WAR AND AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

Catalog description

Historical consciousness course (H).Broadly speaking, what has been the impact of War on American Society? For example, how have our wars affected America's political and economic institutions; our racial, ethnic, gender and class relations; our cultural values; and our role on the world stage? What have been the different reasons (stated and actual) enunciated by the American Government for fighting these wars, and why have some wars been considered more legitimate than others by the American Public? Who have fought our wars over the centuries, and how has the nature of warfare changed over time? Finally, what are the philosophical foundations of "Just War Theory", and how do they compare with the philosophical underpinnings of "Pacifist Theory"? These are the kinds of social science questions this course intends to explore this term, and by examining these various facets of American Warfare, we hope to arm students with the wisdom necessary to make informed decisions about the efficacy and legitimacy of future American military operations. This course may be offered in sections with a W2 designation.Faculty: R. BRAKE