Applied Military and Veteran Studies (BA)

Surveys the cultural history of veteran representations by examining various motives societies have for promoting specific kinds of representations of veterans; interrogating how media, politicians and the public construct and mythologize the image of the veteran; the ideological work these representations perform; and how veterans experience, resist or embrace and influence these images.

Covers major works of theoretical writing on the nature and purpose of warfare and how it should serve the ends of policy and the values of the society that wages it. Draws from studies of command and leadership to demonstrate how people have made war in line with these policies or failed to do so and assesses the result.

Examines the relationship between international law, military law and the cultural context for notions of law and ethics in warfare, especially in the American context. Traces notions of international law and military law throughout the last several centuries and its articulation in international agreements and military regulations and policy.

Examines the relationship between war and technology, with emphasis on the period since 1500. Helps students understand how evolutions in technology shaped the way people waged war and in some cases changed the nature of armed conflict. In turn, the demands of warfare lead to advances in technology. Best suited for students who already have a basic understanding of the history of warfare.

Presents students with a chance to review their portfolio of work through a cumulative, integrated experience. Students revise one of the projects/papers in that portfolio and complete a final reflections exercise that provides an opportunity to display an integrated understanding of what they have learned.

Studies the role of the military in American life during war and peace from colonial times to the present day.

Focuses on the way interdisciplinary scholars in national security at the interface of history and political science ask questions and propose answers. Introduces the basics of research, writing and criticism with an eye toward how solutions are constructed from diverse sources. Evaluates primary and secondary sources including identifying purpose, intended audience and biases.

Surveys the history of America's wars, military and veterans from the Korean War through today. Explores how American society has understood the role of the military and those who served, both during and after their service, with an emphasis on modern conflicts and evolving veterans' issues.