History 451/551 The United States and the Second World War

Course Description

Note: Be sure to read the next three sentences carefully. I have discovered, over the years, that some students sign up for this course under the incorrect impression that it deals exclusively with diplomatic history. In fact, about half of the content is diplomatic and about half is military. If you are not interested in military history, you would be wise to take another course.

Content: This course focuses on the role of the United States in World War II. After examining the causes of U.S. entry into the conflict, it surveys military and diplomatic developments from Pearl Harbor to Hiroshima. While the course devotes primary attention to the United States, the policies and perspectives of America's allies and antagonists are examined as well.

Format: The class meets twice a week. Most class sessions will be devoted to lectures, but there will be a number of scheduled discussions of assigned readings; if time permits, I will show a film or two.

Course Policies

There will be a midterm, a short (5-7 page) paper, and a final exam. All exams will be essay tests. The final will not be cumulative; it will cover only those topics dealt with after the midterm. I give make-up exams and grant incompletes only in extraordinary circumstances.

Calculation of Final Grades: Midterm, 25%; Paper, 25%; Final, 30%; Class Performance (including participation in discussions), 20%.

The Paper: You will receive a separate handout concerning the paper. It will be due on Nov. 21.

Required Texts

The following books are required and are available at the UO Bookstore:

1. Robert Doughty et al., World War II
2. Robert Dallek, Franklin D. Roosevelt and American Foreign Policy, 1932-1945
3. John W. Dower, War Without Mercy
4. Gavan Daws, Prisoners of the Japanese

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Part I -- Chronological period covered: 1933 to mid-1943

Readings assigned for Part I:
1. Doughty, 1-128
2. Dallek, 78-405
3. Dower, through p. 200

Part II -- Chronological period covered: mid-1943 to Autumn of 1945

Readings assigned for Part II:
1. Doughty, 128-204
2. Dallek, 406-538
3. Dower, 203-317
4. Daws, entire book

FINAL EXAM: Monday, Dec. 9, 2002 - 1:00 p.m.