NSC: US Policy via Simulations

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

This course provides an interactive, hands-on introduction to the United States National Security Council (NSC). The course will provide students with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the NSC and the policymaking process within the US Government (USG). The course will cover an overview of the history of the NSC, past key decisions in national security made by previous administrations, and the current NSC structure and process. Students will interact in simulations playing the role of senior policymakers, and develop a policy and/or national security decision on fictional, yet timely and relevant topics. Upon completing the course, students will be better informed of the US policymaking process, and be better prepared and equipped to potentially serve in a future government position within the US or in their home nations. To ensure students have the necessary tools for the simulations, the course will also include an instructional portion on briefing skills. Students will also learn about the different White House documents used to formulate policy, including decision memos, NSC meeting packages, Executive Orders (EO) or Presidential Directives (PD), and Summary of Conclusions. The course will also host guest speakers who have previously and/or currently serve in the NSC in order for students to hear firsthand accounts of the policy and decision making process. Assignments for the course will include students reading articles and books that complement the lessons, and writing White House papers in preparation for the simulated National Security meetings. Students will be graded on these papers, in addition to class participation and role-playing in the simulations.