PUBPOL 1520

FWS: Writing in Public Policy: American Soft Power

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This is a first-year writing course in which a specific component of U.S. foreign policy, the application of Soft Power, defined by political scientist Joseph Nye, Jr. as when a nation presents to the world its ideals, culture or values in an effort to influence or shape goodwill for its policies, will be understood and evaluated through writing in a range of genres appropriate to the field of policy study. Following decades of bipartisan Soft Power policy, momentous change to Soft Power institutions is underway in President Donald Trump's second term. Assigned readings will consist of journal articles that examine this break in Washington's foreign policy. In the course's central work, students will write a series of papers, including essays (four), one vision/mission statement or an op-ed. The objective of this course is evidence-based writing, assessing and evaluating Soft Power today in foreign policy, proposing revisions or alternatives, and expressing specific policy recommendations. Through readings and guest speakers, real-world applications and connections will be emphasized, ensuring that the resultant course writing is not just theoretical but also practical and relevant.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: First-year undergraduate students participating in the Cornell in Washington, Brooks DC Start program.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge through writing with clarity, coherence, and stylistic control.
• Formulate evidence-based writing, with use of appropriate primary sources.
• Create a range of writing genres for academic and real-life application.
• Discover skills, habits, and practices transferable across public policy, including objective analysis of US Government policies, through clear writing.

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