Course Description
Course merges historical analysis with cognitive science to examine how historical analogies influence political decisions and public opinion on foreign policy. Students research their impact and collaboratively design experiments to test how leaders use historical lessons to manipulate and mobilize public opinion on international issues.
Athena Title
History and Foreign Policy
Prerequisite
INTL 1100 or INTL 1100E or INTL 1100H or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S or any 2000-level HIST course
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of the semester, each student will be in a position to understand how historical analogies operate as both cognitive shortcuts and rhetorical tools for framing foreign policy issues.
- By the end of the semester, each student will be in a position to explain how media and political leaders use historical analogies to shape public perceptions and support for foreign policy initiatives.
- By the end of the semester, each student will be in a position to develop strategies to apply historical analogies to mobilize public opinion on contemporary issues.
- By the end of the semester, each student will be in a position to critically evaluate the ethical implications of using historical analogies to justify justifying foreign policy decisions.
Topical Outline
- Section 1: Setting the Traditional Foreign Policy Framework
1.a Understanding theoretical models:
Identify the major theories of foreign policy decision-making such as the rational actor model, bureaucratic politics model, and organizational process model, including their strengths and weaknesses.
1.b Identifying key actors:
Recognizing the roles of different actors in foreign policy decision-making, including government leaders, bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, media, and public opinion.
- Section 2: Historical Analogies and their Impact
2.a Central Role of Historical Analogies: Explain how historical analogies serve as a central framework for understanding and influencing foreign policy decision-making and public opinion.
2.b Patterns of Analogy Use: Identify recurring historical analogies (e.g., “Munich,” “Vietnam”) and their centrality in shaping elite-level decision-making and public discourse.
2.c Decision-Making Contexts: Understand the psychological, political, and historical contexts in which policymakers and the public rely on historical analogies.
2.d Public Opinion and Narratives: Explore how elites use historical analogies to influence public opinion, often framing complex foreign policy issues in relatable terms.
- Section 3: Application
3.a Research Project: Student teams develop three “framing concepts” using historical analogies to mobilize public support for a contemporary foreign policy issue
3.b Responsible Usage: Reflect on the ethical implications of using historical analogies as a persuasive tool in foreign policy practice
