This is a three-part sequence of courses, each of which may be taken independently of the others.  The intent of this course cycle is to examine presidential decisions and their effects on U.S. international relations and foreign policy.

Course III serves as a culmination of our study and brings us to the present. We begin with Bill Clinton and proceed through the initial months of the presidency of Joe Biden. This exploration includes decisions about U.S. interventions in Africa and the Bosnian War, 9/11 and "The War on Terror," the invasion of Iraq, the Iranian nuclear arms deal, "The Obama Doctrine," American disengagement and reengagement internationally, and strategic engagement with China. 

Dr. Mark Stern received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Rochester (1970). He taught at the University of Central Florida (1972-1994) where he directed the University Honors Program, received the University Teacher of the Year Award, and later served as the Senior V.P. and the V.P. for Academic Affairs at Shepherd University (1994-2015). He has published a scholarly book, "Calculating Visions: Kennedy, Johnson and Civil Rights" and numerous articles about the impacts of presidential decisions. He has taught adult students since his retirement in 2015 and holds Associate Emeritus Professor status at Arizona State University.