Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 445W D100

American Foreign Policy (4)

Class Number: 2839

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines US foreign policy in the post World War II era. Topics to be covered will include the formation of foreign policy, 20th century American security issues, alliance relations, crisis management and international economic relations. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers an introduction to US foreign policy within the context of an intensive writing course. Substantively, the class focuses on explanations of US actions and orientations on the world stage, with an emphasis on examining the applicability of existing theories to the foreign policy decisions made during Donald J. Trump’s Presidency.

At the same time, significant attention in the course will be devoted to developing student writing skills. In-class and take-home assignments develop students’ ability to convey ideas about US foreign policy in a variety of written forms: opinion-style pieces styled after newspaper “op-eds;” academic evaluations of published research on US foreign policy; and a lengthy literature review of US foreign policy research. Lectures and discussions will also focus on the craft of writing, including the following topics: developing good writing habits, how to write quality sentences and paragraphs, how to consider the audiences for written work, giving and receiving written feedback, and on the goals of written communication.

Grading

  • Six opinion essays 45%
  • One analytic essay and revision 10%
  • Foreign policy simulation 10%
  • Research project 15%
  • Peer-reviewing 10%
  • Class participation 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are expected to bring either a computer or a tablet with them to class.

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings and materials are available through the SFU library.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.