A one semester course to focus on major events, examining how the political and economic factors, the players and the context combined to set precedents for the United States in the world. We will examine events from Ben Franklin to Ukraine and identify themes from the Monroe Doctrine to Containment. In analyzing these events, we will understand, and then trace, some of the major lines of thought that guide US Foreign Policy today. The class will be highly participatory and interactive, with presentations, discussions and role-playing exercises. Readings will be drawn from historical documents and contemporary commentary. Students will be expected to do four or all presentations over the course, write a total of 10,000 words and read about 100 pages per topic.