HIS 3403 - UNITED STATES AS A GLOBAL PWR, 1945TO THE PRESENT

credits: 3.0
This seminar will explore post 1945 American foreign policy by paying particular attention to the origins, development, and end of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Will also examine major developments in the last two decades, especially the global war against terrorism. Chronologically will focus on the period after World War II. Will discuss the following: the impact of the atomic bomb on the wartime alliance between the United States and the Soviet Union; the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan; the Korean and Vietnam Wars; the Nixon-Kissinger approach to foreign policy; the Reagan Administration’s handling of the Cold War; the current changes in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and how they affect U.S. foreign policy; the United States efforts to deal with Islamic extremists and their use of terrorism. While exploring the last topic, will discuss current developments in the Middle East and Central Asia. Objectives: A) To introduce students to major issues and concerns which have fueled American foreign policy after World War II; B) To develop a student’s analytical skills, especially through critical reading of assigned texts and written assignments. Method of Instruction: Mixture of class discussion and lectures. Method of Evaluation: Three or four essays based on assigned readings OR one research paper, approximately twenty pages in length; two essay exams; class discussion. Meets *WRT and *GLP Distribution Requirements.