Main Content

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

PUBPL 483: Seminar in National Security Policy (3) Course will examine the inter-relationship of foreign, military and economic policy.

---

---

Overview

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process of U.S. national security policy -- the principles, practices, and participants in the development and implementation of security strategy and policy.  It applies theories and models to the bureaucratic policy-making structure of the Executive Branch, looks at the roles of other governmental participants, and evaluates the many factors that constrain decision making.  It assesses the impact of non-governmental entities such as the media, interest groups, and public opinion, and considers the effect of changing domestic factors on the process.  Finally, it prepares students to be knowledgeable and effective participants in the process and presents them with a practitioner’s framework for policymaking.

The main themes of this course are that the U.S. Constitution established a federal government of separate institutions sharing powers within an intentionally inefficient system of checks and balances that has evolved during the past 225 years by virtue of a dynamic process of Constitutional Amendments, legislative statutes, judicial decisions, and executive actions; and, that national security decisions are best understood by considering the bureaucratic context in which they are made within the Executive Branch, and as a result of the interaction of other governmental and non-governmental participants.

---

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Comprehend the U.S. national security process.
• Be familiar with the principles of the U.S. Constitution, which established a federal government of separate institutions sharing powers within a system of checks and balances, and resulting laws, decisions, and executive actions, all of which continue to have an impact on the security process.
• Analyze the bureaucratic interagency process in which security decisions are made and implemented as a result of statutory enactments, judicial decisions, and executive actions.
• Understand the underlying authority for how the U.S. develops and implements security policy.
• Know and understand the process by which policy is formulated.

Roadmap

• Do the readings as assigned for each lesson.
• Submit the written assignments as designated.
• Attend the interagency policy-making meetings, with talking points, and vote as directed by your agency.

---

Materials

​Selected statutes, court decisions, and executive orders and directives will also be used in the course.

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

• access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
• borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
• get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
• much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

---

Technical Requirements

For this course we recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:

Technical Requirements

Operating System	Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems.  To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Browser	Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.    To determine if your browser is supported, please review the list of Canvas Supported Browsers. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements	For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software	All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.
Hardware	Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution Audio: Microphone, Speakers Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.
Mobile Device (optional)	The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.

---

Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)

During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.

---

IT Service Desk

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!

 

---

Course Requirements and Grading

Grades will be based on weekly postings, and the participation in policy-making meetings during the Exercise.

Grading

Assignments will be graded using the following grading scale.

Grade	Percentage
A	94 - 100%
A-	90 - 94%
B+	87 - 90%
B	84-87%
B-	80-84%
C+	76 - 80%
C	70 - 76%
D	60 - 70%
F	0-60%

Late Policy:

Please review the due dates as outlined in the course schedule. If you believe you will not have access to a computer close to an assignment's due date, you should plan ahead and submit your work early. Anything submitted after 11:59 PM on the due date will be considered late, and the following late deductions will apply:

• There will be a 10% grade deduction for any late work including assignments, draft work, and discussion forum postings and replies. After one week past the original due date, I will no longer accept any late work (that means the missing assignment will receive a zero), nor will I accept a batch posting of late work at the end of the semester.  
• You must hand in all major assignments to pass the course.

Grading

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
 

Deferred Grades
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

---

 

Course Schedule

Note that assignments are due based on the Eastern Time zone (EST or EDT). This ensures that all students have the same deadlines regardless of where they live.​

• Course length: 12 weeks

Course Orientation

Week 1

Timeframe:	NOTE: This time frame includes two lessons. Please refer to the next lesson for additional readings and activities due.
Readings:	Course Introduction lessons
Assignments:	None

 

Lesson 1: Introduction and Context of Security Policy

Week 1

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook Sarkesian, Sam C., Williams, John Allen, and Cimbala, Stephen J. US National Security. Fifth Edition, Rienner Publishers, Inc., 2012. pp. 1 - 20, 45 - 71. Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011, Annual Update). Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense. pp 5-6 Other Readings National Security Strategy of 2017 National Security Presidential Memorandum - 4 (April 4, 2017). National Military Strategy of the United States of America 2015 (skim) The 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (pp.5-61, 81-82, skim remainder) ​Declaration of Independence, focusing on basic rights, and abuses US Constitution, Preamble, Art I sec. 8 and Art II Federalist Papers, Numbers 3, 23, 41, 43, 45 and 78. Anti-Federalist Paper, Constitution Society
Assignments:	Written Assignment: Describe the key concerns the Framers of the Constitution were addressing and the main dangers they were trying to avoid.  Submit your thoughts in two paragraphs. ​

 

Lesson 2: Origins and Attributes and History of the Process

Week 2

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook Sarkesian, Sam C., Williams, John Allen, and Cimbala, Stephen J. US National Security. Fifth Edition, Rienner Publishers, Inc., 2012. pp. 91 - 105. Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update). Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense. pp. 6-12. Other Readings Introductory comments U.S. Constitution Federalist Papers, Number 10, 51 National Security Council Overview Presidential Policy Directive 1
Assignments:	Written Assignment: Decide whether an inefficient system of decision making, resulting from limited government, with checks and balances, as envisioned by the Framers and as evolved by numerous statutes and directives is in the best interest of the nation.   Post your comments consisting of at least two paragraphs.

