Course content

This course discusses the role of the United States as a major power in the international system. We identify important causes of the US’ dominant position and how this influences the US’ foreign policy relations. The emphasis will be on recent and current American foreign policy, but an overview of the US’ historical background is also provided. The individually written research paper should be up to 25 pages long (9000-9500 words). The person responsible for the course decides at the start of the semester whether the research paper may be written individually or as a group work. A group project requires a more extensive research paper and it should be possible to separate the contributions for the purpose of grading.

Learning outcome

To improve the students’ understanding of how theory and empirical observations interact in political science research on the topic of American foreign policy.

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of lectures/seminars per week throughout the semester and term paper supervision.

Forms of assessment: Term paper and a 3 hour written exam. The term paper counts for 2/3 of the grade, the written exam for 1/3. If you fail or want to take the exam again, you have to take both parts.

The language of instruction is English.

Compulsory assignments

• All the activities that are organized in the course are compulsory.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge of the main concepts and theories within political science.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions