Check this page for information on class assignments. Be advised, though, that I may not, primarily for reasons of time, all the required assignments (or updates) for our class on this page. For this reason, you should NOT rely on this page. Instead, you should contact me, particularly if you have missed any class sessions.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT


General Instructions. To do well on the final, your responses must: (1) demonstrate a clear and explicit connection to the material covered in class (including lectures and readings); (2) clearly address each and every stated requirement in the questions; (3) include, when appropriate, accurate and relevant evidence (note: some outside research is required); (4) represent serious thought and effort; and (5) be presented in a polished and professional manner (NOTE: 0.5 points will be automatically deducted from each question for every "careless error," to a maximum of five points). To do superior work, you also need to "think creatively." Don’t just repeat the obvious or trite, and don’t be overly general, vague, or generic. Strive for genuine insights.

Needless to say, plagiarism is strictly prohibited. If you have any questions about the requirements or intent of the questions, contact me immediately.


PART I. CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO QUESTIONS o SUGGESTED PAGE LENGTH: 5~6 pages *(40 points):

NOTE: Both questions are based on the article by Condoleeza Rice. • Be advised that "suggested page length" is just that: Suggested. Your responses may be longer or shorter, but you should make every effort to write as conscisely as possible.

  1. Is there a viable, "realistic," but radically different alternative to the vision of US foreign policy as articulated by Condoleeza Rice in her article, "Promoting the National Interest."? In responding to this question, you are required to consider the perspectives provided by neo-idealist and constructivist thinkers (this includes postmodern and feminist constructivists). Or, must the United States continue to implement a foreign policy based on traditional principles of realpolitik or the pursuit of relatively narrow (economic and strategic) national interests? Thoroughly explain and justify your response (e.g., explain why a radical alternative would "work" or why it would not). Provide relevant and meaningful evidence to support your position. DO NOT summarize any of theoretical perspectives (you may highlight key principles, however, for the sake of clarity).


  2. Using the concepts and theoretical perspectives we’ve discussed throughout the quarter, analyze the article by Condoleeza Rice, "Promoting the National Interest." In your analysis, the primary question you must answer is this: Does Rice’s foreign policy "vision" fundamentally reflect realist, liberal, or idealist principles? Explain and provide examples from her article to illustrate your points. In addition to answering this question, you must also address the following question: Is Rice’s foreign policy vision consistent with the actual foreign policy practices of the Bush administration? Why or why not? (Your response to this question must include some discussion of, but need not be limited to, constructivist critiques.) Be sure to explain and support your answer with meaningful and significant evidence/examples. DO NOT summarize any of the theoretical perspectives (you may highlight key principles, however, for the sake of clarity).

PART II. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION o SUGGESTED PAGE LENGTH: 4~5 pages (30 points):

  1. (This question has TWO distinct parts.) Consider one of the following two US foreign policy issues: US trade policy regarding steel tariffs and the WTO or US global environmental policy/the Kyoto Protocol. Based on your selection, first explain the current US policy position—and any significant changes from previous administration(s)—using all three levels of analysis discussed by Neack. Be sure to support your answer with meaningful and significant evidence/examples. Your task, I should emphasize, is decidedly not to say whether Bush’s policy is right or wrong, but to tell us why the Bush administration adopted or changed its policy position. Second, discuss the inter-relationship among the three levels and the relative importance of each for the particular issue you selected. This question requires outside research on the issue you select. Make sure that you do not rely on only one or a few sources. FOR SOME BASIC SOURCES ON EACH OF THE ISSUES, CLICK THE APPROPRIATE LINK BELOW:

*Note: Numbering here does not correspond to hard copy (this is question #3). Please use original numbering in hard copy.

PART III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION o SUGGESTED PAGE LENGTH: 4~5 pages (30 points):

  1. Carefully read President Bush’s speech on "Freedom in Iraq and the Middle East" (available online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/11/20031106-2.html). After reading the speech, provide an analysis using the discursive practices approach (textual mechanisms) discussed by Doty and other constructivists. Since the speech is rather long, you are only required to provide FIVE specific textual examples to illustrate the discursive practices approach. Do not choose five similar examples (i.e., examples that simply repeat a point already made). In addition, you are required to address the following questions or requirements:
  • What type of foreign policy practices are made "possible" by this speech? Explain
  • Does Bush’s speech signify a meaningful change in US foreign policy, or does it merely reinforce existing policy? Explain and make sure to provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
  • Provide a summary/conclusion for your analysis.

*Note: Numbering here does not correspond to hard copy (this is question #4). Please use original numbering in hard copy.



OTHER REQUIREMENTS. Your responses must be type-written, double-spaced, and carefully proofread. Use standard 1" (top, bottom, left, right) margins and a 12 point font. Newspaper or other news sources do not need to be cited, but if you refer to academic sources (articles and books), you must provide proper citations and a bibliography. Whether or not you use outside source, the bulk of the analysis writing you do must be in your own words (i.e., do not use direct quotes or do not paraphrase excessively). It is critical that you demonstrate your mastery of the material and concepts.

This assignment is due on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 AT 4:00 P.M. You must turn your final into my office, E&T 512. If you bring your final early, you must slip it under my office door. DO NOT bring it to the department office. The staff will not accept any student papers.