ATS2828 The history of war

Wars have reshaped human societies across the millennia, with profound and long-lasting impacts upon politics, economy and culture, and upon combatants and non-combatants alike. In this unit you will explore key issues and debates about the comparative historical experience of war, including: the contexts in which wars arise; the conduct of battle and its impacts upon combatants; the experience of the so-called ‘home front’ and the impacts of violence upon family, community and society, both during and after war; how war challenges and reshapes gender roles and expectations; and war’s contested remembrance. Case studies will vary from  year to year, and may range from medieval to modern times. Possible case studies are not limited to, but may include one or more of the following: the Crusades, US Civil War, WWI, and the Vietnam War.