 

Lesson 3: The Process in Theory: Concepts and Models of Policy Making

Week 3

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 199 - 209 Other Readings Introductory comments Allison and the Cuban Missile Crisis PDF The Essence of Decision PDF
Assignments:	Written Assignment:  Describe your perspective of how you might function in a policy-making environment, as to whether you consider yourself to be a rational actor.  Submit your perspective in two paragraphs.

 

Lesson 4: The Process in Practice: The Presidency and National Security

Week 4

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook The Presidency and the National Security Process US National Security 109 - 131 Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense.  pp. 12-24. Other Readings Introductory comments PSD 1 PPD 1
Assignments:	Written Assignment: Describe the line of authority for security policy from the President to your agency and list the membership by title of your agency in the inter-agency system. Submit your postings in two paragraphs.

 

Lesson 5: Statutory Members of the NSC

Week 5

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook The policy triad and the NSC: The National Security Advisor, Department of State, and Office of the Secretary of Defense, US National Security 138 - 157. Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update). Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense. pp. 44-57. Other Readings Introductory comments
Assignments:	Written Assignment:  List five issues of homeland security about which to brief the President.  Submit your issues.

 

Lesson 6: Statutory Advisors to the NSC

Week 6

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook The military establishment and the chain of command, US National Security 159 - 175 The intelligence community, US National Security 177 - 196. Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense. pp. 48-65. Other Readings Introductory comments Executive Order 12333
Assignments:	Written Assignment:  Write an op-ed on the current state of the national security process. Submit your op-ed piece.

Lesson 7: Congress

Week 7

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 211-227 Other Readings Introductory comments
Assignments:	Written Assignment: Report on an oversight hearing on the Mexican border, from a Committee or SubCommittee in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Submit your 2 page report.

Lesson 8: Media, Interest Groups, and Public Opinion

Week 8 and 9

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 229-256 Other Readings Introductory comments Overview: Stages I-VI of the Interagency Exercise
Assignments:	Complete Interagency Exercise Stage I: PSD Exercise Stage I: Complete Stage I of the Interagency Exercise to Draft a PSD. Submit your agency's PSD. Written Assignment: Individually prepare a press release on the Mexican border issue. Submit your press release.

 

Lesson 9: Global Context/IPC Meeting

Week 10

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 23-43 Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense.  pp. 34-44. Other Readings Introductory comments The NSC Executive Secretary's Weekly Memo
Assignments:	Complete Interagency Exercise Stage II: IPC Talking Points Exercise Stage II: Work within your agency to complete Stage II of the Interagency Exercise by drafting talking points for and attending an IPC meeting. Post your agency's talking points.

 

Lesson 10: The Process in Practice/DC Meeting

Week 11

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 273-303 Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense. pp. 31-34. Other Readings Introductory comments The NSC Executive Secretary's Weekly Memo
Assignments:	Complete Interagency Exercise Stage III: DC Talking Points Exercise Stage III: Work within in your agency to complete Stage III of the Interagency Exercise by drafting talking points for and attend an DC meeting. Post your agency's talking points.

 

Lesson 11: Amendments and Modifications to the Process/PC

Week 12

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 305-323 Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense. pp. 31-34. Other Readings Introductory comments The NSC Executive Secretary's Weekly Memo
Assignments:	Complete Interagency Exercise Stage IV: PC Talking Points Exercise Stage IV: Work within your agency to complete Stage IV of the Interagency Exercise by drafting talking points for and attending a Principle's Committee meeting.  Post your agency's talking points.

 

Lesson 12: Role Playing Exercise/NSC Meeting

Week 13

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense.  pp. 19-31. Other Readings Introductory comments Deputies Committee Memo on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review The NSC Executive Secretary's Weekly Memo
Assignments:	Complete Interagency Exercise Stage V: NSC Talking Points Exercise Stage V: Work within your agency to complete Stage V of the Interagency Exercise by drafting talking points for and attending an NSC meeting.  Post your agency's talking points.

Lesson 13: Presentations of Framework and PPD

Week 15 and 16

Timeframe:
Readings:	Textbook US National Security 23-43 Whittaker, Alan G., Brown, Shannon A., Smith, Frederick C., & McKune, Elizabeth (2011). The National Security Policy Process: The National Security Council and Interagency System. (Research Report, August 15, 2011 Annual Update).  Washington, D.C.: Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense.  pp. 34-44. Other  Readings Introductory comments The NSC Executive Secretary's Weekly Memo
Assignments:	Complete Interagency Exercise Stage VI: Draft PPD Exercise Stage VI: Work within your agency to complete Stage VI of the Interagency Exercise by presenting a final PPD for the President to communicate his decision.  Post the PPD in the PPD drop box. Complete Personal Framework Also finalize your own personal framework for decision/policy making. Post your framework to the Lesson 13 Policy Framework drop box.

 

Course Access

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.

Graduation

NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" on the World Campus Student Policies website.
 

---

Academic Integrity

---

University Policies

Accommodating Disabilities

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.

In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Additional Course Policies

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.

 

---

Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.

---