DS320 is the introductory course of the Defense & Strategic Studies major and therefore covers the foundational concepts within the field. This course addresses the enduring and contemporary issues of strategy by studying key components of international relations, geopolitics, military theory, and grand strategy. Cadets will apply course concepts through traditional coursework such as papers, presentations, and exams. Lastly, the course aims to develop foundational skills in research, writing, and critical thinking to enable success as a DSS graduate.
This course is a study in strategy through the levels of war, culminating in an examination of contemporary strategic issues facing the United States. It is an introductory course in Defense & Strategic Studies and covers foundational topics in the field, such as strategic theory, tactics, operational art and contemporary strategic challenges. The course methodology introduces students to theory, principles and doctrinal concepts with which students will analyze historical cases and improve their intuition through Clausewitzian Critical Analysis. The course will also introduce a model for strategic problem solving, providing the students an ability to analyze and propose solutions to contemporary strategic challenges that affect warfighting down to the tactical level. Students will apply course concepts through traditional coursework, such as papers and presentations, but also in combat simulations that develop a practical appreciation for the inherent difficulty in translating theory into practice. Finally, the course aims to develop research, writing and critical thinking skills within the field.
This course is a study in Landpower through the levels of war, culminating in an examination of contemporary Landpower issues facing the United States. It is an introductory course in Defense & Strategic Studies and covers foundational topics in the field, such as strategic theory, tactics, operational art and contemporary Landpower challenges. The course methodology introduces students to theory, principles and doctrinal concepts with which students will analyze historical cases and improve their intuition through Clausewitzian Critical Analysis. The course will also introduce a model for strategic problem solving, providing the students an ability to analyze and propose solutions to contemporary Landpower challenges that affect warfighting down to the tactical level. Students will apply course concepts through traditional coursework, such as papers and presentations, but also in combat simulations that develop a practical appreciation for the inherent difficulty in translating theory into practice. Finally, the course aims to develop research, writing and critical thinking skills within the field.
