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INR471Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

United States Foreign Policy

This course provides students of international relations with comprehensive knowledge of US Foreign Policy across international frontiers. It explores the historical overview, contending theories, and various policies, highlighting contemporary issues affecting the global community. Students will gain an understanding of the meaning, types, and evolution of US Foreign Policy and its effects on global events, including WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and relations with entities like the European Union and African countries.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
US Foreign PolicyInternational RelationsCold WarGlobalizationDiplomacy

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

American Foreign Policy

2

US History

3

International Relations Theory

4

Cold War

5

Globalization

6

US Foreign Policy Doctrines

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Political Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsThink TanksConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding American Foreign Policy

7h

Unit 1: US foreign Policy, goals and objectives

4 study hours
  • •Define foreign policy and its goals.
  • •Identify the goals of US foreign policy.
  • •Discuss the role of the U.S. Department of State.

Unit 2: An overview of American History/Government

3 study hours
  • •Examine the early history of U.S. foreign policy.
  • •Discuss George Washington's farewell address.
  • •Identify key events shaping American foreign policy.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding American Foreign Policy

5h

Unit 3: Theoretical framework of the US foreign policy

5 study hours
  • •Compare and contrast realism and liberalism.
  • •Discuss the role of domestic factors in foreign policy.
  • •Examine the World System Theory.
Week
3

Module 1: Understanding American Foreign Policy

5h

Unit 4: Evolution of US foreign policy (Doctrines)

5 study hours
  • •Explain the evolution of US foreign policy.
  • •Discuss the Monroe, Truman, and Eisenhower Doctrines.
  • •Analyze the Clinton and Bush Doctrines.
Week
4

Module 2: Major US Foreign Policy Organs

4h

UNIT 1: The State Department and the Executive Branch in Foreign Policy Making

4 study hours
  • •Discuss the role of the State Department.
  • •Explain the Executive Branch's role in foreign policy making.
  • •Analyze the duties and responsibilities of the State Department.
Week
5

Module 2: Major US Foreign Policy Organs

5h

UNIT 2: US Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Council

5 study hours
  • •Explain the role of the CIA in foreign intelligence.
  • •Discuss the functions of the National Security Council.
  • •Analyze the coordination between the CIA and NSC.
Week
6

Module 2: Major US Foreign Policy Organs

5h

UNIT 3: US Congress in Foreign Policy

5 study hours
  • •Explain the role of Congress in foreign policy decision making.
  • •Discuss the formulation and implementation of foreign policy by Congress.
  • •Analyze the checks and balances between Congress and the Executive Branch.
Week
7

Module 2: Major US Foreign Policy Organs

5h

UNIT 4: Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

5 study hours
  • •Examine the impact of public opinion on U.S. foreign policy.
  • •Discuss the domestic environment's influence on foreign policy.
  • •Analyze the role of interest groups and political parties.
Week
8

Module 3: US Congress and Foreign Policy

5h

Unit 1: US Foreign Policy Intervention

5 study hours
  • •Define interventionism and its goals.
  • •Discuss the arguments for and against U.S. foreign policy interventionism.
  • •Analyze the role of democracy in intervention.
Week
9

Module 3: US Congress and Foreign Policy

5h

Unit 2: US Foreign Policy during the World Wars I and II

5 study hours
  • •Examine the US foreign policy during World War I.
  • •Examine the US foreign policy during World War II.
  • •Analyze the shift from isolationism to interventionism.
Week
10

Module 3: US Congress and Foreign Policy

5h

Unit 3: US Foreign Policy during and after the Cold War

5 study hours
  • •Discuss the US foreign policy during the Cold War.
  • •Discuss the US foreign policy after the Cold War.
  • •Analyze the shift from containment to engagement.
Week
11

Module 3: US Congress and Foreign Policy

5h

Unit 4: US Foreign Policy towards Africa

5 study hours
  • •Examine the origin of U.S. foreign policy towards Africa.
  • •Discuss contemporary U.S. foreign policy towards Africa.
  • •Analyze U.S.-Africa policy under President Obama's administration.
Week
12

Module 4: United States Foreign Policy of Containment and Collective Security

5h

Unit 1: United States foreign Policy of Containment and Collective Security

5 study hours
  • •Define containment and collective security.
  • •Discuss the U.S. foreign policy of containment.
  • •Analyze the U.S. foreign policy of collective security.
Week
13

Module 4: United States Foreign Policy of Containment and Collective Security

5h

Unit 2: United States foreign Policy of Detente and Human Rights

5 study hours
  • •Define detente and human rights.
  • •Discuss the U.S. foreign policy of detente.
  • •Analyze the U.S. foreign policy of human rights.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key concepts and definitions from each unit.

2

Create timelines of major events in US foreign policy history.

3

Compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives.

4

Analyze case studies of US foreign policy decisions.

5

Practice answering essay questions on major themes and topics.

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