Instructor: Dr. Kenneth Osgood
Office: HU 151
Office Hours: M, W 1-3 (and by appointment).
Phone: (561)
297-2816
Email: kosgood@fau.edu
Instructor’s Web Site: http://www.fau.edu/~kosgood
Course Web Site: http://wise.fau.edu/~kosgood/AMH4512/home
Course Description:
In recent years, it has become cliché to refer to the United
States as “the undisputed leader in world affairs” — a claim that few would
have made, or would have wanted to make, two centuries ago. AMH 4512, therefore, traces the
political, economic, cultural, military, and diplomatic developments that have
made that claim both possible and, in the eyes of many, desirable. It is a broad survey of the major
themes and problems associated with the history of American foreign relations
since the American Revolution.
Over the semester, we will explore the impact of cultural
values, ideology, the imperatives of economic growth, domestic politics,
national security planning, and the so-called “lessons of history” in shaping U.S.
foreign relations. We will also
look at the ways in which international developments have in turn affected
American thought, society, and culture at home. Above all, AMH 4512 seeks to stimulate your thinking about
American foreign policy and the role the United States has had – and should
have – in the world.
Course Requirements:
This class is designed as a reading, writing, discussion,
and lecture course. To do well, you must study the readings carefully and
consistently, work diligently on writing assignments, participate actively in
class discussion, and attend class regularly. For
lecture and readings schedule, click here.
The grade breakdown is as
follows:
Short Papers: 40%
Final Project:
20%
Quiz I: 15%
Quiz II: 15%
Discussion (attendance + participation): 10%
Required Readings:
Important Dates:
October 7: Quiz I
November 8: Progress Report for Final Project
November 25: Ouiz II
December 2: Final Project Due
December 2 & 4: Presentations of Final Projects
December 11: More Presentations of Final Projects (during scheduled exam period)
For due dates on the short papers, see the schedule.
The Readings and Lectures:
One of the objectives of this course is to get you to think critically about the purposes, objectives, and practices of American foreign policy by introducing you to some of the issues debated by diplomatic historians. When you read the course books, try not to get lost in the details and pay attention to the overall argument and main ideas of the author. (These overarching ideas will become the focus of our in-class discussions!) Since there is no single “textbook” for the course, lectures will provide important context and historical background for understanding the history of American foreign relations. It is therefore vital that you attend lecture!
Discussion and Short Essays:
Discussion is an integral part of the course. Periodically, we will devote an entire class period to a discussion of one of the course books. It is essential that you complete all of the required reading by that time. Your participation (and attendance) in discussion section counts for a sizable portion of your grade!
For each book and each discussion, you will write a short paper (1-2 pages) on a major issue pertaining to the reading. In our discussions, you may be asked to share your short paper with the group. These papers will serve as the springboards for discussion. Be prepared to share your essay with your classmates at least once during the semester (and possibly more than that)! For more detailed information on the short essays, go to the “essay” page of the online syllabus.
Quizzes and Final Project:
Two short quizzes will test your knowledge of the major developments covered in lectures, readings, and discussion. For your final project, due at the end of the semester, you will compose a hypothetical policy memorandum on any major foreign policy issue pertaining to the course. For more detailed information on the final project, go to the “essay” page of the online syllabus.
Grade Disputes:
If you feel
like your work has been evaluated unfairly, you may appeal your grade, but you
must follow this procedure: (1)
Write a short letter explaining why you believe your work was incorrectly
graded; (2) Give this letter and the work in question to me; (3) meet with me to
discuss the issue.
Miscellaneous:
1.
Please arrive early for lectures.
When you arrive late, it distracts your fellow students (and me!).
2.
No late work! Please read
and take note of the late policy posted on the essay guidelines.
3.
Please do not cheat or plagiarize. All cases will be prosecuted to the fullest,
according to FAU policy.
4. Questions are encouraged. If you do not hear or do not understand
something that is said during lecture, please interrupt me.
5. Feel free to visit me during office
hours: I am here to help.
Return to K.
Osgood’s Home Page