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The Making of US Foreign Policy

Welcome to The Making of US Foreign Policy course! This course seeks to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the United States’ Foreign Policy (USFP). Through this course, you will look at the evolution of USFP from its founding to the present. You will analyze the role of the institutions which play a role in defining USFP. You will also explore how the USFP relies on trade and economic interdependence to define global economic relations.

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What's inside

Syllabus

The Development of American Foreign Policy

In this module, you will learn about America’s participation in world affairs from the republic’s inception in 1776 to the end of World War I. The module also discusses the Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt’s Corollary, Wilsonian Idealism, the League of Nations, and America’s Isolationism. You will also gain an insight into how the United States became a great power and reluctantly played a major role in world affairs.

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Suitable for students in Political Science, International Relations, and History

Taught by experts in international affairs and US Foreign Policy

Examines the historical evolution of US Foreign Policy from its inception to the present

Covers the institutions and processes that shape US Foreign Policy

Provides insights into US Foreign Policy during World War II and the Cold War

Explores US relations with other countries and its role in the global economy

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Reviews summary

In-depth exploration of us foreign policy

According to students, "The Making of US Foreign Policy" offers a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of USFP, from its historical roots to contemporary global dynamics. Many highlight the well-structured content and insightful analysis of institutions like the State Department and CIA as particularly strong. While providing an invaluable academic foundation, some learners suggest the lectures can be dry and would benefit from more interactive elements or up-to-date content on recent events. It is generally seen as suitable for those seeking a serious understanding and potentially requiring some prior knowledge.

Pre-2020 content is strong; some desire more recent updates.

"Good overview, though I wish there was more up-to-date content regarding recent global events, especially after 2020."

"The pre-2020 content is very strong."

Best suited for learners with some background in international relations.

"The course assumes a certain level of prior knowledge in international relations, which might be challenging for absolute beginners."

"Still, very informative and well-researched."

"Strongly recommend for advanced learners."

Provides valuable analysis of key institutions and historical evolution.

"...the analysis of institutions like the State Department and CIA was very insightful."

"The modules on institutions and processes were particularly helpful for my work. I gained a much clearer understanding of how different government bodies influence foreign policy decisions."

"The historical progression was laid out clearly, showing how USFP evolved."

"The historical segments were very illuminating."

Offers a detailed, in-depth understanding of US foreign policy.

"This course provided an incredibly detailed and well-structured overview of US foreign policy."

"As someone working in policy analysis, this course was invaluable. It provided a deep, nuanced understanding of US foreign policy from various angles..."

"The course is quite extensive and covers the material thoroughly. It's definitely for those who are serious about understanding US foreign policy in depth."

"Absolutely brilliant! The course is a masterclass in US foreign policy. The depth of analysis... are all top-notch."

Offers a strong academic foundation, less on practical application.

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved more interactive elements or case studies to apply the concepts."

"It's more theoretical than practical, which might not be for everyone. Good for a solid academic foundation, but don't expect quick takeaways for current events."

"I found myself needing to supplement with external materials to fully grasp some of the more complex theories."

Lectures can be dry, lacking dynamic visuals and interactivity.

"The lectures sometimes felt a bit dry, and the presentation style could be improved to keep engagement high."

"Disappointed with the lack of engagement. The lectures were mostly talking head presentations without much visual aid or dynamic examples."

"I felt like I was just reading a textbook, not taking an interactive online course. Needs more practical application or discussion prompts."

"My only minor critique is that some sections felt a bit dry, lacking a more dynamic presentation style."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Making of US Foreign Policy with these activities:

Develop World History Research Skills

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Build a stronger foundation in research skills for World History.

Browse courses on World History

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Review library research methods
Practice using online databases and scholarly journals
Organize and synthesize research findings

Read 'The Making of the Modern World'

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Gain a context for the historical events covered in the course.

View The Insurrectionist on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3
Take notes on key concepts and events
Summarize the main arguments of each chapter
Consider multiple viewpoints on the topics

Create a Timeline of US Foreign Policy

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Strengthen understanding of chronology and significant events in US foreign policy.

