After Viewing C-SPAN Divide class into groups of 3-5 students. Assign each group a specific foreign policy issue and corresponding date in time (i.e. Russo-Japanese War era, 1903 - 1905) from Roosevelt's administration. Groups should research and prepare a report role-playing members of a State Department advising the president on that issue. The report should offer background and recommendations to the President. Each group will then research and present a ten-minute briefing for President Roosevelt.
Suggested foreign policy issues: Russo-Japanese War, Algeciras Conference, Venezuelan Crisis, Panama Canal, Gentlemen's Agreement with Japan, Alaskan Boundary Dispute, ongoing issues regarding the Philippines or Cuba.
Suggested criteria for each presentation:
1. a description of the issue (background and current situation)
2. at least two options for the president on the issue
3. a State Department recommendation for the president
4. three group members should take a speaking role
5. use of at least one visual aid for the briefing (map, graph, chart, etc.)
Lesson II: The President & Foreign Policy
Life Portrait of Theodore Roosevelt Clip #6
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