PPOG 641 U.S. Middle East Foreign Policy

U.S. Middle East Foreign Policy will build upon PPOG 640, providing a detailed analysis of the foundations, motivations, formation and impact of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East. The course will study the history and status of U.S.-Israeli relations, the substance of U.S. foreign policy, and the mechanics of how that policy is communicated, negotiated and carried out.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


This course will provide public policy students with a foundational understanding of the history, trends, and substance of U.S. foreign policy involving the Middle East nations. This course expands the degree program’s foreign policy offerings, specifically addressing some of the most important global issues facing U.S. policy makers, and will assist public policy students in becoming well-rounded practitioners in their chosen field.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. The student will post one thread of at least 400–500 words. For each thread, the student must support his or her assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations in APA format. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 200–250 words. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation(s) in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and other books and articles.

Research Paper: William E. Blackstone Assignment

The student will write a 5–7-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on William E. Blackstone. The paper must include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.

Research Paper: Presidential Leadership Assignment

The student will write a 5–7-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on presidential leadership in the context of U.S. Foreign Policy toward the Middle East. The paper must include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.

Research Paper: Current Events Assignment

The student will write a 5–7-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on current events as outlined in the course. The paper must include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.

Midterm Exam Assignment

The Midterm Exam will cover the Reading & Study material for Module 1: Week 1 – Module 4: Week 4. The exam will be open-book/open-notes and contain 2 essay questions with no time limit.


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