History 3450: History of
Dr. David Krugler
320 Warner Hall; 342-1783
History 3450 provides an advanced overview of the history of American foreign relations since the 1780s. With such an broad timeframe, it is not possible to examine in detail every major event in this history. Instead, the course is structured around five major themes:
The rise of
exceptionalism and its effects on
The ways in
which domestic politics and partisanship have molded
capitalism and quests for markets, resources, and trade opportunities have
concept of “national security” and its part in
By the semester’s end, students will have acquired
basic factual knowledge of the history of
History 3450 is a General Education course. Accordingly, it is designed to fulfill the learning outcomes for the Historical Perspectives component of General Education. This includes challenging “students to understand and assess our past, in order to form a clearer perception of the present and to deal more effectively with public issues.” Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will also be able to “demonstrate knowledge of the past; explore the multitude of circumstances and events that have helped to shape historical judgments, actions and visions; [and] interpret the sources of historical change in a variety of contexts” (Undergraduate Catalog 2007-2009, p. 28).
Books: The following texts are required and are available at the textbook center.
McDougall, Promised Land,
· Ralph Levering et al., Debating the Origins of the Cold War: American and Russian Perspectives
Quest for Security: A History of
Michael H. Hunt, Lyndon Johnson’s War:
Exams: You will take a mid-term (worth 15% of your total grade) and a final (15% of the grade). The exams will be in an essay format. Study guides will be distributed before the test dates, which are listed below.
will write two 5 page essays
(each worth 20% of your total grade; due dates listed below). The first paper,
which will draw on your reading of part I of Walter McDougall, Promised
Discussions: During six different classes (dates listed below), we will hold an in-depth discussion of reading about significant historical problems. Your individual participation in these discussions is mandatory and is worth 20% of your total grade. Discussion guides will be distributed well in advance of each discussion, and you must complete the assigned reading by class time. Make sure to set aside sufficient study time to complete the reading (the assignment schedule indicates when you should begin reading for each discussion).
Discussion “briefs”: Briefs are short summaries that highlight the main points, contentions, and evidence of a selected text or document. Using a form that I will distribute to the class, you will write a brief for all the discussions except the second one. You will need to bring to class two copies of your brief, one to hand in, the other to consult during discussion. Your briefs will be graded; altogether, the briefs are worth 10% of the total grade.
Recommended reading: It is expected that each student has completed at
least one college course in
Attendance: Roll will be taken at random throughout the semester. Students who are frequently absent when roll is taken will have their grade lowered at the semester’s end. If you cannot attend class, please let me know ahead of time. Students are not allowed to leave class early. Eligible students who require academic test or lecture accommodations should speak with me. Accommodations will also be made for religious holidays.
1 Midterm @ 15% 1st paper @ 20% Participation @ 20%
1 Final @ 15% 2nd paper @ 20% Discussion briefs @ 10%
Lecture & Assignment Schedule:
(Assignments and due-dates subject to announced changes).
Week 1: Begin reading
handout and article for discussion 1 on Jan. 28. The handout will be
distributed in class on Jan. 21;
for the article, click here. (You will need Adobe Acrobat to read the file.) See here for discussion brief
Wed. 1/21: Introduction to course and definition of important themes and concepts.
Week 2: Finish reading handout. (
Mon. 1/26: Diplomacy of the American Revolution.
Wed. 1/28: Disc. #1: Thomas
Jefferson’s lasting effects on
Week 3: Begin reading McDougall, Promised Land, 1-98.
Mon. 2/2: The War of 1812.
Week 4: Finish reading McDougall, 1-98.
Mon. 2/9: Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War.
Wed. 2/11: First
paper due. Disc. #2: The American
“Bible” of foreign affairs: the Old Testament. Lect.:
Civil War diplomacy for the Confederacy and the
Week 5: Begin reading
Wed. 2/18: Spanish-American War and American imperialism.
Week 6: Continue reading handout.
Mon. 2/23: Midterm exam.
Wed. 2/25: Teddy Roosevelt’s new world order.
Week 7: Finish reading handout.
Mon. 3/2: Wilsonian idealism and the First World War.
Wed. 3/4: Disc. #3: Special event:
Week 8: Start reading Levering, Debating the Origins of the Cold War, 1-62, 85-151. Recommended reading: Jones, Quest for Security, chapters 15-16.
Mon. 3/9: No-risk empire?
3/11: Depression diplomacy and
3/14 to 3/22: Spring Break: Continue reading Levering, Debating the Origins of the Cold War, 1-62, 85-151.
Week 9: Finish reading Levering, 1-62, 85-151. Recommended reading: Jones, chapter 18.
Mon. 3/23: Wartime diplomacy.
Wed. 3/25: Disc. #4: Russian and American perspectives on the Cold War. Lect.: Origins and early phases of the Cold War.
Week 10: Begin Hunt, Lyndon Johnson’s War. Recommended reading: Jones, chapter 20.
Mon. 3/31: Containment tested: The Korean War.
Wed. 4/1: A New Look.
Week 11: Continue reading Hunt, Lyndon Johnson’s War. Recommended reading: Jones, chapter 22.
Mon. 4/6: Kennedy as Cold Warrior.
Wed. 4/8: The
Week 12: Finish reading Hunt, Lyndon Johnson’s War.
Mon. 4/13: No class—April break.
4/19: Disc. #5:
Week 13: No reading.
Mon. 4/20: Second
Wed. 4/22: Cold War renewed.
Week 14: Begin reading McDougall, Promised Land, 101-222. Recommended reading: Jones, chapter 26.
Mon. 4/27: The
Wed. 4/29: End of the Cold War.
Week 15: Finish reading McDougall, 101-222. Recommended reading: Jones, chapter 27.
Wed. 5/6: Disc. #6: The American “Bible” of foreign affairs: the New Testament. Lect. Bush Doctrine as policy and practice.
Final exam: Wednesday, May 13, 3-4:52pm.
Note: Graduating seniors must take the exam.