Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Master's of International Relations with Thesis

PSIR559

FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS

Course Code
PSIR559
Semester
-
Theory+Practice
3 + 0
ECTS
10
Course TypeElective Course
Course LevelMaster's Degree With Thesis
Year of Study-
Semester-
ECTS10
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Have knowledge about how to analyze foreign policy decisions,
  2. Comment on the factors affecting foreign policy decisions,
  3. Have knowledge about decision-making models,
  4. Explain the functioning of the decision-making mechanisms,
  5. Explain the methods and instruments to be used in foreign policy
  6. Explain the differences between rational actor model and other models.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme ComponentsNo recommended optional program components.
Course DescriptionIn what ways should the foreign policy decisions of actors, particularly of states be analyzed? Which factors affect these decisions? How do the decision-making mechanisms operate? What may be the main foreign policy decisions? Which methods and instruments are used in order to achieve the goals determined for foreign policy? What are the roles of concepts such as national interest, strategy, culture and identity in foreign policy? In this course, these questions are tried to be answered and different approaches to these questions will be studied. At the end of this course, students are expected to be able to study foreign policy topics theoretically and to have the knowledge of alternative theories.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week What is foreign policy analysis, who are the actors in international arena?
2nd Week Level of analysis approaches used in foreign policy analysis
3rd Week Foreign Policy Analysis Studies
4th Week Methods used in foreign policy analysis
5th Week Decision making process - factors affecting foreign analysis
6th Week Foreign policy objectives of states
7th Week Foreign policy strategies of states
8th Week Mid-term Exam
9th Week Tools used by states in foreign policy
10th Week In-group decision making processes and environmental factors
11th Week Public opinion and its effect on foreign policy making process
12th Week Leaders' effect on foreign policy making process
13th Week Examination of "Rational Model" in foreign policy analysis I
14th Week Examination of "Rational Model" in foreign policy analysis II
Recommended or Required ReadingAlex Mintz & Karl DeRouen (2010) Understanding Foreign Policy Decision Making, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Marijke Breuning (2007) Foreign Policy Analysis: A Comperative Introduction,London: Palgrave Macmillan
David Singer (1961) The Level-of-Analysis Problem in International Relations, World Politics, Vol. 14, No. 1, The International System: Theoretical Essays (Oct.), pp. 77-92.
Steve Smith (1987) Foreign Policy Analysis and International Relations, Journal of International Studies, Vol.16, No.2, pp. 345-348.
Valerie M. Hudson and Christopher S. Vore (1995) Foreign Policy Analysis Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Mershon International Studies Review, Vol. 39, No. 2 (Oct.), pp. 209-238.
Steven B. Redd (2002) The Influence of Advisers on Foreign Policy Decision Making: An Experimental Study, The Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 46, No. 3 (Jun.), pp. 335-364.
Graham Allison and Philip Zelikow (1999) Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis, 2nd ed. New York: Addison Wesley Longman.
Rose McDermott (2004) Political Psychology in International Relations. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.

Richard C. Snyder, H. W. Bruck, Burton Sapin, and Valerie Hudson (2002). Foreign Policy Decision Making. New York: Palgrave.

Janis Irving (1982) Groupthink: Psychological Studies of Policy Decisions and Fiascoes, 2nd ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Robert Jervis, (1976) Perception and Misperception in International Politics. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

James N. Rosenau (1980) "The Premises and Promises of Decision-Making Analysis," in James Rosenau, The Scientific Study of Foreign Policy. New York: Frances Pinter and Nichols Publishing. Chapter 12.

Margaret G. Hermann (2001) "How Decision Units Shape Foreign Policy: A Theoretical Framework," International Studies Review 2, no. 2 (Summer), pp. 47-81.

Faruk Sönmezoğlu (2014) Uluslararası Politika ve Dış Politika Analizi. İstanbul: Der Yayınları.

Haluk Karadağ (2016) Uluslararası İlişkilerde Yeni Bir Boyut: Kamu Diplomasisi. Ankara: Nobel Yayıncılık, ss. 117-143.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Questions/Answers
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 25
Assignment 1 25
Presentation of Case Study 1 10
Total(%) 60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 40
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 2 2
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work 14 5 70
Preparation for Final exam 1 60 60
Course hours 14 3 42
Preparation for Midterm exam 1 55 55
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 3 3
Homework 1 50 50
Presentation (including preperation) 1 20 20
Total Work Load302
Total Work Load / 30 (h)10.06
ECTS Credit of the Course10
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
K1 X X
K2 X
K3
K4
K5
K6 X X X X X X
K7
K8 X X