POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE:	American Diplomacy in the 21st Century
COURSE NUMBER:	INST 509
SEMESTER:	Fall 2006
INSTRUCTOR:	Dr. Getachew Metaferia
ROOM:	Holmes G06
COURSE SCHEDULE:	T. 5:30 - 08:15 P.M.
OFFICE HOURS:	T. 10:00 A.M. - 01: 00. P.M. W. 02:00 P. M. – 4:00 P.M. R. 02:00 - 04:00 P.M.

COURSE OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with the history of American diplomacy and examine the theories, philosophies and practices that shape American foreign policy. A second objective of the course is to direct students to analyze American diplomacy in the 21st century, especially in the post-Cold War and post-September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Read all assignments
• Participate in class discussions
• Write a well-researched and analytical paper on any aspect of American foreign policy and present the paper for class discussion. This is intended to encourage academic discourse among course participants. Students need to consult with the lecturer about their papers prior to conducting research.

The paper must not be less than 25 pages. The due date is firm and a late paper will be reduced by one letter grade.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the semester course participants would be able to:

• examine how perception of personality traits of a president affects American politics
• understand the history of American foreign policy
• identify some of the vexing domestic and foreign issues during the administrations of modern presidents
• examine the post-Cold War and the post-9/11 American foreign policy
• analyze the American foreign policy within the context of the current events and issues, and
• recognize different forces, such as the media and ethnic groups, that shape American foreign policy.

CLASS FORMAT
The class is based on a seminar format. Course participants will be assigned various readings for discussion and analysis.  Problem-solving approach will be followed to augment the critical thinking skills of course participants.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• attend all classes
• pass one major exam
• participate in class discussions
• write and present a research paper that stimulate intellectual discussion
• organize a portfolio

COURSE GRADING

Research paper (November 23)	40%
Final exam (November 30)	40%
Class attendance, participation and paper presentation	10%
Portfolio	10%
TOTAL	100%

REQUIRED TEXT BOOK
Kegley, Charles and Eugene R. Witkopf, American Foreign Policy: Patterns and Process.

AUXILIARY READING

1. Rai, Kaul, David F. Walsh and Paul J. Best, (2007), America in the 21st Century-Challenges and Opportunities in Foreign Policy
2. Getachew Metaferia, (2002), "African American Political Empowerment: Impact on United States Foreign Policy Towards Africa", in Alice M. Jackson and Maurice C. Woodard, American Government and Politics - A Multicultural Perspective.
3. Getachew Metaferia, (2006), “Africa and the Making of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Era of Globalization,” Alice Jackson, (ed.) Political Issues in America: A Multidimensional Perspective, Boston, MA: Person Publishing.
4. Andrew Bennett and George Shambaugh, Taking Sides – Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in American Foreign Policy, (2006).
5. Glenn P. Hastedt, (2006’2007), Annual Edition, American Foreign Policy.

 COURSE OUTLINE

August
29	Introduction to the Course, discuss on the syllabus, assignment for the semester
September
5	Intro. To American Foreign Policy The Analysis of American Foreign Policy
12	The Patterns of American Foreign Policy “The United States and the World: Strategic Choice” from Taking Side The International System in Transition in Kul B. Rai, et.al.
19	The Goals of American Foreign Policy The Instruments of American Foreign Policy
26	The International Political System Power and Principles in the post-Cold War era
October
3	Assigned Reading and discuss on Issues of Current Foreign Policy  and Diplomacy “U.S. International Economic and Environmental Issues” from Taking Side “U.S. National Security Issues” from Taking Side American Policy in the Cold War: A Regional Approach, in Kul B. Rai, et.al.
10	The World Political Economy “U.S. International Economic Strategy” from Annual Edition 06/07 “Africa and the Battle over Agricultural Protectionism” from Annual Edition 06/07
17	Examine the Post-Cold War and the Post-9/11 Impacts on American Foreign Policy and Diplomacy “The Return of the Imperial Presidency?” From Annual Edition 06/07
24	Public Opinion and the Media in Shaping American Diplomacy “The Domestic Side of American Foreign Policy” from Annual Edition 06/07
31	Ethnic-based Politics and American Diplomacy “African American Political Empowerment: Impact on United States Foreign Policy Towards Africa.” Metaferia
November
7	The Role of the President and the Congress in shaping American Diplmacy --- An Overview Policy Recommendations for the Twenty-First Century in Kul B. Rai, et.al Lokking toward the Twenty-First Century in Kul. B. Rai, et.al
14	Discussion on Current Issues that Influence American Diplomacy “Misunderestimating” Terrorism: The State Department’s Big Mistake” from Annual Edition 06/07
21	Research Paper Presentation
28	Research Paper Presentation Take home exam. will be given on the 28th, due on December 5, 2005
December
5	Course Evaluation and take-home exam due