Time Schedule:
Arista Maria Cirtautas
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
Given the pending change of administration, this seminar will focus on 'transatlantic relations in transition' with particular attention paid to the questions of whether and how the Obama presidency will substantially re-shape relations with Europe. The course will be divided into two sections, the first placing transatlantic relations into the broader context of contemporary global challenges and an international system dominated by US power and responses to that power. The second part of the course will focus more explicitly on the past trajectory of US-European relations and on the recent divergence of interests and values. To what extent will the Obama administration be able to bridge these divergences by building on shared histories and shared institutions? On the other hand, to what extent will the realist logic of international relations and differing perceptions of global challenges and policy responses continue to place Europe and the US at odds well beyond the Bush era?
Student learning goals
Students will gain an understanding of the complexity of post Cold War transatlantic relations; relations that are shaped not just by individual leaders and their policy priorities but also by structural and situational factors beyond the immediate control of politicians and policy-makers.
General method of instruction
seminar discussion
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
weekly readings will be assigned to different teams that will evaluate and present the readings and lead discussion. Each team participant will be required to hand in an outline of their area of responsibility for the weekly presentation. For example, teams can break down responsibilities along the following lines: summary of argument, positive evaluation, critical evaluation, implications of the work for transatlantic relations under the Obama presidency. Additionally, a ca. 20 page research paper on a specific dimension of transatlantic relations will be required. A 1-2 page prospectus with a 1-2 page preliminary bibliography will be due mid-quarter.
weekly team presentations with individual outlines handed in = 40% prospectus + bibliography = 10% research paper = 50%
