Can military history be simply understood through the concept of the ‘Great Commander’? While this module will consider those regarded as ‘Great Commanders’, amongst whom we might place Claude Auchinleck, Napoleon Bonaparte, Douglas MacArthur and Helmuth von Moltke, it will demonstrate that the ‘nature’ of their command was shaped by the military forces they commanded, the staff systems that they operated within, and the wider strategic and civil-military parameters within which they worked. Students will also consider the development of command styles from ‘personal command’ to the elaborate staff systems developed by the Prussians from 1807 onwards, reflecting on the influence that developments in communications technology had. This module will also consider the different levels of command
operational and strategic, along with wider issues of civil-military relations (in particular, how commanders served the interests of elected governments). The role of the commander in coalition warfare will also be considered, most notably in Douglas MacArthur’s command in the Korean War. While most case-studies will consider conventional warfare, the role of Gerald Templer in commanding British forces during the Malayan ‘Emergency’ will provide an example of command in counter-insurgency warfare.
Lecture - 16 hours
Seminar - 16 hours
Main Assessment Methods:
15 minutes + slides Presentation (Individual). Assessment Details: Individually present on a topic connected with a thematic week of the course (20%).
2,500 words Essay. Assessment Details: Write a question-based essay, using a number of interpretive tools to place the given study in its wider historiographical context (80%).
Reassessment Method: Single Instrument 100% written assessment / essay (2,500 words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Systematically understand and review the development of systems and styles of command from c. 1792.
2) Accurately deploy established techniques of analysis to investigate a wide range of primary sources, including memoirs, official government documents, films, radio broadcasts and newspaper.
3) Critically evaluate the complex historiography of this topic, which ranges beyond simple biographical approaches.
4) Individually and/or collectively review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge with regard to the ‘nature’ of command as it has developed in modern military establishments.
5) Effectively communicate information, ideas, and interpretations concerning scholarly debates using written and visual primary evidence and to a variety of audiences.
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