MVZb2017 U. S. Foreign Policy-Actors

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2019
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 18. 9. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 25. 9. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 2. 10. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 9. 10. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 16. 10. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 23. 10. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 30. 10. 8:00–9:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Wed 6. 11. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 13. 11. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 20. 11. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 27. 11. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 4. 12. 10:00–11:40 Aula, Wed 11. 12. 10:00–11:40 Aula
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZ117 U. S. Foreign Policy-Actors && !NOW( MVZ117 U. S. Foreign Policy-Actors )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 50 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/50, only registered: 0/50
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 23 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
The course MVZ117 U.S. Foreign Policy-Actors focuses on the role of the most important and influential actors in the process of formulation and implementation of the U.S. foreign policy. At the end of the course, students should be able to formulate various factors (e.g. tradition of U.S. foreign policy, global environment, the American publics approach to international affairs, the impact of interest groups, think-tanks and the media) influencing this process; to understand the complexities of American foreign policy-making and to evaluate the strategic and political importance of various actors and groups.
Learning outcomes
Students will gain knowledge in the area of formulation of foreign policy. They will be available to orient themselves in the process and in the actors involved; they will understand the development of actors and institutions involved in the formulation of U.S. foreign and security policy; they will be able to explain factors leading to the gradual development and growth of this apparatus, and its changes from 1945 onward. They will get a substantive knowledge of all relevant actors and institutions involved in formulation or implementation of U.S. foreign policy (e.g. the president, the NSC, State Department, Department of Defense, CIA and other intelligence services, the U.S. Congress). They will also obtain knowledge related to U.S. Diplomacy, including public diplomacy from theoretical as well as practical point of view (debate with a U.S. career diplomat).
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Genesis and the evolution of US Foreign Policy
  • 3. Presidential command and the making of US foreign policy
  • 4. The presidency and the National Security Council
  • 5. The State Department
  • 6. US defense establishment
  • 7. The Intelligence Community
  • 8. Foreign economic policy
  • 9. Congress and U.S. foreign policy
  • 10. Reading Week
  • 11.Public opinion and U.S. foreign policy after the Cold War
  • 12. Discussion with an American career diplomat
  • 13.Interest groups and the media in U.S. foreign policy
Literature
  • After the end : making U.S. foreign policy in the post-cold war world. Edited by James M. Scott. Durham: Duke University Press, 1998, xiii, 427. ISBN 0822322668. info
  • CAMERON, Fraser. US foreign policy after the Cold War : global hegemon or reluctant sheriff? London: Routledge, 2002, xviii, 221. ISBN 0415267765. URL info
  • Olson, William C.: The US Congress: An Independent Force in World Politics, International Affairs, Jul 91, Vol. 67, Issue 3, s. 547-563
  • Rosati, J. A.: Readings in the Politics of United States Foreign Policy. Harcourt Brace 1998
  • The domestic sources of American foreign policy : insights and evidence. Edited by Eugene R. Wittkopf - James M. McCormick. 3rd ed. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1999, xxiii, 384. ISBN 084768850X. info
  • TREVERTON, Gregory F. Reshaping national intelligence for an age of information. 1st pub. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003, xviii, 266. ISBN 052153349X. info
Teaching methods
Lectures involve theoretical preparation. Readings serve to broaden and deepen the spectrum of knowledge students acquire during lectures. Guest lecture provide students an insider's view of selected institutions and their missions. Regular attendance is expected. Examination takes place at the end of the semester.
Assessment methods
The course is concluded by a written exam. An on-line midterm test (multiple choice) will be taken by the students of the course in early November.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
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