Lesson Report:
Okay, here is the lesson report generated from the transcript:
**Lesson Report**
**Title: US Foreign Policy Trend Analysis: Integrating Historical Narratives and IR Theory**
**Synopsis:** This session continued the development of the final trend analysis paper focusing on US foreign policy. The instructor reviewed the paper’s core requirements for a student who missed previous sessions and guided the class in deepening their historical narratives. The main focus shifted to integrating International Relations (IR) theories, with students identifying relevant theories (Realism, Liberalism, Securitization, Constructivism) for their chosen trends and receiving individualized feedback and guidance on applying these theoretical lenses.
**Attendance:**
* 1 student (Hamdami) was noted as absent at the start of the class.
* (Note: Nazima was present but confirmed missing previous sessions. Hamdam left the meeting before the session concluded).
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Introduction & Review of Trend Analysis Paper (Catch-up for Nazima):**
* **Objective:** To ensure all students understand the requirements for the final project.
* **Key Requirements:**
* Select a *trend* in US foreign policy history, not a single event (e.g., “nuclear deterrence strategy” instead of “Cuban Missile Crisis”).
* Analyze the trend’s origins, key stages/turning points, current status, potential future, and overall significance (“Why did it occur? Why does it matter?”).
* Incorporate analysis through the lens of specific International Relations (IR) theories.
* **Example Used:** Raphael’s topic on the US characterization of enemies (Communism vs. Terrorism vs. Authoritarianism) and the suggested application of Securitization Theory to explain the political framing involved.
* **Session Goal:** Continue developing historical background and focus specifically on theoretical integration.
2. **Topic Brainstorming & Guidance (Nazima):**
* **Activity:** Instructor guided Nazima in selecting a suitable trend.
* **Student Idea:** Nazima proposed focusing on “Populism in the US.”
* **Instructor Feedback:**
* Populism is primarily domestic; the topic is acceptable *only if* framed around the *impact of populism on US foreign policy decision-making*.
* Key challenges identified: Defining/proving periods of US “populist mode” and demonstrating its causal link to foreign policy actions. Suggested leveraging existing academic literature.
3. **Activity: Reviewing Historical Narrative Questions:**
* **Objective:** To solidify the historical foundation of the trend analysis paper.
* **Procedure:** Reviewed 4 questions previously discussed (potentially via Google Doc), asking students (especially those who missed the prior session) to brainstorm answers for their trends:
1. *Origin:* When did the trend begin? What were the initial catalysts (events, ideas)?
2. *Turning Points:* What key events marked shifts? How can different eras within the trend be identified?
3. *Key Decisions/Actors:* How did specific decisions or individuals shape the trend’s trajectory?
4. *Thesis Support:* How does the constructed historical narrative support the student’s main argument (thesis statement)?
* **Clarifications Provided:**
* On Question 4: Emphasized that this question ensures the historical details align with and support the paper’s central thesis.
* On Paper Structure: Confirmed that students have flexibility in integrating theoretical discussions within the narrative sections, rather than strictly adhering to a separate theory section, as long as all components are present and logically ordered.
4. **Activity: Identifying Relevant IR Theories:**
* **Objective:** To have students select appropriate IR theories to explain their chosen US foreign policy trends.
* **Procedure:** Students shared their initial thoughts on theories, followed by instructor feedback and discussion.
* **Student Cases & Feedback:**
* **Jade (Topic: US Interventionism/Reconstruction/Aid):** Considered Securitization, then focused on Liberalism/Internationalism for development aid and Realism for economic aspects.
* *Instructor Feedback:* Encouraged pursuing the Liberalism angle for interventionism, acknowledging it’s a less common (contrarian) approach than Realism. Stressed the importance of addressing likely Realist counterarguments (e.g., explaining the Iraq War through a liberal lens – democracy promotion/institution building – vs. the realist argument of oil interests). Suggested nuance: acknowledging material interests while framing actions within a liberal institutional framework.
* **Nazima (Topic: US Pivot to Asia/China Relations):** Proposed Realism (threat from China) and Liberalism (regional investment/partnerships). Leaning towards focusing on Realism.
* *Instructor Feedback:* Affirmed the “Pivot to Asia” as an excellent trend. Validated both Realist (counterbalancing China) and Liberal (institution-building) perspectives. Noted Realism is the classic interpretation and mentioned the relevance of the pivot’s stalling and potential revival.
* **Rafael (Topic: US Characterization of Enemies):** Mentioned Securitization Theory, possibly Constructivism (ideology of democracy promotion), and the Military-Industrial Complex (MIC).
