PUBPOL 1510

FWS: America at War in the Modern World

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This first-year writing seminar will discuss how defense policy can be understood and evaluated through effective writing. Recent American wars have ended badly, with much doubt about the policies that created them. Modern American history is a long series of global conflicts, from the World Wars to Afghanistan. Through writing, this course will investigate: why so many wars? What policies created the conflicts? Readings include accounts of soldiers, civilians, and policymakers. Students will write a series of essays exploring American defense policies, and the wartime experience of ordinary people, finishing with an essay that draws larger lessons about US military engagement with the world. Students will be advised and evaluated on the strength of their writing with an emphasis on clarity and evidence.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: First-year undergraduate students from the Brooks School participating in the Cornell in Washington, DC Start program.

Distribution Requirements (HA-HE, SBA-HE)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA

Learning Outcomes

• Students should be able to identify and discuss high quality primary sources in both policy and historical contexts.
• Students should be able to describe and explain policy decisions and wartime experiences in clear and defined prose.
• Students should be able to employ evidence to construct larger arguments in well-organized essays.

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