked to bring it), all assigned handouts and/or other
readings, and most importantly, YOURSELF AND YOUR IDEAS.
Requirements
Student grades will be determined by:
 Homework from class readings, lectures, simulations, projects, discussions.
 Quizzes (Both announced and unannounced) and tests which will include
multiple choice, Sesame Street, matching, and/or short answer questions which
will come from items listed in the above bullet.
 Class simulations covering particular topics relevant to US foreign policy such as
nuclear weapons, Iran, North Korea, United Nations, Human Rights, etc.
 Group and individual projects regarding hot spots and terrorist organizations.
 A group project in which a foreign policy issue is crafted and debated by student
groups in front of the class and assessed for accuracy, logic, and defense by both
students and teacher(s). Past debate topics have included:
o Iran/North Korea-Which is the biggest threat to the US?
o Sept. 11 was/was not a conspiracy?
o The United Nations is/is not a useful foreign policy organization.
o The United States should/should not lead the world to stop human rights
violations
o The US does or does not have a duty to promote freedom and democracy
(nation-build) around the world.
Homework Policy
ALL HOMEWORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED ON TIME. No assignment will be
accepted for credit after the test for the current unit we are studying unless an
extreme situation occurs which allows for an extension. EXTREME SITUATIONS
WILL BE APPROVED BY ME. However, do not make late work a habit because
assignments not turned in on time will be accepted for a reduced grade.
COPYING ANY ASSIGNMENT OR ANY PART OF AN ASSIGNMENT,
CHEATING, OR PLAGARIZING ANY ASSIGNMENT IS AN AUTOMATIC
ZERO WITH NO CHANCE TO MAKE UP THE ASSIGNMENT—DO YOU
UNDERSTAND??
GRADES ARE CUMMULATIVELY TABULATED—In other words, grades do
not start over at the quarter, they continue. If you have questions, see me/us.
Handout Colors
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White Handouts—Class syllabus, newspaper, and magazine articles
Green Handouts—Reading packets—These are “money” hence the green color so
DON’T LOSE THEM. They will be key to your success in this class.
Yellow Handouts—Study Guides—These will caution you that a test/quiz is
upcoming so be sure to look over these handouts.
Gold Handouts—Project/Simulation Rubrics—These will be “golden” to you in
knowing the expectations of the assignment so DON’T LOSE THEM.
Blue Handouts—Homework assignments—You’ll be “blue” or sad if you lose
these. Remember, each day homework is late, you lose credit.
Pink Handouts—Tests/quizzes—You’ll be blushing or “pink in the face” if you
lose these. Save these as they will be a great resource in helping you for the final.
Course Expectations
This semester long class deals with complex issues not only about our past, but its
ramifications on our present day society. As a student, it is necessary to spend time
outside of this classroom examining these topics by watching the news, reading a
newspaper, and/or reading classroom handouts. Make it a habit everyday to read
the newspaper and/or watch the news. Your input is crucial to a course such as this
which is designed in a discussion format. Assignments, readings, debates, and other
coursework that foster learning will build upon itself throughout the semester. YOU
MUST KEEP UP! Everyday will build upon the previous day and you cannot afford to
get too far behind. It is absolutely crucial to your success in this class to ask
questions if you do not understand something. Questions significantly add to our
classroom discussions regarding foreign policy. As the teacher, I am here as a resource
to help you learn about US foreign policy, past and present, and can assure you I will be
prepared everyday to engage with you. As the student, it is your job to be prepared
everyday too. Learning is a two-way street. For some, this class may be challenging at
times while not so challenging at other times; however, there is great potential for you to
walk away from this class having learned a lot about the United States and its decisionmaking to crises. I am looking forward to an exciting, thought-provoking semester!!