Бакалавриат
2026/2027
Современные США
Статус:
Курс по выбору (Международные отношения)
Кто читает:
Департамент международных отношений
Где читается:
Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики
Когда читается:
4-й курс, 2, 3 модуль
Охват аудитории:
для своего кампуса
Преподаватели:
Суслов Дмитрий Вячеславович
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
5
Контактные часы:
46
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course examines the evolution of the United States as a political system, society, and global power from the late eighteenth century to the first quarter of the twenty-first century. It explores the historical foundations of American constitutionalism, democracy, federalism, political culture, and national identity while analyzing the interaction between domestic political development and the changing role of the United States in world affairs.
Particular attention is devoted to the institutional structure of American government, including the Presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, political parties, elections, interest groups, and the federal system. The course also examines the major ideological traditions that have shaped American political development and foreign policy, including liberalism, conservatism, progressivism, nationalism, and American exceptionalism.
The course further investigates the evolution of U.S. foreign policy and grand strategy, from the Monroe Doctrine and Wilsonian internationalism to containment, post-Cold War primacy, the Global War on Terror, and contemporary strategic competition. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between domestic political change and foreign policy behavior, including the effects of political polarization, demographic transformation, economic restructuring, and ideological conflict on America's international role.
The course combines approaches from political science, international relations, history, and American studies. Through lectures, seminars, case studies, and analytical presentations, students develop the ability to analyze contemporary American politics and foreign policy within broader comparative and international contexts.
Learning Objectives
- provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of the American political system;
- examine the institutional foundations of American democracy and constitutional government;
- analyze the major ideological traditions shaping American politics and foreign policy;
- explore the interaction between domestic politics and foreign policy decision-making;
- investigate the evolution of American grand strategy and international leadership;
- examine contemporary political, social, and economic transformations in the United States;
- develop students’ ability to critically analyze U.S. domestic and foreign policy;
- strengthen analytical and presentation skills through the study of historical and contemporary political developments.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- explains the constitutional foundations of the American political system;
- defines the main stages of America's political development;
- Describes the structure and functioning of American political institutions;
- explains the evolution of the American party system;
- defines the main ideological traditions in American politics;
- explains the historical foundations of U.S. foreign policy;
- Analyzes the evolution of American grand strategy;
- assesses the relationship between domestic and foreign policy;
- Explains the current political and social challenges facing the United States;
- assesses the role of the United States in the modern international system.
- analyzes political processes in the United States;
- Interprets data on elections, demographics, and public opinion;
- Evaluates competing explanations for U.S. foreign policy behavior;
- Applies the concepts of political science and international relations to modern events;
- Compares American political institutions with those of other democratic systems;
- Formulates and defends analytical arguments concerning American politics and foreign policy guidelines.
- Applies independent analysis of contemporary American domestic and foreign policy;
- has a critical appreciation of academic and political literature;
- Preparation and presentation of analytical presentations;
- Participates in professional discussions on U.S. politics and international relations;
- Understands a comparative and interdisciplinary approach to political analysis.
Course Contents
- Topic 1. The Foundations of the American Republic
- Topic 2. The Evolution of American Democracy
- Topic 3. The Constitutional System and Political Institutions
- Topic 4. Political Parties, Elections, and Interest Groups
- Topic 5. Political Ideologies and American Political Culture
- Topic 6. Society, Identity, and the Crisis of National Consensus
- Topic 7. The United States as a Global Power
- Topic 8. U.S. Foreign Policy from the Cold War to the Twenty-First Century
- Topic 9. Domestic Sources of U.S. Foreign Policy
- Topic 10. The United States and the Transformation of the International Order
- Topic 11. The Future of the United States in the Twenty-First Century
Assessment Elements
- Seminar ParticipationIntended Learning Outcomes Assessed Students demonstrate: • knowledge of the historical evolution of the American political system; • understanding of U.S. political institutions and political culture; • knowledge of major trends in U.S. foreign policy; • ability to analyze contemporary political developments; • ability to engage critically with academic literature; • ability to formulate and defend analytical arguments.
- Analytical PresentationStudents prepare an individual analytical presentation on a topic related to the course. Length: 10–15 minutes The presentation is followed by questions and discussion. Students are expected to use academic literature, policy reports, and relevant empirical evidence. No written paper is required. Assessment Criteria
- Final Oral ExaminationConducted: Examination Period, Module 3, Academic Year 2025/2026 Format The examination is conducted orally. Each student receives a ticket containing two questions: 1. A question concerning American domestic politics, institutions, political culture, or society. 2. A question concerning U.S. foreign policy, grand strategy, or international role. Preparation time: up to 30 minutes. Duration of examination: approximately 20 minutes.
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 3rd module0.3 * Analytical Presentation + 0.4 * Final Oral Examination + 0.3 * Seminar Participation
