This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module builds on Introduction to Military History Pt. 1 and examines the separate natures of armies, navies and air forces. In addition, it looks at the factors which have shaped the experience of combat for the different branches of the armed forces and questions whether there is a timeless experience of combat. The module also looks at the great military thinkers of the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries to establish their influence on the conduct of warfare including Clausewitz, Jomini through to twentieth century figures such as J.F.C. Fuller and Basil Liddell Hart.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Topic Essay 1,500words 40%
Historiographical Essay 1,500 words 40%
In-class Presentation 15-minutes 20%
Reassessment methods:
Reassessment Instrument: like for like
Indicative Reading List:
Jeremy Black (2004) Rethinking Military History, Abingdon, Routledge.
Azar Gat (2001) A History of Military Thought, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Michael Howard (2009) Warfare in European History, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Peter Paret (ed) (1986) The Makers of Modern Strategy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Hew Strachan (1983) European Armies and the conduct of war, Abingdon, Routledge.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 gain the knowledge and conceptual tools to understand and interpret key aspects of military history. Students will obtain a knowledge of the historiographical debates surrounding these issues covered in the module.
2 develop the ability to discuss issues that are raised in the module, and to present their work in written and oral form. Through exposure to the distinctive nature of nineteenth century culture, students will gain an enhanced understanding of the diversity of human societies.
3 Student will learn to use and evaluate relevant primary sources relating to political, military, economic, social and cultural history. Through a diversity of sources, students will be exposed to a variety of outlooks and learn about the importance of using diversity of sources in their research into the past.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 develop a range of intellectual and transferable skills, and acquire certain kinds of understanding. They will come to understand the problems that are inherent in the historical record and the limits within which interpretation is possible.
2 develop critical thought and independence of mind, the capacity to deploy arguments, and the ability to challenge received opinions and conclusions.
3 improve their essay and oral presentation skills. They will also learn how to make good use of the relevant library resources and, where necessary, IT skills.
4 will gain transferable skills in the following four areas: communication, group working, problem solving, improved learning and plans for improved learned.
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