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FALL
2003
HIST490W - WAR AND
SOCIETY IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
Professor: Dr.
Donald E. Wilson, DBH 114, 726-2005
Office Hours: Monday
and Wednesday, 3:00-4:00; 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
Hillary, Richard, The
Last Enemy
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 |
|
| Lessons | Assignments |
| I. Warfare Prior to 20th Century | |
| 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
C. 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; Hillary, entire book Stokesbury, pp. 150-160 Stokesbury, pp. 161-171 Stokesbury, Part III; Muir 101-257 Sledge, entire book Stokesbury, Part IV |
| V. Military Establishment, 1945-1963 | None |
| VI.
Korean War: The Undeclared War A. To The 38th Parallel B. Beyond the 38th 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.
| Grading and Exams | Date | Points |
| Term Paper Topic | 8 September | None |
| Term Paper, Preliminary Report
(Introduction and Sources) |
1 October | 100 |
| Mid-Term Exam | 6 October | 300 |
| Term Paper and Oral Presentation Begin | 29 October | 300 |
| Quizzes | As Assigned | 300 |
| Final Exam (Essay) | As Scheduled | 300 |
| Total: | 1300 points |