Technology and War

Catalog description

How does weapons technology affect how states fight and the ways in which international politics work? This course considers the relationship between technology and war by considering three key questions: in what context did different weapons develop? have any weapons had a revolutionary effect on war? how have different war strategies changed the conduct of international politics? We will consider the development and effects of weapons including gunpowder, tanks, submarines, nuclear weapons, and drones. Students will leave this course with a greater understanding of the systemic pressures and individual variables that affect technological development and diffusion, and an understanding of how those technologies are used in pursuit of international political goals. Students will also learn how to write a substantial research paper. Every student will leave this class with a 3-5 page writing sample to use for future internship and job applications. As a seminar, this is a writing- and participation-intensive course. Students are expected to complete various types of writing, including weekly discussion posts and multiple types of papers. There is also a significant professionalization component to this course, including an emphasis on proper email communication!