**Title: Final Reflections and Review: U.S. Foreign Policies and Global Diplomacy**
**Synopsis:**
In the final session of the course, students and the instructor engaged in reflective discussions and presentations on various components of U.S. foreign policies, including Taiwan and China, climate change diplomacy, and NATO’s historical and contemporary strategic implications. This session served not only as a recapitulation of key topics but also as a platform for students to showcase their understanding through prepared video essays, which were critiqued and appreciated for their depth and presentation quality.
**Attendance:**
– Total Absentees: Unclear from the transcript.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Review and Reflections:**
– Brief reviews by students on the knowledge and critical thinking skills acquired throughout the course.
– Discussions focused on the intertwining of public and foreign policies and how the course facilitated a deeper understanding of geopolitical dynamics.
2. **Student Presentations on U.S. Foreign Policy:**
– **Taiwan’s Strategic Importance:** Discussion on its democratic values, economic ties with the U.S., and strategic location in East Asia.
– **U.S. and China Relations Overview:** Historical context of economic and political interactions, strategic competition, and future prospects in light of ongoing global power shifts.
– **Climate Change Diplomacy:** Analysis of the fluctuating U.S. stance on climate agreements depending on the administration in power and its global implications.
– **NATO’s Enlargement and Strategic Shifts:** Historical expansion and its impact on global alliances and U.S. strategic goals.
3. **Technical Issues and Resolution:**
– Difficulties with audio sharing during online presentations, resolved midway through the session.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Urgent:**
– Ensure all students have submitted their final essays and projects by the set deadline to facilitate timely grading.
– Address any technical issues on the e-course platform that may hinder submission processes.
– **Moderate:**
– Consider providing additional support or alternative arrangements for students facing technical or health challenges that impact their coursework.
– **General:**
– Reflect on the feedback provided during this session to enhance future course delivery, especially in balancing the grading and assessment processes between online and in-person participants.
**Homework:**
– Final papers and related project submissions are due shortly. Students are reminded to adhere to the deadlines to ensure their work is graded on time.
– Students who have missed previous assignments are permitted to submit one past assignment for partial credit; specific arrangements to be confirmed by the instructor based on individual cases.