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Teaching

Politics of the USA - P0207 Moodle PageLink opens in a new window  

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the political system of the United States of America and to the rival theoretical accounts explaining the political outcomes this system generates. It focuses on the ideas that influence US politics, and the key actors that participate in the American political system. These actors include the President, Congress, the Supreme Court, political parties, and the electorate. It also assesses the power and influence of informal actors that affect US politics such as the media and special interest groups, as well as considering the impact of race, ethnicity, gender and religion on political participation and representation. Furthermore, the module explores the formulation of foreign policy.

United States Foreign Policy - P0379 Moodle PageLink opens in a new window  

This module analyses the foreign policy of the United States of America. The module introduces the main theoretical and conceptual debates concerning US foreign policy; focuses on the institutions and processes of US foreign and defence policy-making; analyses the individual, governmental, societal and external sources of US foreign policy; and offers opportunities for understanding and explaining the place of the US within the international system and its relationship with other states and non-state actors. Several contemporary issues and challenges facing the US in its foreign relations will be analysed including international terrorism, the Iraq War, the perceived threats from Iran and North Korea, the US role in globalisation, and the forms and consequences of anti-Americanism.