Course Texts: Millett and Maslowski, For the Common Defense; Chambers, Piehler, Major Problems in American Military History; Martin, Ordinary Courage; Steuben, Drill Manual; Melville, White Jacket; Grant, Personal Memoirs; Watkins, "Co. Aytch"; Forsyth, Thrilling Days in Army Life; Roosevelt, The Rough Riders.

Course Evaluation: Students will write a four page essay analyzing the historical significance of a book length autobiographical writing by an American involved with war or the military during the period 1600-1902. This will be worth 15% of the course grade and be due Oct. 13. Students will write a six page essay analyzing a figure or event in American military history during the period 1600-1902. Students will make use of at least three sources, one of which has to be a significant primary source. This paper will be worth 20% of the course grade and be due November 20. Course texts may not be counted as sources in either of these papers. Students will spend a couple of hours practicing Baron von Steuben's drill, and give a demonstration of marching in order on October 6. Also due that day will be a 1-2 page paper discussing the significance of the experiment. This paper will be worth 5% of the course grade. Students will take two exams, October 25 and the final exam date. These will each be worth 25% of the course grade. 10% of the grade will be based on class attendance and discussion. As much as possible, this course will be conducted as a seminar. Therefore, attendance at every class session is important. Any unexcused absence will be held against the student's course grade. The instructor reserves the right to increase the proportion of the final grade based on attendance and discussion in cases of repeated unexcused absences.

Course Purpose: Military history possesses an old and distinguished tradition, reaching back to the ancient Greeks. The best military history has been distinguished by the highest standards of literary craftmanship and moral purpose. Today, military history can still display the traditional virtues, but it is also informed by developments in the social sciences, and by the consciousness of people living in a nuclear age that war must be understood if humanity is to survive. This infusion of new perspectives has enriched the field, making it one of the most intellectually exciting areas in the historical profession, as well as one of the most important for citizens hoping to make informed decisions.

The core of this course will be the study of military campaigns conducted by the United States. However, in addition to studying strategy, tactics and weapons, we will explore such issues as the social composition of the armed forces, the influence of new technologies on warfare, popular attitudes toward war and the military, and the effects of war on American society.

Sept. 4 - Introduction
Sept. 6 - M1, C2 - #6
Sept. 8 - Video
Sept. 11 - C2, NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Sept. 13 - M2
Sept. 15-18 - M3
Sept. 20 - C3
Sept. 22-25 - Martin
Sept. 27 - M4
Sept. 29 - C4
Oct. 4-6 - Steuben
Oct. 9 - M5
Oct. 11 - C5
Oct. 13-18 - Grant
Oct. 20-23 - Melville
Oct. 25 - Midterm
Oct. 27 - M6
Oct. 30 - C6 - #1,2,4
Nov. 1 - M7
Nov. 3 - C6
Nov. 6-8 - Watkins
Nov. 10 - GLORY, C6 - #5
Nov. 13-15 - Grant
Nov. 17 - M8
Nov. 20 - C7
Nov. 27-29 - Forsyth
Dec. 1 - M9
Dec. 4 - C8
Dec. 6-8 - Roosevelt