Hist490W - War & Society in the 20th Century

Wilson
FALL 2001
HIST490W - WAR AND SOCIETY IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
Professor: Dr. Donald E. Wilson, DBH 114, 726-2005
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2:00-4:00; Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-4:00.
Other times can be arranged.
Course Description: This course focuses on United States Military history in the twentieth century to include our evolving military policies, weapons, and strategy from World War I through the Korean conflict. Students will also relate the wars and conflicts to the political events and culture of the periods. Students should have some knowledge of United States and World History in the twentieth century prior to taking this course.
Textbooks: Stokesbury, James L., World War II
Sledge, E.B., With the Old Breed at Peleliv and Okinawa
Overy, Richard, The Battle of Britain: The Myth and the Reality
Muir, Malcolm, The Human Tradition in the World War II Era
Course Objectives: Students will expand their in-depth knowledge of United States history by relating the influence of wars and conflicts on twentieth century events. Students will learn through lecture, discussion and writing exercises the relationship of each twentieth century war to the one that follows. Students will also grasp the significance of technology in warfare in the twentieth century. Through selected readings, films, and discussion students will gain the "experiential" knowledge of the men who fought in twentieth century wars.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

I. Warfare Prior to 20^th Century Muir, pp. xiii-xxiii

II. World War I
     A. Background
     B. Preparation for War
     C. Europe at War
     D. U.S. in the War None

III. Between the Wars
A. Legacy of World War I
B. Theorists of Warfare
C. Road to War
Stokesbury, pp. 15-53
None
Stokesbury, pp. 54-66

IV. World War II
A. War on the Continent
B. Britain Alone

Barbarossa
D. U.S. Enters War
E. 1942-44
F. Home Front
G. World War II, Conclusion

Stokesbury, pp. 69-104
Stokesbury, pp. 105-149
Overy, entire book
Stokesbury, pp. 150-160
Stokesbury, pp. 161-171
Stokesbury, Part III; Muir 101-257
Sledge, entire book
Muir, pp. 3-97
Stokesbury, Part IV

V. Military Establishment, 1945-1963 None

VI. Korean War: The Undeclared War
A. To The 38^th Parallel
B. Beyond the 38^th Parallel
C. MacArthur in Field
D. War of Unclear Objectives
E. Political War None

Learning Activities: Students will prepare a 15-20 page research paper on a specific military battle or leader in World War I, World War II, or the Korean Conflict. Papers must follow history research paper format and will include end notes, and bibliography as prescribed in format provided by professor. Student will select one of the 20^th Century wars involving the United States and write a 5-10 page summary of the war.

Grading and Exams Date Points

Term Paper, Preliminary Report
(Introduction and Sources) 1 October 100

Mid-Term Exam 11 October 300

Term Paper and Oral Presentation 27 November 300

Quizzes As Assigned 300

Final Exam (Essay) As Scheduled 300

Total: 1300 points

Last updated: December 7, 2001 . Maintained by Susan W. Murphy.