Students explore the history of U.S. relations with China and consider the implications of China’s economic growth, societal transformation, and increasing international role.
Climate Change and Questions of Justice
Students examine the causes and effects of global warming and delve into questions of who is most responsible for and vulnerable to the changing climate. Students also grapple with how to respond to climate change in ways that are both effective and fair.
Confronting Genocide:
Never Again?
Students explore the evolution of the international community’s response to genocide and examine how the U.S. has responded to six cases of genocide.
Competing Visions of Human Rights: Questions for U.S. Policy
Students probe the history of human rights and consider options for defining and protecting rights.
Immigration and the U.S. Policy Debate
Students explore the history of immigration to the United States and current U.S. immigration policy in the Trump era as they consider the complexities of U.S. immigration policy and prepare to articulate their own views about this issue.
A Global Controversy: The U.S. Invasion of Iraq
Readings and activities explore the history of Iraq, help students understand events surrounding the U.S.-led invasion, and examine the effects of the war on Iraq, the United States, and the international community.
The Middle East: Questions for U.S. Policy
Students examine oil and geopolitics, issues between the Palestinians and Israel, the significance of the Iranian Revolution, and other issues that have shaped U.S. relations in the region.
The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons
Students probe the history of nuclear weapons and the concept of deterrence. They examine arguments for and against nuclear weapons, and the challenges of leftover Cold War arsenals, proliferation, and the threat of nuclear terrorism.
Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy
Students consider the changing nature of terrorism, the motivations of terrorists, and the policy challenges for the United States.
International Trade in a Globalized World
Students explore the controversies surrounding international trade and consider the issues that affect trade including globalization in the United States and abroad.
The U.S. Role in a Changing World
Students identify global issues, assess national priorities, and decide for themselves the role the United States should play in the world as they consider the array of economic, political, and social transformations taking place both at home and abroad.
The United Nations: Challenges and Change
Students consider the record of the United Nations since its founding and examine the UN’s role in the world through an evaluation of three areas of UN work: the Security Council, peacekeeping, and human rights.
The United States in Afghanistan
Students grapple with questions regarding the involvement of the United States in Afghanistan by exploring Afghanistan’s culture and history and then examining the events that led to the Soviet invasion, the arrival of Osama bin Laden, and the situation today.