Catalog Description

Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Study of American Military History, from 1774 to present, covering the American War of Independence, War of 1812, the Barbary Wars, Mexican American War, Civil War, Native American Wars, Spanish American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War of 1991, Afghanistan 2002, and Iraqi Freedom 2003. Includes the reading of historical works, literature, and historical documents. Examines the Powell Doctrine, the Principles of War, and the reasons and causes of war. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze the role of the United States within global political, economic and social changes.
  • CSLO #2: Compose coherent, persuasive academic historical arguments using correct academic citation methods.
  • CSLO #3: Differentiate primary and secondary sources and how each are used to make historical claims.
  • CSLO #4: Investigate the origins of the American Constitution and its impact on American military developments.

Effective Term

Fall 2019

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Identify primary and secondary sources and describe their use as evidence in historical analysis
2. Identify and analyze the role of leadership and the significance of individuals, ideas, and events in American military history
3. Analyze and evaluate the concept of war and its relationship to politics
4. Describe the development of American military policy from the War of Independence to the present
5. Describe the functions and characteristics of the armed forces of the United States
6. Describe the effect of American military policies on international relations and domestic development
7. Define and apply terms such as war, policy, strategy, tactics, military force, and war aims
8. List in chronological order the significant events in American military history since the colonial period
9. Identify and analyze the significance of major political, military and diplomatic individuals and the events they influenced in American military history
10. Analyze how war is an extension of political and diplomatic policy of the United States government
11. Compare and contrast how and why wars were fought in the past to the way they are fought in the present
12. Analyze and evaluate how American Military policy affects relations with other nations
13. Analyze and appraise choices made in times of war by politicians and military officials
14. Demonstrate knowledge of geography and its influence on warfare
15. Describe how advancements in technology have influenced warfare and the outcomes of wars
16. Identify and locate major cities, battle sites, nations, geographical features such as rivers and mountain ranges of significance in U.S. Military History
17. Analyze and apply the Geneva and Hague Conventions, the Principals of War, and the Powell doctrine and critique how they influence U.S. policy today

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Social Sciences
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C2 Humanities
    • CSUGE - D6 History
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 3B Humanities
      • IGETC - 4F History

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: Describe and analyze the planning process for the 2003 Iraq War. Who participated in the process and how might their actions influenced the outcome of the conflict? The essay will be graded by a rubric outlined within the syllabus.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Q: What is NOT a true cause of the Mexican American War? a. The conflict occurred because of a territorial dispute with Mexico b. Mexico declined U.S. government's $15 million offer to purchase land c. Zachary Taylor's aggressive posturing on the Rio Grande d. The murder of American patriots at the Alamo e. The desire of many Southerners to expand slavery westward. Q: Which of the following is NOT true of the Powell Doctrine? a. U.S. troops would not be committed unless there is an exit policy b. U.S. forces should have clearly defined objects both political and military c. U.S. troops can be committed without the support of Congress d. Commitments of U.S. troops should be a last resort e. There should be a clear intention of winning.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. Instructor will provide material in lecture format (either oral or written) on the American Revolution and have students connect this material with assigned reading in course textbooks as part of exams.
    2. Instructor will ask students to compare Native American wars in a short writing assignment prior to class. In class, the instructor divides students into small groups and support their comparison of assigned reading and their reactions to important historical developments.

    Distance Learning

    1. Instructor will assign primary source materials on the Mexican American War for students to read prior to class. The instructor will use these materials as a starting point to compare and contrast historical points of view in either classroom/web-based discussions or in writing assignments.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Based upon reading assignments reflected in the course syllabus, complete reading and be prepared to discuss the material in class and as part of written examinations. 2. Complete reading in assigned course reader and be prepared to summarize both orally and in a carefully written paragraph.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. In a 500-word essay, explain how George Washington's strategy during the American War of Independence worked and why it was so successful. 2. Make a chart that compares and contrasts the personalities, education, and command abilities of Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War. Explain why one represented the future of military expertise while the other resembled the past. 3. Military Simulation Project, students are to write about their experiences in the project which studies an important historical battle through reading, participation, and discussion. Students must solve historical problems which the U.S. Military faced.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Discuss and describe in a short essay of three typed pages why the United States failed to secure the peace after the conclusion of conventional fighting in 2003 Iraq. In three typed pages answer the following question based on in class lecture and your readings in The Savage Wars of Peace: Max Boot compares the Philippine campaign to Vietnam. Why was the Philippine campaign so successful compared to the Vietnam War? Give specific examples and explain the similarities and differences between the two conflicts.

    Required Materials

    • American Military Policy
      • Author: William T. Allison, Jeffrey Grey, Janet G. Valentine
      • Publisher: Prentice Hall
      • Publication Date: 2012
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • The Savage Wars of Peace
      • Author: Max Boot
      • Publisher: Basic Books
      • Publication Date: 2002
      • Text Edition: 1st
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Cobra II
      • Author: Michael R. Gordon, General Bernard E. Trainor
      • Publisher: Vintage Books
      • Publication Date: 2007
      • Text Edition: 1st
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • A Rumor of War
      • Author: Philip Caputo
      • Publisher: Owl Books
      • Publication Date: 1996
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Ways of War
      • Author: Muehlbauer, Matthew S.
      • Publisher: Rutledge
      • Publication Date: 2014
      • Text Edition: 1st
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.