This Exploration Elective Course focuses on the military strategy of WWII. Analyze how the Germans conquered most of Europe while being outnumbered, and discuss the relationship between technology and doctrine from 1939 to 1945. Investigate the post-war ‘history-production,’ studying how political needs and goals shaped what is considered the history of World War II.
Included Exploration Trip
The course includes an Exploration Trip as an integrated part of the course. For this, we go to Normandy, France for three days to gain insight not only into the dilemmas faced and the subsequent decisions made by the Allied and German leaderships, but to all people affected by the war. From the sea-sick soldiers on the ground to the trapped civilians, this study tour exposes you to the consequences caused by decisions made at the highest levels. You gain a further understanding of the long-term ramifications of the war for Europe and the rest of the world. While in Normandy, we will visit sites such as Sainte-Mère-Église where the first American paratroopers landed, Musée de l’Armée, and Musée de Paix.
This trip will come at no extra cost to you, but is a mandatory part of the curriculum of this course. Travel will take place over three days during the period of your semester known as the ‘Study Break.’
