American Military History since 1900
This course provides an overview of American Military History, including military policies, changing technologies, and the inter-relationship between the armed forces and society in both peace and war throughout the 20th century.
Texts: Allan Millet and Peter Maslowski, For the Common Defense
John W. Chatham , Major Problems in American Military History
Stephen Ambrose, Band of Brothers
Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried
Recommended: Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
Office Hours: My office is 204E LA. The office phone number is 974-5451. I have voice mail, please leave a message. My email is sadamiak@uco.edu.
Grading: Points
FIRST HOUR EXAM 100
SECOND HOUR EXAM 100
FINAL EXAM 100: May 2, 11:00
TERM PAPERS 100: Due April 20
MAP QUIZZES 60
Grading Scale: 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D Below 60 = F
NOTE: All exams will include essay and identification questions and will be based on BOTH lectures and readings. Failure to take any exam will result in failing the class. No Makeups will be given without prior permission except under the following conditions: (1) Death (or serious crisis) within the immediate family, (2) Serious verifiable illness, or (3) University sponsored activities. In all such cases you must notify the instructor as soon as possible.
Term Papers: Each student will complete a research paper of approximately 15 pages (20-25 pages for graduate students) in length on some aspect of American Military History since 1900. Further details will follow in a separate handout. A preliminary topic and bibliography is due no later than January 31st. The final paper is due no later than April 20th. Late papers will be penalized by one letter grade per day.
Map Quizzes: There will be three map quizzes. Students will be asked to label significant historical locations on blank maps.
Attendance: Each student is expected to attend class on a regular basis. Attendance will be taken periodically through the semester, occasionally in the form of a short quiz. Students may also be asked to prepare short assignments for certain classes. While attendance is not directly calculated into the student's course grade, it may be considered as a factor in determining borderline grades. In case of absence, the student remains responsible for any lecture material or announcements made during the missed class.
Liberal Arts Symposium: Students are expected to attend at least one session of the symposium (April 17) and are highly encouraged to present their term papers as part of a session. Students interested in participating should see me as soon as possible.
Academic Dishonesty: Under no circumstances will academic dishonesty be tolerated. Typical examples of academic dishonesty include (but are not necessarily restricted to) cheating on examinations and/or plagiarism. Plagiarism means representing someone else's work as your own. Some examples of plagiarism are:
Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism will be distributed in class. Academic dishonesty may result in the student failing the course.
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Equity Officer Brad Morelli at ext. 2573, or see me after class as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
Class Schedule:
Jan. 11, 13: U.S. military policy, 1900-1914 - Readings: For the Common Defense (FTCD), Ch. 10.
Jan. 18, 20: The Great War and American neutrality
Jan. 25, 27, Feb. 1: America in World War I: FTCD, Ch. 11; Problems, Ch. 9.
Jan. 27: Map Quiz
Feb. 3: The Treaty Navy: FTCD, Ch. 12
Feb. 8, 10: Interwar doctrine and the "lessons" of WWI: Problems, Ch. 10.
Feb. 15: Exam I- Bring a bluebook
Feb. 17: WWII, 1939-41
Feb. 22,24,29, Mar. 2,7: America at War: FTCD, Ch. 13, 14; Problems, Ch. 11, 12; Ambrose, all.
Feb. 29: Map Quiz
Mar. 2: Discussion: Ambrose
Mar. 9: Military policies and the origins of the Cold War: FTCD, pp. 494-507.
Mar. 21, 23, 28: Korea: FTCD, pp. 507-527; Problems, Ch. 13.
Mar. 30: Exam II
Apr. 4: Eisenhower and the "New Look:" FTCD, pp. 531-552.
Apr. 6: JFK and "Flexible Response:" FTCD, pp. 553-563.
Apr. 11,13,18,20: Vietnam FTCD, Ch. 17; Problems, Ch. 14.
Apr. 13: Map Quiz
Apr. 18: Discussion: O'Brien
Apr. 25, 27: The U.S. and the "Era of Violent Peace," 1975-FTCD, Ch. 18; Problems, Ch. 15.
May 2: 11:00 Final Exam
Helpful Hints
1. Plan on spending at least 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour the class meets. This time will be utilized for completing the assigned readings, reviewing, and researching. Plan on extra time before examinations.
2. Take careful notes. Remember you cannot write down everything said in class, so focus on key points and main ideas. Review your notes often, preferably soon after class.
3. Keep up to date with the readings. Skim over the assigned readings before class and review them after the material has been covered. Take notes from your readings.
4. Constantly review material since the last exam. By spending some time every week, it will keep ideas fresh and prevent having to relearn everything before the exam.
5. Ask questions. If you are having difficulty get help immediately. Ask questions in class or during office hours. You will also find many answers in your readings.