HIST 615: Problems in American History

HIST 615-002: U.S. National Security State
(Spring 2017)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R

Section Information for Spring 2017

From World War 1 to the War on Terror, the politics of national security have been controversial.  How should a democratic polity reconcile security with liberty?  Has America's role as "leader of the free world" undermined freedom at home?  What is the "nation," and what is "security," and who decides?  How have the politics of national security shaped the broader arc of American history?  In this seminar we will read widely in the history of the U.S. national security state, seeking answers to these questions.  Readings will explore such subjects as the Red Scare and McCarthyism, citizenship and civil liberties in times of war, the military-industrial complex, programs of surveillance and counter-subversion, and the shifting relationship between state agencies and civil society.  Throughout, we will pay particular attention to contentious debates about what has threatened American national security at different moments, and to the impact of American wars on culture, politics, and society at home.   The course will both provide an overview of the history of the national security state and offer an introduction to the interdisciplinary methods historians use to make sense of this complex and controversial subject.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 1-6

Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in topics selected by instructor. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course, Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.