* *Instructor Feedback:* Clarified that MIC is a relevant *concept/phenomenon* but not an IR *theory*. Advised focusing on one or two core theories (like Securitization) to provide a coherent analytical foundation. Suggested using Securitization Theory to *explain* the MIC’s influence and persistence.
* **Hamdam (Topic: War on Terror/Military Tools):** Identified Realism (national security, state interests, power projection post-9/11).
* *Instructor Feedback:* Agreed Realism is a standard fit. Recommended specifying a *particular strain* of realism capable of analyzing threats from *non-state actors* (like Al-Qaeda/ISIS), as classical realism focuses on state threats. Mentioned Mearsheimer as a potential theorist in this area.
5. **Activity: Deepening Theoretical Analysis (Begun):**
* **Objective:** To refine the application of chosen IR theories.
* **Procedure:** Instructor introduced 3 follow-up questions for students to consider for *each* selected theory:
1. *Appropriateness:* Why is this specific theory the most suitable lens for the trend (compared to alternatives)?
2. *Core Concepts:* What specific concepts *within* the theory are most relevant for explaining the trend?
3. *Illustration:* Which 1-2 historical events from the trend best exemplify the theory/concepts in action?
* **Clarification Provided (Rafael):** Regarding the MIC, reiterated using Securitization Theory to explain the *mechanisms* behind the MIC’s influence (framing threats, lobbying, constituent politics).
* **Partial Sharing (Question 2 – Core Concepts Only):** Due to time constraints, students briefly shared core concepts:
* **Jade:** (Mentioned Realism concepts like balance of power). Reminded to focus on concepts unique to her *primary* chosen theory (likely Liberalism based on earlier discussion).
* **Nazima (Realism):** Identified struggle for power, balance of power, securitization. Instructor elaborated on “struggle for power” in the context of US-China dynamics in Asia.
* **Rafael (Constructivism):** Highlighted Wendt’s “Anarchy is what states make of it” and the role of identity/ideas in shaping state actions (relevant to enemy characterization).
* **Hamdam:** Had left the meeting.
6. **Wrap-up & Next Steps:**
* Theoretical discussion to be concluded next Monday.
* Workshops planned for Monday to review semester concepts.
* Wednesday’s class plan (“wild card”): A vote will be held on Monday to decide between a special activity or a relevant movie screening.
**Actionable Items:**
* **Student Support:**
* Follow up with Nazima to ensure she has access to all necessary materials (syllabus, potentially previous notes/recordings) regarding the final paper requirements and check on her trend topic finalization.
* **Lesson Planning:**
* Prepare materials and structure for the review workshops scheduled for next Monday’s class.
* Develop potential options for the “special activity” for Wednesday’s class.
* Select a relevant movie option to propose for Wednesday’s class.
* Organize and facilitate the class vote on Monday regarding Wednesday’s activity.
* **Resource Management:**
* Ensure the Google Doc referenced for historical narrative questions is accessible and potentially update its title from “the not so good”.
* **Attendance/Engagement:**
* Note Hamdam’s early departure (monitor if this becomes a pattern).
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Theoretical Integration Preparation
This assignment requires you to further develop the theoretical framework for your trend analysis paper. Following our in-class discussion on integrating international relations theories, you will answer specific questions to solidify your understanding of how your chosen theory (or theories) applies to your U.S. foreign policy trend. This preparation is crucial for our next session where we will finalize this aspect of your project outline.
Instructions:
1. Refer back to the international relations theory (or a maximum of two theories) you identified during our class session as the most relevant for explaining your chosen U.S. foreign policy trend.
2. For *each* theory you intend to use, thoughtfully answer the following three questions that were introduced in class:
* **Why is this theory the most appropriate lens?** Explain your reasoning for selecting this theory over others to understand the dynamics of your specific trend. What makes it the best fit?
* **What are the core concepts from this theory that are most relevant?** Identify the key concepts within the theory (e.g., balance of power, securitization, democratic peace theory, anarchy is what states make of it) that you will use to explain *how* and *why* the events in your trend occurred. Ensure these concepts are central to the chosen theoretical perspective. (We briefly started discussing these concepts in class).
* **Which historical events best illustrate this theory?** From the historical narrative of your trend that you have been developing, select one or two specific events that you believe serve as clear examples of your chosen theory and its core concepts in action. Briefly explain the connection.
3. Prepare to share and discuss your answers to these questions during our next class meeting on Monday. This will help us wrap up the theoretical integration section of your paper preparation.