Syllabus
PS 411: U.S. Foreign Policy
Lake Superior State University
Purpose of this Course:
Understanding the complex way in which American foreign policy is made in the early part of the
twenty-first century requires a fundamental knowledge of both the theories behind the policy
process and the historical developments and trends that have been of significance to American
policy makers since the end of the Second World War. The primary objective of this class is to
acquaint students with these developments so that they might better conceptualize the present
state of U.S. and world affairs. Besides simply studying the historical record, however, we will
engage in thoughtful and critical discussion of current foreign policy situations. The class will
also carry out a foreign policy simulation. This simulation is designed to bring some of the issues
that we are studying into the classroom and allow students to experience the rigors and
complexities faced by decision-makers as they attempt to forge consensus and take action in the
foreign policy arena.
Course Readings:
Spanier, John and Steven W. Hook. American Foreign Policy Since World War II, 16th Edition.
Washington: Congressional Quarterly Press, 2004.
Other assigned readings will be placed on reserve in the library or distributed in class.
Assignments and Grading:
Exams:
There will be two in class essay exams during the semester. The first will be given at the midterm and the final will be given during the scheduled final exam period. Each exam will account
for 35% of your final grade for the semester.
Term Paper:
The study of U.S. foreign policy covers a significant range of information and topics. However,
while this course does cover a substantial amount of material, it may not provide the desired
depth in an area that you find of interest. To this end, you will write an analytical research paper
on a topic that you find of interest within the discipline. At least fifteen sources of reference will
be required as the basis for your paper.

A choice of topic along with several of the sources that you are considering must be
provided to me by class time February 11. I would prefer that this consist of your
research question followed by a short (one or two paragraphs, typed) description of the
area you intend to study. All good research papers must contain an appropriate question
that serves to guide the researcher in his or her endeavor. So before you make a decision
on the area of your research, please think your question through, keeping in mind that it
will be your guide throughout your research and in forming your argument as you go.
Also bear in mind that this is an analytical paper which means that it contains an
argument of your own, and thus is not simply a random list of facts or opinions. It must
flow with point A, connecting to point B, connecting to point C, and have a clear
introduction, body, and conclusion. If you have problems or are unsure of how such a
paper is to be designed, please let me know and I will help you with its structure. More
than once I have thought that I had a good question at the start of a paper only to realize
later that it was taking me in a direction that I did not wish to go. There is no absolutely
reliable way to prevent this from happening, but thorough preparation and taking the time
to think your question through lessens the probability of wandering afield.

Meeting: I would also encourage that you meet with me during the early part of the
semester so that I can check on your progress and provide help if you are having
difficulty. This meeting is required. One last note: it is wise to start conducting your
research as soon as your feel comfortable with the topic. This is important since acquiring
a decent bibliography often takes time. If you scramble to do all of your research during
the last week or two before the paper is due it will be noticeable in the final product.

