Banner image representing Saylor.org's POLSC311 on iTunes U

“Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.” – Former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Interested in what fears, truths, histories, theorems and factors have impacted US foreign policy? Want to know how (and why) the US interacts with international organizations such as the UN? Then get your iPads ready! POLSC311: United States Foreign Policy  is now available on our iTunes U channel

At the end of this free, certificated course you will be able to:

  • identify the processes and institutions relevant to foreign policy-making in the United States;
  • compare and contrast competing theories of international relations that relate to US foreign policy as well as specific theories of foreign policy-making, and explain how these theories help us understand US foreign policy;
  • trace the historical development of US foreign policy, including key historical events that have shaped and were shaped by US foreign policy, and apply this historical context to contemporary issues in US foreign policy;
  • list and describe substantive and geographical issues relevant to contemporary foreign policymakers in the United States, and provide informed policy proposals for addressing these issues;
  • synthesize information about US foreign policy goals, values, contemporary issues, and trends to articulate a grand strategy for US foreign policymakers to follow;
  • critically evaluate and analyze US foreign policy goals, values, and contemporary issues using the conceptual and theoretical tools of the field. Explain how foreign policy goals and priorities have and will continue to change, and identify issues that will be important to future policymakers; and
  • apply theoretical principles from international relations and foreign policy analysis to explain and understand why the US created and implemented specific foreign policy decisions.

Not on iOS? The original version is here to stay!