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SS481 COURSE DETAILS


6 Version(s) of this Course

SS481 (Version: 2019 2) COURSE DETAILS


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
SS481 POLITICS OF DEFENSE POLICY 2019 2 Social Sciences 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This seminar is a survey of the politics that shape America's policy decisions over war and peace. We study the domestic influences of foreign policy and the international political dynamics that shape why and how America intervenes. It is an examination of American national security policy and institutions using theoretical, historical, and practical perspectives. Drawing from various literatures, we examine and evaluate the choices our nation makes in defense policy decisions. We address questions concerning military innovation and adaptation, change and transition in the armed services, defense resources, and capacities of actors in the defense policy arena. Using the lens of "grand strategy," we examine how defense policy decisions are influenced by a broad and complex array of political and economic factors and how these decisions shape future domestic and foreign policy environments.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (1.250 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Analytical writing requirements; compensatory time provided.

SS481 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
PRE REQUISITE  
  SS202 1979 1 1 Y
  SS360 2017 1 1 Y
  SS386 2017 2 1 Y
  SS252 1979 1 2 Y
  SS360 2017 1 2 Y
  SS386 2017 2 2 Y

SS481 (Version 2019-2) COURSE OFFERINGS


AYT #SECT/SIZE CPBLTY ENRLD WAIT SEATS CLOSED DETAILS
2024 - 2 -1 18 -18 0 0 -18 Y Hours

2025 - 2 1 18 18 18 0 0 N Hours

2026 - 2 1 18 18 18 0 0 N Hours

2027 - 2 1 19 19 11 0 8 N Hours


SS481 (Version: 2013 2) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
SS481 AM GRAND STRAT/DEFENSE POLICY 2013 2 Social Sciences 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This seminar is a survey of the politics that shape America's policy decisions over war and peace. We study the domestic influences of foreign policy and the international political dynamics that shape why and how America intervenes. It is an examination of American Grand Strategy using theoretical, historical, and practical perspectives. Drawing from various literatures, we examine and evaluate the choices our nation makes in defense policy decisions. We address questions concerning military innovation and adaptation, change and transition in the armed services, defense resources, and capacities of actors in the defense policy arena. Using the lens of "grand strategy," we examine how defense policy decisions are influenced by a broad and complex array of political and economic factors and how these decisions shape future domestic and foreign policy environments.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (1.250 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Analytical writing requirements; compensatory time provided.

SS481 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
CO REQUISITE  
  SS360 2004 1 1 Y
PRE REQUISITE  
  SS202 1979 1 1 Y
  SS252 1979 1 2 Y

SS481 (Version: 2011 2) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
SS481 AM GRAND STRAT/DEFENSE POLICY 2011 2 Social Sciences 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This seminar is a survey of the politics that shape America's policy decisions over war and peace. We study the domestic influences of foreign policy and the international political dynamics that shape why and how America intervenes. It is an examination of American Grand Strategy using theoretical, historical, and practical perspectives. Drawing from various literatures, we examine and evaluate the choices our nation makes in defense policy decisions. We address questions concerning military innovation and adaptation, change and transition in the armed services, defense resources, and capacities of actors in the defense policy arena. Using the lens of "grand strategy," we examine how defense policy decisions are influenced by a broad and complex array of political and economic factors and how these decisions shape future domestic and foreign policy environments.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Analytical writing requirements; compensatory time provided.

SS481 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
CO REQUISITE  
  SS360 2004 1 1 Y
PRE REQUISITE  
  SS202 1979 1 1 Y
  SS252 1979 1 2 Y

SS481 (Version: 2008 1) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
SS481 DEFENSE POLICY AND POLITICS 2008 1 Social Sciences 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This integrative seminar focuses on a current political and policy challenge of immense scope and importance to US armed forces, particularly to the US Army. That is, during the period of a "long war" against the forces of radical Islam how do military institutions adapt culturally and innovate technologically and organizationally to such a markedly changed security environment? Drawing from the literature of several sub-disciplines within the political sciences, cadets will review case studies of previous military adaptations to insurgent wars, both those successful and those unsuccessful. They will then apply the various theories of organizational change to the intensely political environment of current US defense policymaking with particular focus on the emerging counterinsurgency focus of the US Army. All research and writing requirements will be done within the cadets' Army branch of choice to better prepare each one for their initial years of professional service, as well as to bring the central themes of the course down to the Army and branch level. This course will bring together theoretical perspectives acquired during earlier studies and will provide future Officers the opportunity for a synthesis of their Academy experience.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Analytical writing requirements; compensatory time provided.

SS481 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
CO REQUISITE  
  SS360 2004 1 1 Y
PRE REQUISITE  
  SS202 1979 1 1 Y
  SS252 1979 1 2 Y

SS481 (Version: 2004 1) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
SS481 POLITICS OF DEFENSE POLICY 2004 1 Social Sciences 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This seminar focuses on a current policy challenge of immense scope and importance to US armed forces, particularly the US Army. That is, following the builddown of Cold War capabilities how, and how fast, can the three American military professions ýtransformý into the capabilities needed for the security challenges of the 21st Century? Restated, the question is, how do military institutions adapt culturally and innovate technologically and organizationally to a markedly changed security environment? Drawing from the literature of several disciplines, cadets will review case studies of military change from the interwar years and study the various theories of organizational change in the intensely political environment of US defense budgeting and policymaking. Most all research and writing requirements will be done in the cadets' Army branch of choice to better prepare each one for their initial years of professional service, as well as to bring the central themes of the course down to the Army and branch level.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Analytical writing requirements; compensatory time provided.

SS481 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
CO REQUISITE  
  SS360 2004 1 1 Y
PRE REQUISITE  
  SS202 1979 1 1 Y
  SS252 1979 1 2 Y

SS481 (Version: 1984 1) COURSE DETAILS (ARCHIVED)


COURSE TITLE EFF YEAR EFF TERM DEPARTMENT CREDIT HOURS
SS481 POLITICS OF DEFENSE POLICY 1984 1 Social Sciences 3.0 (BS=0.0, ET=0.0, MA=0.0)
SCOPE
This is the Capstone course for American Politics majors and field of study cadets. This integrative seminar focuses on a current policy challenge of immense scope and importance to US armed forces, particularly the US Army. That is, during the period of "long peace" how do military institutions adapt culturally and innovate technologically and organizationally to a markedly changed security environment so that they are prepared some years hence for the next major security threat to the nation's global interests? Drawing from the literature of several disciplines, cadets will review case studies of military change from the interwar years and study the various theories of organizational change in the intensely political environment of US defense policymaking. All research and writing requirements will be done in the cadets' Army branch of choice to better prepare each one for their initial years of professional service, as well as bring the central themes of the course down to the Army and branch level. This course will bring together theoretical perspectives acquired during their earlier studies and will provide cadets an opportunity for a synthesis of their Academy experience.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Analytical writing requirements; compensatory time provided.

SS481 COURSE REQUISITES


TYPE COURSE EFF YEAR EFF TERM TRACK RED BOOK FLG
CO REQUISITE  
  SS360 1975 1 1 Y
PRE REQUISITE  
  SS202 1979 1 1 Y
  SS252 1979 1 2 Y