Master of Arts in Military History

The course addresses the development of core research skills for advanced historical study. Through case studies analyses, the evaluation of different types of historical evidence, and the consideration of how valid research questions are formulated and applied, it is designed to refine the critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are fundamental to valid historical scholarship.

This course is the study of historical thought from its emergence in the classical world to the present. Students concentrate on how history has been interpreted, rather the facts of history themselves as well as contemplate the fundamental questions about the nature of history, and investigate the relationships between theory and evidence in historical writing. Emphasis is on the narratives historians have used to reconstruct the past, and the major historiographical schools of thought that have developed over time.

This course examines the military heritage of the United States from the colonial period to the present time. Through an in-depth study of the extensive literature in American military history, students assess the key individuals, military policies, postures, organizations, strategies, campaigns, tactics, and battles that define the American military experience.

This course examines the origin and development of military concepts and ideas by studying the wisdom of the great military thinkers of the past. Among the philosophers are Sun Tzu and Machiavelli, Clausewitz and Jomini, Mahan and Corbett, Douhet and Mitchell, T.E. Lawrence, and the counterinsurgency theorist and practitioner David Galula. Students compare and contrast these great thinkers to gain an understanding of the nature and conduct of war at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

This course is a comprehensive survey of the overall evolution and functioning of United Nations peacekeeping operations during the Cold War period. The focus of this course is the detailed analysis and comparative assessment of each peacekeeping operation as a tool of conflict management within the unique parameters in which it was established and conducted.

This course is a comprehensive survey of the overall evolution and functioning of United Nations peacekeeping operations from the end of the Cold War to the present. The focus of this course is the detailed analysis and comparative assessment of each peacekeeping operation as a tool of conflict management within the unique parameters in which it was established and conducted, and future trends for similar types of intervention and conflict resolution.

This course is a seminar in global conflict and confrontations since the end of World War II. Students assess specific military conflicts since 1945 to include limited wars by the United States and Soviet Union; counterinsurgencies and wars of national liberation; the Arab-Israeli conflict; post-Cold War conflicts; and conflict post-9/11. Recommended prior to enrolling in MILH 621, The Cold War and Its Aftermath, and MILH 622, Great Power Military Interventions, which cover the Cold War period in greater detail.

This course is a seminar on the US-USSR Cold War period, which dominated geopolitics and military affairs from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall, as well as the first decade of the post-Cold War era culminating with the events of 9/11. Students assess military conflicts and confrontations between the United States, Soviet Union, and their respective allies in the years since 1945. Focus is on the proxy wars of the US and USSR to include wars of national liberation in Africa, Asia, and Latin America; the Arab-Israeli conflict; the Indo-Pakistani conflict; and post-Cold War conflicts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

This course is an in-depth seminar on the military interventions of the United States and Soviet Union/Russia since the end of World War II. Students examine the military interventions of the United States and Soviet Union/Russia. Special emphasis includes the analysis of military interventions in Greece, Korea, Suez, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Somalia, Chechnya, and Iraq.

This course examines the military history of the region known as the Balkans and explores the turbulence behind long standing political, religious, and economic issues. Students assess the post World War II era from 1945 to the present, by focusing on past and present conflicts and confrontations, UN and NATO interventions, transitions in government, and the pursuit of stability within the European community. Special emphasis is on further research into the rise and fall of Yugoslavia and emerging new states.

This seminar examines the origins, evolution and impact of the Vietnam War. In addition to reviewing the history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, students explore the political, cultural and social forces and military developments that shaped the behavior of the various Vietnamese and American parties. Purpose is to develop a coherent perspective on what became one of the costliest and most divisive wars in American history.

This course examines the Middle East peace process surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict and focuses on the historical perspectives, the roles of the various Middle Eastern countries in the process, Western intervention efforts, and the inherent successes and failures over the years. Purpose is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the background and history of conflict resolution, the hope for peace in the future, and the ability of the various nations to coexist.

This course, when offered, is a one-time offering on an area of special interest that will vary each term. NOTE: Open to graduate students as an elective. Any substitution as a Concentration or Major course must have Dean Approval through your academic advisor.

This course is an opportunity for Military History students to pursue an independent research project or examine a specific area of history under the mentorship of a single professor. Students must complete 24 credits of study before taking this course. The course will typically involve a major research paper; there will be no examination. Students will submit a proposal prior to the start of the project, and a rough draft of the paper, both of which will count toward the final grade. Prerequisite: University approval and Upper Level standing. Prior to registering, students should first contact the professor with whom they wish to mentor their independent study, coordinate an agreement on the grading requirements, and then NOTIFY their academic advisor with the name of their professor.

This course is an opportunity for students to write a research proposal in their field of interest under the mentorship of a single professor who is an expert in the field. Students must contact their Academic Adviser at least thirty (30) days prior to registering for this course and must have completed all degree requirements excluding MILH699 – Master of Arts - Thesis. The Program Director will approve the statement of the topic so that the concept can be implemented into a complete syllabus with readings and activities to warrant academic credit. The selection of the professor depends upon the choice of topic and content area.

This course prepares graduate students for the Comprehensive Examination in the Master of Arts in Military History program. The purpose of this course is to provide a structured weekly review of key concepts, theories, and knowledge skill sets in their degree and particular concentration. Students are required to submit responses to a number of assignments over the 8-week course prior to taking the exam. Students apply historical methodology in preparation for the exam and consult texts, journal articles, print & media reports, and documentaries, as well as collaborate with other students enrolled in the course to help them prepare for the exam. Assignments serve as a means of final preparation for the student and calibration with the course instructor, who will grade the exam. The exam requires an approved proctor and is scheduled prior to the last week of the course. Students may not schedule the exam early and will not receive a grade until the end of the course. The "Comprehensive Final Exam" is tailored specifically to each student’s program. This option requires a minimum of 36 hours of coursework. A minimum of 21 hours must be taken within the concentrations and 6 credits in electives. A non-thesis student receives the MA degree upon successful completion of the required coursework and passing.