Teaching with the News

The U.S. Role in the World

We are in a period of heightened public debate in the United States concerning America's role in the world. What do we think? What issues are of most concern to us? What kind of world do we want in the 21st century?

This Lesson includes:

Lesson Plan: The suggested lesson plan explores four distinct alternatives - or Futures - that frame the current debate on the U.S. role in the world.

The U.S. Role in the World: Four Futures: The Futures are designed to help students think about a range of possible policy alternatives, the ramifications of each, and the risks and trade-offs involved. The Four Futures provided are not intended as a menu of choices. Rather, they are framed in stark terms to highlight very different policy approaches. Each alternative includes a set of policies on specific issues, an overview of the beliefs that underlie it, some arguments in support of the position, and some criticisms of it.

The U.S. Role in the World: Ballot: This activity provides an opportunity for students to express their views beyond the classroom. It is a thoughtful and balanced activity that will lead your students to articulate their own views on America's role in the world. A pdf of this ballot is available for use in the classroom. However, students must then enter their ballots online in order to be included in the report.

Student Homepage: This provides an entry point for students.

Additonal Resources from the Choices Program

The U.S. Role in a Changing World, is a one-week unit that helps students reflect on global changes, assess national priorities, and decide for themselves the role the United States should play in the world today. Readings include discussions of security, economy, environment, culture, and politics.The four Futures are at the heart of the unit.  

You may also find other topics in Teaching with the News useful. Topics include Iraq, Iran, environmental issues, terrorism, and more.

Scholars Online provides video taped interviews with researchers designed for use in classrooms, for homework, and for professional development.

Supplemental Materials section for The U.S. Role in a Changing World provides links to additional resources related to this issue.

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Review a list of Choices publications: In addition to its online resources, the Choices Program publishes a wide range of curriculum units on historical turning points and current issues. All published units include extensive background readings and accompanying lesson plans. Ordering is available online.