### Class Summary Report
#### Title: Continuity and Change in U.S. Foreign Policy Values
In this lesson, we delved into the historical progression of U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the themes of continuity and change in national values and interests. Students engaged in reflective activities, group discussions, and debates to analyze the relevance of past foreign policy values in the current era and to understand the evolution of these values over time.
#### Attendance:
– Number of students absent: Not explicitly mentioned, but attendance was taken during the session.
#### Topics Covered:
1. **Reflection Activity**:
– Students shared reflections on U.S. foreign policy values and interests from homework.
– Discussed the global era of U.S. foreign policy beginning with WWII.
– Examined the shift from isolationism to global engagement.
2. **Group Discussions**:
– Groups analyzed whether historical values and interests remain relevant today.
– Discussed the evolution of national security as a value from the continental era to the post-9/11 era.
3. **Role Play Debates**:
– Students assumed roles of historical figures during different U.S. foreign policy eras (Monroe Doctrine, Vietnam War, post-9/11).
– Debated the interests and values of their assigned characters, focusing on points of contention and agreement.
#### Actionable Items:
– **Follow-up Discussions**:
– Explore the legal and moral implications of the Vietnam War and post-9/11 foreign policies.
– Examine the effectiveness of the Monroe Doctrine’s non-interventionist principles.
– **Further Research**:
– Encourage students to research their debate characters more thoroughly.
– Investigate additional perspectives on the discussed eras, such as human rights advocates and international law.
– **Health Concerns**:
– Address the teacher’s health as they mentioned feeling unwell.
#### Homework:
– Read Chapter 9 from Scott and Rosati on decision-making theory and foreign policy making.
– Prepare for discussions on how the theories apply to the values and interests discussed in class.