131-236 The USA & the World:Democracy and Empire

Usually 25 points of first year history.

The subject examines relations between the USA and the world from the founding of the new nation to the present, with a particular focus on the ways in which U.S. interventions in the affairs of countries outside its borders were articulated within American ideologies of freedom and democracy. Topics covered will include the influence of the Monroe Doctrine, Manifest Destiny, the Spanish American war, the League of Nations and the United Nations, isolationism and peace movements, US entry into WW2, the Cold War, military interventions globally (especially in Latin America and Asia including Vietnam) from World War 2 to Bush's war on terror. The particular focus will be on the interaction (or lack of it) between domestic politics and public opinion, and the formation of foreign policy at the Presidential level. The subject aims to explore the diversity of opinion that existed within the borders of the United States, as well as world-wide perceptions of this global superpower.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a review essay of 1500 words 40% (due at the end of semester).