History 4805E: Warfare

Course Description

The First World War was a cataclysmic event, often indicated as the real end of the Nineteenth Century and the beginning of the Twentieth. Many aspects of human existence were profoundly affected by the war. In some cases, change was revolutionary in scope and tempo. The focus of the course will remain on the principle European combatants as it was in Europe that impacts were most obvious and weighty. History 4805E is a research and reading intensive seminar directed to assist students to acquire significant insights into the causes, course and consequences of the conflict.

Required Texts

Paul Fussell, The Great War and Modern Memory (London: OUP, 2000). ISBN: 9780195133325

Gerard de Groot, The First World War (London: Palgrave, 2000). ISBN: 0333745353 Holger Herwig, The First World War: Germany and Austria, 1914-1918 (New York: Arnold, 1998). ISBN: 0340573481
Martin Middlebrook, The First Day of the Somme (London: Penguin, 1992). ISBN: 0140171347
Colin Nicolson, Longman Companion to the First World War (London: Longman, 2000). ISBN: 0582289831
The Longman Companion and de Groot are intended as general references. Fussell, Herwig and Middlebrook will be the focus of class discussion. Other readings are indicated in the course outline. In all cases these are available electronically. Readings specific to classes include articles which will inform in class discussion and a Document selected for the day. The Document will be considered both for specific content as representative of a type of source available.

Evaluation

Participation: 20%
Film Review: 10%
Book Review: 10%
Research Paper: 40%
Exam: 20%

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