NORAM4514 – Issues in American Foreign Policy
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Since the Second World War American foreign policy has been understood in the United States as well as among its friends and allies through a single interpretative framework advanced by American political leaders and supported by a scholarly community. While there have been many bumps in the road, including the opposition of the Soviet Union and its allies, among other factors, this roadmap has enjoyed widespread and bi-partisan political support in the United States.
This seminar is an examination of the interdisciplinary debate that contests this existing international relations framework and has challenged opinion makers and publics alike to reassess the intentions and goals of American Foreign Policy.
Learning outcome
Students will examine current debates regarding the impact and influence of the United States on the world. They will acquire the background and perspective necessary to assess the relative value of those ideas. At the same time they will learn how knowledge is produced in debate between opposing perspectives seen in the light of institutional frameworks, historical conditions and on-going world developments.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Admission to the course is required.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Admission to the North America Area studies Master program, LAP or other relevant Master program.
Recommended previous knowledge
Good reading skills in English. NORAM1500 – American history (discontinued) and NORAM undergraduate courses in American government and politics are recommended.
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in total.
80% attendance in the seminar and giving an oral presentation on an assigned topic is compulsory.
Examination
An oral presentation (pass/fail) must be completed in order to qualify for the exam. Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the two consecutive semesters when the course is given. The grade will be based on an essay of 10 pages on an assigned topic.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
The results will be found on the StudentWeb within three weeks after the exam is completed.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.