COURSE OBJECTIVE:

This course is designed to provide a general historical overview of the issues confronting the American military form the colonial period to the late twentieth century. This course focuses on the military as an institution rather than specific battles or campaigns. Concentration and emphasis of the course will be on the political, economic, and social forces that negatively and/or positively impact upon the military=s performance on and off the battlefield throughout its two hundred year history. The course also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of important military commanders including various presidents as commanders-in-chief and their administrative subordinates.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Millett, Allan R. and Peter Maslowski. For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America.

Weigley, Russell F. The American Way of War: A History Of United States Military Strategy and Policy.

EVALUATION:

The final grade for this course will be determined by the following:

4 Take Home Essay Exams(100 pts each)-400pts
1 Group Presentation-100pts
Evaluation of Group Members-30pts
___________________________________________________
Total Points-- 530 pts.

Letter Grade Distribution:     Percentage Score Range(530 pts)

TAKE-HOME EXAMS:

The exams will consist of two essays. The first essay question(50 pts.) will cover information contained in the lectures and Millett text. The second essay question will cover chapters from Weigley(50 pts.) These are due at the beginning of class.

***Options will be given. For example, two or three questions will be listed under Parts I and II. Students will write on one for each section.

***All exams should be typed(2-4 pages for each question) and double-spaced(1 inch margins, 10 or 12 font). Since these are take-exams, students should proof-read their work for spelling and grammatical errors.

GROUP PRESENTATIONS:(100 pts; member participation-30pts)

APRIL 17 and APRIL 24

Students will be divided into groups of 4-5 for 15-20 minute presentations. Each group will pick any 2 American military leaders to compare/contrast. What characteristics made these leaders effective or ineffective commanders? The following should be addressed in the presentations: 1)Strengths and weaknesses; 2)Personal background;3)Personality;4)Command styleBtactic/strategy etc. Time period does not matter(for example, Patton versus Grant is acceptable). However, it is recommended that the groups use figures from the same branch of the military.

Class time will also be set aside for group members to meet and discuss the presentation with the instructor. Due dates and meeting times are provided in the ALecture and Reading Assignment Schedule."

Groups will evaluate the participation of each group member(worth a total of 30 pts). These evaluations will be handed in with the final presentation. They are anonymous(no names required except person being evaluated. The instructor will average these scores to determine the participation grade).

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY:

Attendance is not required, but is strongly recommended.
The instructor does reserve the right to drop any student from the course for repeated absences(more than 3). Lectures do not directly follow the presentation of the text, rather they should be considered an extension or supplement to assigned readings. It is the student's responsibility to obtain material due to an absence. Students may not photocopy the instructor's notes.

LECTURE AND READING ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:

I try to stay on this schedule; however, it is not unusual for me to get a class period ahead or behind. A 15 minute break will be given at half-time.