POLI 250 - Great Decisions: Current World Events

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours: [Reading Level 3 ]

The primary objective of this course is to examine a number of case studies or “great decisions” in U.S. foreign policy. One important dilemma in U.S. foreign policymaking will be studied each week. Weekly topics are drawn from recent history and current events, and each class will have either a regional or thematic focus. This course has been designed to coincide with the World Affairs Council Great Decisions Lecture series based on the Foreign Policy Association annual Great Decisons publications.
OFFERED: odd-year spring semesters

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Articulate contemporary issues/challenges in American Foreign Policy.

Identify key factors to explain current international dilemmas facing the United States.
Apprise historical background to and evolution of current foreign policy concerns for the U.S.

Goal 2: Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Analyze the case studies, define the root problem(s), explain the contributing assumptions, articulate the alternative viewpoints, & correlate the contextual issues.
Apply the decision-making process to each dilemma, determine and evaluate proposed solutions, and assess methods of monitoring proposals.

Goal 3: Demonstrate written communication skills.

Write a logical, coherent, critical essay/paper.
Take and use class notes and outlines.

Goal 4: Demonstrate oral communication skills.

Make a formal presentation featuring results of group research.
Exchange viewpoints in a small group setting and arrive at consensus in response to critical thinking questions.

Goal 5: Demonstrate the interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills needed in the workplace.

Work successfully in groups to conduct research and present results to a larger audience.
Employ effective written and oral communication with group members to organize information, concatenate different perspectives, and compromise.
Meet deadlines.