Course Description:

The course draws material from selected disciplines of the humanities, exploring how and why America has gone to war beginning with the War for Independence to the post-World War I period. Soldiers Fought I examines how war has shaped national strategy and how conflict affected peacetime society. The course will provide the student with a rich body of content from history and literature on the military, cultural, and social content of war. In addition, the course raises broader moral and ethical issues through the study of war. This will enable the student to better come to grips with the ethical responsibilities of the individual citizen, to understand political decisions regarding wars, and to recognize limitations on one's ability to choose war or peace. Students will be notified of required texts and course direction by way of the professor's syllabus.

This course contains four video components (see below).

Course Guide:

Calvin L. Christman, ed., America at War, pp. 1-265.
Edward M. Coffman, The War to End All Wars: The American Military Experience in World War I
 

Selective Writings:

Section 1: Luvaas, Guide to the Study of Military History.
Section II: Fuller, Conduct of War, Chapters IV, VI, and VI.
Section III: Tolzmann, Nativism in Cincinnati.
Section IV: US Army Center of Military History, The Judiciary and Military Justice
 

Television Programs:

In your local video store:
Gone With the Wind
Glory or Red Badge of Courage
Gettysburg (Turner Pictures production)
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 edition)
 

Required Readings:

Peter Paret, ed., Makers of Modern Strategy: From Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age. Chapters 1, 6, 7, 15, 16.

James M. McPherson, Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution, Chapter 4.
 

Companion to suggested readings:

Foner and Garraty, The Reader's Companion to American History (Reference guide in all libraries).
 

Writing Assignments:

500 words each-typed. Due Monday, November 15, 1999, at UC Center, Western Hills Campus, Oak Hills HS).

50% of grade. Late papers will affect grade.

Issues to be explored (on word processor only):

1) How did the US Constitution provide for a future military establishment? Why were the

Articles of War placed under Article I rather than Article III, which established the judicial branch?

2) How did Professor James McPherson deal with the issue of Lincoln's political and military goals. Why did McPherson use the Clausewitz model?

3) Contrast the historical problems of segregation and nativism that positioned the German- Americans and African-Americans at home during World War 1.
 

Required Meetings at Oak Hills High School (6:30 to 9: 10 PM, Monday):
 

September 27, 1999:

Orientation and Overview. Why countries go to war.
Machiavelli and his influence
The concept of the citizen soldier and the English heritage.
The US Constitution and the creation of a military establishment. President Lincoln and the Second American Revolution.
The end of slavery and the emergence of "separate but equal.
 

October 25, 1999:

Lectures on military thought leaders and their influence.
An examination of Clausewitz, Jomini, Mahan, and Fuller. The causes of World War 1.

Midterm exam 20 % of grade. Blue Books only.

November 15, 1999:

Review of videos
Review of Mid-term exams

December 6, 1999:

Lecture on summary of US wars up to and including World War I.
The influence of Fuller and Clausewitz.
The Articles of War and the civilian challenge.
The introduction of new technology.

Final exam 30% of grade. Blue Books only.
 

Note:

1) Class attendance important because overview, lectures, and reviews are part of the exams. Attendance will affect grade.

2) Withdrawal after 21 calendar days will constitute a F (Professor's policy)

3) At least two mandatory telephone calls between the student and Professor required. Lack of this important communication on a one-on-one "I also affect final grade.
 

Professor:
George F. Hofmann, Ph.D.
CECE
University of Cincinnati
451-9798

Note: Office hours will be established on September 27, 1999, including the execution of mandatory telephone calls between the students and Professor.