The module introduces students to American foreign policy in terms of it formulation and evolution since the Cold War. The ultimate objective is to enable students to assess transatlantic relations in the wider context of US global foreign policy.

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

Ø  Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key concepts concerned with American foreign policy

Ø  Compare and contrast foreign policy approaches of different US administrations since the Cold War

Ø  Critically assess the evolving nature of transatlantic relations

Ø  Understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research, and to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, whilst demonstrating originality in addressing and solving problems

Ø  Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the latest scholarly research in the area of American foreign policy, as well as an ability to reflect upon theoretical and empirical issues in a sophisticated manner

Ø  Distinguish between the principal forms of reasoning and argument used in scholarly literature on international relations and American foreign policy.

Seminars, essay feedback, and guided independent study

Intellectual Skills:

Ø  Apply skills of independent research

Ø  Gather organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources, demonstrate an ability to appreciate and offer balanced assessments of arguments and information, and present the findings and conclusions in seminar discussion and the assessment essay

Ø  Develop a reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise criticai judgement in the use of information

Ø  Exhibit originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the area of American foreign policy.

Ø  Reflect on their own learning, make use of constructive feedback and manage their own learning self-critically

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

Ø  Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key concepts and arguments concerned with post-Cold War American foreign policy

Ø  Critically analyse and evaluate European responses to American post Cold War foreign policy

Ø  Critically evaluate transatlantic relations.

Transferable Skills:

Ø  Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing.

Ø  Use communication and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.

Ø  Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management.

Ø  Collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals.

Develop techniques for self-reflection and improvement

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Opportunity to re-submit an essay after completion of PART ONE modules in semester 2

Syllabus content

American power and the policymaking context

American global economic policy

American global security priorities

America, Europe and economic policy

America, Europe and security priorities

The future of transatlantic relations

Indicative Reading and Resource List:

The subject is fast-moving and students are expected to use journal articles, quality newspapers and quality websites in addition to a large literature – indicative titles include:

AP Dobson and S. Marsh (2006, second edition), US Foreign Policy Since 1945

G. Lundestad (2003), From Empire By Invitation to Transatlantic Drift

J. Hanhimaki et al (2012), Transatlantic relations Since 1945

A.P. Dobson and S. Marsh eds, (2013) Anglo-American Relations: Contemporary Perspectives