Veteran Courses

SOCI 189B–D: Field Observation and Experiential Learning: Sonoma Developmental Center
A day visit to California Youth Authority or a weekend trip to Napa State Hospital, Yountville Veterans’ Home, or Sonoma Developmental Center. Full exposure to institutional life. Exposure to a variety of behaviors within the institution. Interaction with residents and staff members, thus giving the student a full scope of the lifestyle within a total institution. Each learning experience may be taken once, for a total of 4 units of credit. Sign up for these courses at CAVE, located in the Bell Memorial Union. These courses may not be used to meet

ECON 345: The Economics of War
While many people are fascinated by the military tactics that win a war, wars are often fought for resources, and the side with the most resources usually wins. Even terrorism can be viewed from an economic perspective. This class first examines the circumstances in which war is good for the economy. Also covered are the following topics: the impact of defense spending, the supply of military labor, the rise of the corporate warrior, the process of weapons procurement, the cause and the effect of civil wars, the demand and supply of hatred, the rise of terrorism, and the demand and supply for weapons of mass destruction. Also emphasized are the wars in which the U.S. has participated starting with WWI and ending with the Iraq War and the War on Terrorism.

HIST 380: History of Colonial Latin America: Race, Ethnicity, and Class
An historical survey of pre-Columbian and colonial Latin America, with emphasis on Aztec and Inca societies, Iberia’s military, economic, and spiritual conquest, and the ways in which diverse colonial subjects resisted, adapted to, and assimilated colonial rule. Concludes by considering popular and elite culture in the late colonial period and tensions leading toward independence.

HIST 381: Modern Latin America
A survey of Latin America since independence from Iberia, highlighting the chaotic years of post-independence state building, the region’s integration into the global capitalist economy in the late nineteenth century, and the age of mass politics and revolutionary ferment after 1930. The final weeks focus on Latin America’s experience with military dictatorship and current transitions to democracy.

HIST 412: The Reformation and Early Modern Europe: 1400-1660
The breakdown of religious consensus among Europeans; the people and directions of Reform; technology and the military revolution of the period; rulers, people, and the idea of revolution; the reconsolidating of a European elite.

POLS 415C: Comparative Government: Latin America
A study of the similarities and differences of the Latin American republics, concentrating on structures of government, historical traditions, political parties, and the role of the military. After a general introduction to these topics and the area, the class will emphasize an in-depth study of selected Latin American nations.

POLS 446C: Inter-American Relations
Patterns of inter-American relations will be explored, with special attention to the effects of dependency on the American states and their reactions to it. Collaboration, avoidance, and resistance by Latin Americans will be examined within the context of the use of diplomacy and of military, political, and economic force by differing groups on both sides.

RECR 320: Leisure Services in Military Settings
Designed to familiarize students with the fundamental philosophy, rationale, psychology, and operation of leisure services in a military setting. This course will focus on civilian careers that provide recreational services to military service personnel and their dependents.

RECR 322: Trends in Recreation Services
Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200 or faculty permission. Theory and practice of organizing and directing programs, tournaments, and special events for sports and physical recreation activities which are applicable to health clubs, corporations, military, health spas, and communities.

Upper Division Theme: War and Peace in the Nuclear Age(opens in new window)