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PI4535: US FOREIGN POLICY AND DIPLOMACY (2024-2025)

Last modified: 1 Day, 8 Hours, 34 Minutes ago


Course Overview

As a global superpower, how the US conducts itself in international affairs is both incredibly visible and has become a standard by which to judge successes and failures in this realm. By examining the development of US Foreign Policy through specific eras we can begin to judge the impact and effectiveness of their diplomatic practices.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Malcolm Edward Harvey

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5
  • Either International Relations (IR) or Politics (PI)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Yes

One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.


Course Description

Over 11 weeks this course will examine 10 distinct periods in US Foreign Policy and chart the impact of these changes on both internal and external affairs. Moving from Washington’s isolationism, the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary where the focus was much more on the immediate neighbourhood, to Internationalism, global leadership and the War on Terror, the case of the US provides a fascinating insight into the changing psyche of US policy makers. The course will examine the events, influences and practicalities of these policies, asking questions about the motivations of key actors, considerations of short and long-term consequences and, ultimately, evaluate the successes and failures of US foreign policy.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks 38 Feedback Weeks 40

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Feedback

Written feedback within 3 weeks

Word Count 2500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse a particular period in US Foreign Policy and the impact of decision-makers.
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse the role, motivation and actions of key policymakers in US Foreign Policy.
FactualUnderstandUnderstand shifts in US Foreign Policy over the past two centuries.
ProceduralEvaluateEvaluate the impact of changes in US Foreign Policy on both domestic and international politics.

Group Report of Simulation Exercise

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks 34 Feedback Weeks 37

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Feedback

Group Report of Simulation Exercise (3000 words).

Written feedback to be provided within 3 weeks.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse the role, motivation and actions of key policymakers in US Foreign Policy.
FactualUnderstandUnderstand shifts in US Foreign Policy over the past two centuries.
ProceduralCreateCreate a policy document that analyses the different possibilities for action in a particular case.
ProceduralEvaluateEvaluate the impact of changes in US Foreign Policy on both domestic and international politics.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandUnderstand shifts in US Foreign Policy over the past two centuries.
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse the role, motivation and actions of key policymakers in US Foreign Policy.
ProceduralEvaluateEvaluate the impact of changes in US Foreign Policy on both domestic and international politics.
ProceduralCreateCreate a policy document that analyses the different possibilities for action in a particular case.
ConceptualAnalyseAnalyse a particular period in US Foreign Policy and the impact of decision-makers.

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