| FALL 1999
HIST/POLS 490W MILITARY HISTORY IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY |
| Professor: | Dr. Donald E. Wilson, DBH 114, 726-2005 |
| Office Hours: | Monday and Wednesday, 1:30-4:00; Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-11:00.
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 Paleliv and Okinawa Tobin, James, Ernie Pyle's War |
| 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. |
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| I. Warfare Prior to 20th Century | None |
| 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 D. From the Eyes of a Journalist |
Stokesbury, pp. 15-53
None Stokesbury, pp. 54-66 Tobin, pp. 1-48 |
| IV. World War II
A. War on the Continent B. Britain Alone C. Barbarossa D. U.S. Enters War E. 1942-44 F. World War II, Conclusion |
Stokesbury, pp. 69-104
Stokesbury, pp. 105-149 Boy in the Blitz, entire book Stokesbury, pp. 150-160 Stokesbury, pp. 161-171 Stokesbury, Part III Sledge, entire book Tobin, pp. 49-243 Stokesbury, Part IV Tobin, Appendix |
| 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, Preliminary Report
(Introduction and Sources) |
30 September | 100 |
| Mid-Term Exam | 14 October | 300 |
| Term Paper | 25 November | 300 |
| Quizzes | As Assigned | 300 |
| Final Exam (Essay) | As Scheduled | 300 |