This field encompasses the history of the United States, its institutions, and its international relations, with a particular focus on the development of American foreign policy and diplomatic practice.
Students examine the geographical context and the cultural and economic basis as well as the political and constitutional-legal framework of U.S. government and foreign policy making. The question of the uniqueness, or "exceptionalism," of American civilization and of the appropriateness of the "lessons" of American experience to other societies in other regions of the world is examined. So, too, is the issue of the definition of U.S. "national interests" and of democratic and other American "values" – and the defense and the promotion of these internationally – in a changing global environment in which coalition efforts and multilateral cooperation are increasingly necessary, and universal norms are held to prevail.
In addition to considering these fundamental issues, students have the opportunity to explore topics such as international law in American diplomatic history, national security law and foreign relations, and relationships between the U.S. and specific geographic regions such as China, Latin America, and East Asia.
The United States field of study requires the completion of a minimum of three courses.