This unit is designed to lead high school students to consider seriously the U.S. role in the world. At the core of the unit is a framework of choices for U.S. foreign policy. These choices, or Futures as they are called in the unit, are intended to be a vehicle to guide students through the process involved in developing a reasoned opinion on the U.S. role in the changing world. The unit includes a 5-day lesson plan, background reading highlighting three critical junctures in U.S. history, and a framework of four clearly defined alternative directions for future U.S. policy. In Future 1, U.S. citizens have a "good vs. evil" view of world affairs, and believe they have the right and responsibility to act unilaterally to try to help spread democracy and respect for human rights. In Future 2, citizens have a conventional "balance of power" view, and do not feel any fundamental change is needed in equity policies. In Future 3, people have a "globalist" view, and believe that all nations must address international problems not on their own, but cooperatively. In Future 4, U.S. citizens have an "economic" view, and believe that economic strength, not military strength, is the key to U.S. security and prosperity. A number of student activities also are provided, including a guide to help students to formulate a fifth, alternative Future of their own design, and materials for students to voice their opinions to political candidates, policymakers, and the media. (DB)