Adventures of Andrew Lee

Part III- Professor Spalding’s Post-Cold War, Current Event-Foreign Policy Class (Gov 125- Readings in American National Politics)

Posted by Andrew under: College; Study Guides .

After the fall of the USSR, the United States remained the sole superpower in the world. After the 9/11 attacks, the United States found reason to exercise its power (in Afghanistan and Iraq). If you’ve never taken a foreign policy class, don’t worry, your introduction to U.S. foreign policy will be comprehensive. If you are interested in foreign policy, you can be happy to know that this class does not disappoint. Professor Spalding’s class will focus on three things: theories of foreign policy, the transatlantic relationship, and whatever the current event topic is (e.g. War on Terrorism, whatever the threat may be- possibly N. Korea). Professor Spalding’s class consists of four parts: a midterm exam (20%), oral participation (20%), a book review (20%), and the final exam (40%).

The following are recommendations for her class:

1. Professor Spalding wants to know that you understand and could use the readings if questioned on the subject. As with the Academy, DO say and write the names of authors from the readings during your seminars and exams to receive high marks (e.g. Kagan says…).
2. Be able to summarize the reading, and DO have a couple of points to discuss about the reading. Professor Spalding’s seminar begins with summary of the reading, then continues to understanding the author’s perspective on topics in the class, and ends with general points of discussion. Within those three areas, you should come prepared to talk in one, at best be able to contribute in all three.
3. DO NOT discuss in class topics outside of the reading, Professor Spalding grades the presentation seriously and it will be the difference between an A- or a B+. If you want to discuss domestic policy, do it on your own time.
4. DO NOT make any grammatical errors on the book review. As well, follow recommendation (1) for the book review.
5. DO know the typologies of foreign policy theory, it’s likely that somewhere in your final or your midterm, you might have a question on foreign policy theories.

Generally, her class is straightforward. I would suggest meeting with her throughout the year concerning your internship and to discuss your performance in class.

Study Guides after the jump…

My Midterm Guide (Nat’l Security Strategy; Powell- “A Strategy of Partnerships”; Beinart, “A Fighting Faith” and responses; Attacking Terrorism)- Created by Elizabeth Schultz and Andrew Lee

Class Midterm Guide (Nat’l Security Strategy; Powell- “A Strategy of Partnerships”; Beinart, “A Fighting Faith” and responses; Attacking Terrorism)- Created by Spring 2005 DC class

Index to Final Study Guide

Final Study Guide (Gordon and Shapiro; Kagan- OP and P, America’s Crisis of Legitimacy; Cooper- Europe and America; Lindberg- Beyond P and P; Judis; Gaddis- book and reader)

Comprehensive Final Review Sheet