This course covers US foreign policy from 1945 onwards, looking at the most important developments during the Cold War and the Post Cold War Eras. Special attention will be given to transatlantic relations, but the course will also cover the global reach of US interests.
Special focus will also be given in the course to US-Dutch relations. The 400th anniversary of contact between the two nations is celebrated in 2009, making it a good opportunity to consider the importance of the bilateral political and economic contacts since WW II.
Central questions:
What have been the motivations and goals of US foreign policy during the last 60 years?
What have been its successes and failures?
What did the end of the Cold War mean for US foreign policy?
Has the US position in the world changed since WW II, and if so how?
Where does the Netherlands fit in US foreign policy?
The course will make use of a range of literature as well as other media such as documentaries, films, and newspapers.
Onderwijsvorm
- Werkcollege. NB verplichte aanwezigheid zie studiereglement Instituut voor Geschiedenis, art 2)
Leerdoelen
The student will gain the following from this course:
An insight into the various domestic political forces that have an influence on the making of US foreign policy
An overview of the different ways in which the US views the world, and how this has changed (or not) over time
An understanding of some of the key institutions that contribute to the forming of US foreign policy
An appreciation of some of the key personalities who have played important roles in the US government
Experience in putting together an independent research project for their final paper, including identifying a specific research question, locating appropriate sources, and conducting archival research
Ingangseisen.
Entry test based on textbook and other readings.
Studielast
Total study time: ECTS x 28 hours = 280 hours.
Class time: 2 hours per week x 14 weeks = 28 hours
Literatuur
1) Main Textbook: Michael Cox & Dog Stokes, US Foreign Policy (Oxford University Press, 2008)
2) Supplementary Textbook: H. Krabbendam, C. van Minnen, & G. Scott-Smith (eds.), 400 Years of Dutch-American Relations, 1609-2009 (Amsterdam: Boom & New York: SUNY Press, 2009)
3) Selected additional readings
Toetsing
Exams 2 × 20% = 40%
Research Paper 40%
In-Class Exercises 20%
Rooster
Semester I zie rooster.
Informatie
Bij de docent: Dr. Giles Scott-Smith
Blackboard/webpagina
Blackboard will be used for providing reading material and communication between teacher and students.
Aanmelden
Aanmelden via U-TWIST, zie aanmeldingsprocedures.