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Academic Year 2005/2006


Historical Studies on War, Technology, Society and the State
HIST 110 FA

The goal of this course is to provide students with a perspective on how human societies have changed from an "uncivilized" state in which stones and bones are the most sophisticated weapons to a "civilized" state in which nuclear weapons can destroy all humanity in a matter of minutes. The history of the cultural, political, economic, and technological forces that led us to this point is the subject of this course. It will examine the development of political organizations through the use of warfare, paying close attention to the ways in which changes in military technology, economic structures, and battlefield behaviors can change the development of power relations both between and within a number of different countries throughout the world.

MAJOR READINGS

William McNeil, THE PURSUIT OF POWER
Robert O'Connell, OF ARMS AND MEN
John Keegan, THE FACE OF BATTLE
others

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Papers, book reports, class participation.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006


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