Syllabus
An Introduction to United States National Security Policy
Course number: JMM339
Instructor: Doc. PhDr. Francis D. Raška, PhD.
Tel.: 732 309561
E-mail: francisraska@gmail.com
Office hours: Tuesdays from 3:30 PM until 4:30 PM and Wednesdays from 2 PM until 3 PM in Office 3079.
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
This M.A. seminar course seeks to help students gain a basic understanding of American national security policy in theory as well as in practice. As the United States is the world’s sole remaining superpower, it is important that students of American Studies have some knowledge of American foreign and security policy. The course is introductory in nature and the readings reflect this fact. All assigned readings will be sent to students via e-mail.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Each student will be awarded a final mark at the end of the semester, which will be determined by three factors:
Class participation 30%
Term paper 50%
Oral examination 20%
Students will be expected to read the assigned materials. Attendance in class and participation in class discussions are required and each student will be required to submit a term paper containing 10 to 15 double-spaced pages at the end of the semester. In order to avoid any problems, I will need to know term paper topics beforehand. During the first weeks of the course, we will agree as a group on the submission dates for the topics and the term papers themselves. If a student repeatedly fails to read the assigned materials and/or does not attend the course regularly, I reserve the right not to accept his/her term paper at the end of the term. This translates into "No work, no credit." Past experience has taught me that, largely on account of other university requirements and responsibilities, students need help with time management and guidance in their work. Therefore, I have decided upon several courses of action. First, I will insist that students let me know how they are getting on with their work throughout the course of the semester. Second, some time will be spent during the first session(s) discussing what is expected in a term paper. Third, all students can expect to be examined orally on the topic of their term paper at the end of the term. Questions asked during individual examination sessions may involve the given term paper topic as well as the research methods employed. The utlilization of others’ ideas must be cited. Failure to cite the words and/or ideas of others constitutes plagiarism. The Faculty of Social Sciences has very severe penalties for plagiarism, including expulsion. I ask each of you to be very careful and make sure that you cite all sources consulted. It is in your interest. Finally, I would like to stress that, in order for the course to be a success, we need to work together as a group of dedicated, mature scholars whose members communicate constructively with one another. Let the festival of learning begin!
TEXTS
George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, Washington, 2011.
Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, Lanham, MD., 2014.
COURSE TOPICS AND ASSIGNED READINGS
Historical Background of and Actors and Processes involved in United States National Security Policy and Its Evolution
Readings: 1. George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, pp. 1-54. 2. George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, pp. 55-96. 3. George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, pp. 97-138. 4. George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, pp. 139-223. 5. George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, pp. 227-265. 6. George, Roger Z. and Rishikof, Harvey (eds.), The National Security Enterprise: Navigating the Labyrinth, pp. 269-350.
Challenges and Threats facing United States National Security
Readings: 7. Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, pp. 37-72. 8. Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, pp. 75-119. 9. Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, pp. 121-161. 10. Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, pp. 163-201. 11. Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, pp. 203-251. 12. Jarmon, Jack A., The New Era in U.S. National Security: An Introduction to Emerging Threats and Challenges, pp. 255-273.
Annotation
This M.A. seminar course seeks to help students gain a basic understanding of American national security policy in theory as well as in practice. As the United States is the world’s sole remaining superpower, it is important that students of American Studies have some knowledge of American foreign and security policy.
The course is introductory in nature and the readings reflect this fact. All assigned readings will be sent to students via e-mail.