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Identify key events and periods in US foreign policy
Research and gather information on each event
Create a timeline using a digital tool
Label and annotate the timeline with relevant details

Four other activities

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Analyze Primary Source Documents

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Enhance skills in interpreting primary source documents related to US foreign policy.

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Identify and gather relevant primary source documents
Read and analyze the documents carefully
Identify the context, purpose, and bias of each document
Draw inferences and conclusions based on the analysis

Explore US Foreign Policy Think Tanks

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Deepen knowledge of US foreign policy by exploring the perspectives of think tanks.

Browse courses on Research

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Research and identify reputable US foreign policy think tanks
Visit their websites and read their publications
Attend online events or webinars hosted by the think tanks
Engage with researchers and experts through social media

Help a Peer with US Foreign Policy Concepts

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Solidify knowledge by explaining concepts to others.

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Identify a classmate who needs assistance
Review the concepts and prepare to explain them
Provide guidance and support to your peer
Encourage questions and discussion

Organize Course Materials

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Improve learning outcomes by keeping materials organized.

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Compile notes, readings, and assignments
Create a system for organizing materials
Review and consolidate materials regularly

Career center

Learners who complete The Making of US Foreign Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

US Foreign Service Officer

US Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad. They work in a variety of roles, including diplomacy, consular affairs, and economic development. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help US Foreign Service Officers to better represent the United States and to more effectively carry out their duties.

See salaries and explore the career path for US Foreign Service Officer

International Relations Professor

International Relations Professors teach and research about the interactions between countries. They may specialize in a particular region or issue area, such as US foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help International Relations Professors to develop more informed and engaging lectures and research.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Professor

Think Tank Analyst

Think Tank Analysts conduct research and analysis on a variety of policy issues, including foreign policy. They may specialize in a particular region or issue area. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Think Tank Analysts to develop more informed research and analysis, and to better inform policymakers.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of politics and government. They may specialize in a particular subfield, such as international relations or comparative politics. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Political Scientists to develop more informed theories and to conduct more rigorous research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Diplomat

Diplomats are responsible for representing their country's interests in foreign countries. They negotiate with foreign governments, promote their country's policies, and provide information and assistance to their citizens abroad. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Diplomats better understand the motivations and actions of foreign governments, and to more effectively represent their country's interests.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the social and economic conditions of developing countries. They may work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help International Development Specialists to better understand the context of their work and to develop more sustainable and effective development programs.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original research on a variety of topics, including foreign policy. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Researchers to develop more informed research questions and to conduct more rigorous studies.

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US Intelligence Analyst

US Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information. They may specialize in a particular region or issue area, such as US foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help US Intelligence Analysts to better understand the motivations and actions of foreign governments, and to provide more informed intelligence assessments.

See salaries and explore the career path for US Intelligence Analyst

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may specialize in a particular policy area, such as foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Public Policy Analysts to better understand the context of their work and to develop more effective policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent the interests of their clients before government officials. They may specialize in a particular policy area, such as foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Lobbyists to better understand the motivations and actions of policymakers, and to more effectively advocate for their clients' interests.

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Foreign Policy Analyst

Foreign Policy Analysts use their knowledge of international relations to research, analyze, and forecast political, economic, and military developments in foreign countries. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Foreign Policy Analysts better understand the motivations and actions of foreign governments, and to make more informed recommendations to policymakers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Policy Analyst

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular field, such as international relations or economic development. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Consultants to better understand the context of their work and to provide more effective advice to their clients.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, marketing, and public relations. They may specialize in a particular topic, such as foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Writers to develop more informed and engaging content.

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Journalist

Journalists cover and report on current events, including foreign policy. They may specialize in a particular beat, such as diplomatic or military affairs. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Journalists to better understand the stories they cover and to provide more informed reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs that address social and environmental issues. They may specialize in a particular issue area, such as international development or human rights. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Nonprofit Program Managers to better understand the context of their work and to develop more effective programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Making of US Foreign Policy.

On Grand Strategy

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Cold War. It valuable resource for understanding the origins, course, and consequences of the Cold War.

The Making of US Foreign Policy

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

In-depth exploration of us foreign policy

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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