US Foreign Policy

Subject POLS90007 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

July, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 13-Jul-2015 to 16-Jul-2015
Assessment Period End 30-Aug-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 13-Jul-2015
Census Date 24-Jul-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 14-Aug-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject will be delivered intensively from 9:00am - 5:00pm on 13 - 16 July 2015.
Total Time Commitment:

Total of 170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Timothy Lynch

Contact

Associate Professor Timothy Lynch

tlynch@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the formation and conduct of US foreign policy.It explores the actors, ideas, interests and institutions that shape US foreign policy, including the role of the President, the Executive branch, Congress, interest groups, lobbies, and political culture, including debates about American exceptionalism. It also examines competing theories of US foreign policy making and explores a range of case studies in the areas of security, interventionism, and democracy promotion.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • have a critical understanding of the actors, ideas, interests and institutions that shape US foreign policy;
  • have a critical understanding of competing theories of US foreign policy making;
  • have a critical understanding of key areas of US foreign policy;
  • have a critical understanding of debates about US power and the US's changing role in the world.
Assessment:

A 700 word group briefing paper (10%) due during the intensive teaching period, 2 x 700 word briefing papers (10% each) due after the intesive teaching period, and a 3000 word essay (70%) due at the beginning of September.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
  • be ablet o develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
  • be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of International Relations
100 Point Master of Islamic Studies
150 Point Master of Islamic Studies
200 Point Master of International Relations
200 Point Master of Islamic Studies

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