History/Political Science 452 provides an advanced examination of the international affairs of the United States, analyzing political, economic, strategic, and ideological factors. We will examine the country’s journey from a disorganized postcolonial assortment of thirteen semi-sovereign states on the global periphery in the late eighteenth century, to an emergent superpower in 1945. The course also examines the effects of U.S. foreign policy at home and abroad. It covers the position of the British North American colonies in the international system, the diplomacy of independence, free trade, continental expansion, the Civil War, imperialism, progressive internationalism, World War I, the diplomacy of the New Era and Great Depression, and U.S. entry into World War II.
Upon the successful completion of History/Political Science 452, students will possess advanced knowledge of the history of U.S. foreign relations through the early 1940s, exhibit improved critical thinking skills, demonstrate enhanced analytic writing abilities, and display superior oral communication skills. Assignments will require students to demonstrate a command of the historical narrative and provide critical analysis in response to analytic questions.
HST/PS 452 is a hybrid course. Students are expected to complete all of the viewings, listenings, and readings prior to class each week.
- Teacher: Dustin Walcher