Proper Paper Format: As this is an upper college level effort, I will expect that all rules
as to proper paper format and style be followed. This included the requirements listed in
the above sections (typed, double spaced, etc.). Further, the issue of plagiarism must be
addressed. All information that comes either directly or indirectly from primary or
secondary sources must be properly footnoted using an accepted method (APA
parenthetical, endnotes, or traditional footnotes at the bottom of the page. I tend to prefer
traditional footnotes, since they make for a more ‘readable’ paper while still allowing the
reader to note sources and other information—for example, explanatory material—
contained therein. Proper footnoting techniques, as well as proper bibliographical forms,
are available in any number of grammar or writer’s handbooks, although I would prefer
that you sue either the Chicago Manual of Style or the APA Style Manual.) If anyone is
found to have plagiarized material from another author, including other students (as in
cheating), they will receive a grade of “F” for this assignment. Moreover, there is also the
issue of damage to library property. Please do not damage library books (i.e. tear out
pages instead of photocopying). Anyone caught damaging library property will receive a
grade of “F” for this class and be turned over to the proper university authorities. In terms
of paper length, 12 to 15 pages would prove sufficient. You may go longer if you wish,
but please no more than 18 pages (not including bibliography). This paper, in conjunction
with the presentation, is worth 25% of your final grade. Papers turned in after the due
date will be graded on a sliding scale where each day late results in the concomitant
lowering of the paper grade by one half letter grade per day.
Foreign Policy Simulation:
During the second half of the semester, the class will engage in a simulated foreign policy
negotiation exercise. The point of this simulation is to bring out some of the important
circumstances and issues surrounding foreign policy decision-making. This exercise will take
place over several class periods. The specifics of the exercise will be made available during the
semester. The simulation is counted towards your participation grade.
Participation:
Since this is an upper-level seminar, students are expected to attend every class unless
circumstances do not permit. If you know that you are going to miss a class, please see the
instructor and let him know when you are going to be out of class and the reasons for your
absence. Your participation grade of 5% is made up of your attendance record, in class
discussion, and foreign policy simulation. However, if you miss the foreign policy simulation
without an adequate excuse, your grade will suffer heavily.
A Recommendation:
I suggest that, if you do not already do so, you should read a daily newspaper (preferably the New
York Times, Christian Science Monitor, or the Washington Post, which are all available online)
and watch TV news (preferably CNN and C-SPAN if you have cable or the nightly
national/international news) to keep abreast of current events and their effects on foreign policy.
If we all try to keep up with what is happening around the world, as well as in the U.S., class
discussion will be all the more interesting.
Office Hours:
My office is located on the second floor of the library, room 320. My regular office hours are as
follows: Monday and Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 am to
10:45 am and 2:40 pm to 3:20 pm. I try to be as accommodating to student needs as possible and
will most likely be on campus beyond my posted office hours. If you have any questions or need
to speak with me for any reason, please see me and make an appointment or talk to me after class.
You can also send me an e-mail. I always read my e-mail so this would be a good way to get a
hold of me.
Breakdown of Final Grades:
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Research Paper
Class Participation and Simulation
35%
35%
25%
5%
Course Schedule:
Specific readings within chapters will be made available as the course progresses. This schedule,
and the syllabus in general, is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
First Week: Organizational Meeting
 General introduction to the course. A discussion of the role of foreign policy and the state
system.
 The analysis of foreign policy
 Spanier, Chapter 1
I. The History of U.S. Foreign Policy: Post WWII
Second Week: Intro to the Study of Foreign Policy
 Discussion of modern foreign policy studies.
 Thucydides, The Melian Dialog
 Kegley & Wittkopf, Chapter 2
 Hermann & Peacock, “The Evolution and Future of Theoretical Research in the
Comparative Study of Foreign Policy.”
Third Week: Evolution of Post War Foreign Policy: Containment
 Early U.S. Experiences
 Containment: From Theory to Practice

Spanier, Chapters 2 and 3
Fourth Week: The Third World and the Vietnam War: The Costs of Containment
 The Third World in the Crossfire
 Vietnam and the Cost of Containment
 Spanier, Chapters 5 and 6
II. Détente and the Decline of the Soviet Union
Fifth Week: Détente, a Thawing of the Cold War
 The Era of Superpower Détente
 Jimmy Carter and World Order Politics
 Spanier, Chapters 7 and 8
Sixth Week: NO CLASS!
Seventh Week: One Step Forward, Two Back: Cold War II
 The Revival of Superpower Confrontation
 Spaniel, Chapter 9
Eighth Week: NO CLASS! SPRING BREAK!
Ninth Week: The End of the Cold War and the Fall of the Soviet Union
 Ending the Cold War: Negotiating the Terms of Peace
 Spanier Chapter 10
 Midterm Exam in March 11
III. Current Issues in Foreign Policy: Where Do We Go From Here?
Tenth Week: Influences on Foreign Policy
 Domestic Influences on Foreign Policy
 Joe D. Hagan, “Regimes, Political Oppositions, and the Comparative Analysis of Foreign
Policy
 John A. Vasquez, “Foreign Policy, Learning and War.”
 Martin W. Sampson III, “Cultural Influences on Foreign Policy.”
Eleventh Week: Toward the Post-Cold War World
 Spanier, Chapter 14
 Eugene Wittkopf, “Introduction: Setting Priorities for a Post-Cold War World.”
 John Lewis Gaddis, “Toward the Post-Cold War World.”
Twelfth Week: Toward the Post-Cold War World, Continued
 Josef Joffe, “Entangled Forever”
 Alan Tonelson, “Clinton’s World: The Realities of America’s Post-Cold War Foreign
Policy.”
 Joseph S. Nye, Jr., “What World Order?”
Thirteenth Week: The Future Shape of Things
 Richard Rosecrance, “ A New Concert of Powers and U.S. Foreign Policy”
 David Calleo, “American National Interest and the New Europe; Some Early Thoughts.”

Richard H. Allman, “The Changed Premises of European Security.”
Fourteenth Week: The Third World & International Political Economy
 James Gustave Speth, “A Post-Rio Compact: Toward a New Third World Policy.”
 Graham E. Fuller, “Islamic Fundamentalism.”
 Paul Krugman, “Free Trade and Protectionism.”
 Clyde V. Prestowitz, Jr., “Beyond Laissez Faire.”
 Paul Krugman, “America Penniless, Europe Jobless?” *on reserve in the library*
Fifteenth Week: Simulation Exercise
 Read Material and Prepare for exercise.
Sixteenth Week
 Final Exam