Welcome to U.S. History 103 1945 to the Present

Class focus:
This course introduces students to a study of American foreign relations in the 20th century with a particular concentration on the contributions, both good and bad, of US foreign intelligence activities. As the US evolved into a global power in the 20th century, the American intelligence apparatus assumed greater relevance for foreign policy decisions. U.S. presidents utilized intelligence with both well-publicized disasters or less-heralded as results. It will be my goal for this semester for students to come away from this class with a greater understanding of US intelligence: its components, presidential applications, failures, successes. In addition, the domestic implications will be examined.

Some questions I look to raise for students include: what are the various roles intelligence plays in US foreign policy? To what degree does intelligence input affect presidential decisions? What has been the impact of intelligence decisions on the recipient nations? How have technological advances both improved and hindered intelligence abilities? Using the concept of “blowback,” in which manners have the use of covert operations affected the U.S.? What are the domestic implications of US intelligence? How and why has the intelligence made internal policy and personnel choices over time? What sacrifices have been made in the War on Drugs to facilitate intelligence operations?

My approach for teaching will be to have a two part semester. The first part will be a chronological look at US foreign intelligence, using secondary sources. With in-class exercises, lectures, and discussion, we will examine the traditional role of intelligence in foreign policy. During this part, students will also be reading two books (of her or his choice) from which a 5-6 paper analysis will result. The second half will be a thematic examination of US foreign intelligence. Here, we will broach the topic in a more in-depth manner, using a wider analytical lens through which to view intelligence. Students will explore declassified documents and other materials which will shine a light into the veiled activities of intelligence.

In this class you will be historians, engaging in various activities that reflect a historical knowledge and the ability to analyze, research, and present aspects of US Intelligence and American foreign policy and its domestic implications. You will read and analyze primary sources. You will write both short essays and, from two books on intelligence, a 5-6-page paper. You will research a topic of your choosing, using declassified documents. You will be required to give a brief 5-minute presentation on your research. You will engage your classmates in the daily discussions. You will examine videos, analyzing their themes and how they present US foreign intelligence history. You will learn and have fun!