### Class Summary Report
**Title:** Analyzing US Foreign Policy Through Theoretical Lenses
**Synopsis:** This class session focused on deepening students’ understanding of international relations theories—realism, liberalism, and constructivism—and applying these theories to analyze US foreign policy decisions, particularly the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The lesson aimed to challenge students to critically evaluate the reasons behind foreign policy decisions and explore the limitations of their current understanding.
**Attendance:**
– Absent Students: 2 mentioned by name (Zarifa Fatima Baluch, Amira), plus others not explicitly listed.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Housekeeping and Attendance Policies:** Brief review of syllabus updates and detailed discussion on attendance policy, including the importance of being present at the start of the class and procedures for late arrivals.
2. **Review of International Relations Theories:** Recap of realism, liberalism, and constructivism, including their core principles and application to the analysis of state behavior.
3. **Homework Interrogation Activity:** Students shared and critiqued the application of international relations theories to US foreign policy decisions in small groups, focusing on the limits of their analyses.
4. **Group Scenario Analysis:** Students were grouped by theoretical perspective to analyze the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, discussing and defending their views based on realism, liberalism, or constructivism.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Technical Issues:** Address audio and connection problems to ensure all students can participate effectively, especially those attending online.
– **Enhance Discussion Moderation:** Ensure a more equitable distribution of discussion time among students, both online and in-person.
– **Feedback on Participation:** Provide individual feedback to students on their participation and analysis during the activities to encourage deeper engagement.
**Homework:**
– Read Chapter 2 in the Rosati book, focusing on the Monroe Doctrine.
– Prepare to discuss the continuity or change in US foreign policy from the Monroe Doctrine to today.
– Reflect on the application of international relations theories to current US foreign policies, considering the discussions from class.