Time Schedule:
John T Keeler
POL S 530
Seattle Campus
Fulfills required component of "American Module" of Transatlantic Studies program. Addresses political dynamics of relations between United States and Europe from American republic' s founding to post-Cold War era. Limited to students in Transatlantic Studies program.
Class description
Description. This course is one of two special seminars that together comprise the “American Module” of the Trans-Atlantic Studies Program. Only the UW and Euromasters’ students who have already completed the “European Module” at the University of Bath will be allowed to enroll in this course. Students who successfully complete both modules will receive the Certificate in Trans-Atlantic Studies. This seminar will deal with the political dynamics of relations between the U. S. and Europe from the founding of the American Republic to the post-Cold War era. The introductory section will discuss the cultural bases of U. S. Foreign policy, especially as it relates to Europe. Section I will trace the historical development of U. S.-European relations and will focus on key events such as the foreign policy of the American Revolution, the Spanish-American War, Wilson’s crusade to reshape Europe at the end of World War I, Roosevelt’s struggle with isolationists over entry into World War II, the forging of the Atlantic Alliance during the Cold War, and the challenges to the Alliance from the 1940s to the 1980s. Section II will deal with crucial issues in contemporary U.S.-European relations, especially the debate over the future of NATO and the conflicts related to trans-Atlantic trade. Section III will consist of presentations of seminar papers.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Texts. The following four books are available for purchase at the University Book Store: 1) Seymour Martin Lipset, American Exceptionlism: A Double-Edged Sword; 2) Walter LeFeber. The American Age: U. S. Foreign Policy at Home and Abroad; 3) Henry Kissinger, Diplomacy; 4) Michael Mandelbaum, The Dawn of Peace in Europe. Other required readings for the course are available as an article packet.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments. 60% of the course grade will be determined by a 15-page research paper. Each student will submit a 1-2 page typed paper prospectus on February 8; failure to submit a prospectus on that date will result in a lowering of the paper grade by .2 grade points. All papers will be due at the beginning of class on March 3. 20% of the grade will be determined by the quality of your class participation, especially your performance in leading seminar discussions. The other 20% of your grade will be determined by a 30-minute final oral examination covering all of the assigned readings in the course.
Grading. Exams: 20 % Papers: 60 % Class/Quiz participation: 20 % Total: 100 %
