American Wars (211-0-20)

Instructors

Michael Allen
847/467-3979
Harris Hall - Room 342

Meeting Info

University Hall 101: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Defense is out; war, warriors, and war-fighting are in. But this is not new. The United States emerged through wars, it expanded through wars, and war created its institutions, forged its social order, fueled its economy, and stamped its politics and popular culture. Americans have defined who they are in large part by waging war, with sweeping consequences for themselves and others.

Yet as with all things so ubiquitous, war often goes unnoticed. Like our shadow, it is always with us yet seldom seen; like the sun, it can be painful to look at directly. Arguably that is why some wish to bring war back--and bring it "home"--as they attempt to recreate the nation through war.

Combining broad chronological coverage with topical concerns, this course views US history through the prism of war with an emphasis on society and culture, not military operations. Readings consist mostly of primary sources with a few scholarly sources. Assessment is based on class participation, weekly quizzes, in-class exams, and an analytical research paper. No prerequisites or prior knowledge are required.

Learning Objectives

Read, analyze, and evaluate varied primary source materials to become familiar with how diverse groups experienced and participated in American wars and to learn to make sense of variation and disagreement within such source materials, which form the basis of historical inquiry, argument, and empirical proof; Read, analyze, and evaluate varied secondary sources that offer scholarly interpretations of key questions in the history of American warfare, thereby developing proficiency in historical argument, documentation, and debate; Engage in reasoned, respectful, evidence-based discussion and debate with other interpreters of history in verbal and written forms; Analyze, synthesize, and organize varied source materials into accurate and persuasive verbal and written arguments in answer to historical questions; Gain foundational knowledge of the political, social, cultural, intellectual, and technological forces implicated in American war-making and learn how they interacted across time and space to shape American and world history.

Evaluation Method

Participation: 10% / Midterm: 20% / Paper: 30% / Quizzes: 20% / Final: 20%

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): Americas
History Minor Concentration(s): United States

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Associated Classes

DIS - Harris Hall L28: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM