GEOG 680 Military Geography

Military operations by nature are geographic: they occur across time in space that consists of unique physical and cultural landscapes, each with their own operational environment and context.  The geographic realities of locations and borders, spatial relationships, population interactions, and distribution and competition for resources impact National Security strategies.  In this context, this course emphasizes the development of a geographic method for systematic analysis of the range of military operations across the conflict continuum.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Students will discuss course materials focused on the material presented in the course. Students are required to post a thread in response to the provided topic. Each thread must be 300–350 words, and the assertions in the thread must be supported with the texts and at least one (1) research journal article related to the topic. Each student must also reply to at least two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 120–150 words.  

Battle Analysis Research Project: Topic, Thesis Statement, Geographic Factors and Research Questions Assignment

Students will submit a topic for their proposed research project utilizing materials from the course text or independent research. This assignment will frame the focus of the research in a topic and thesis statement. The thesis statement will be a short description of the topic and a thesis on how outcomes were affected by geography based on preliminary research. The thesis statement is followed by a summary of each applicable geographic factor as well as research questions the students will be exploring.   

Battle Analysis Research Project: Preliminary Report and Annotated Bibliography Assignment

Students will submit a 3-4 page preliminary overview of the proposed Battle Analysis research project in narrative or detailed outline form. The annotated bibliography component will include a short paragraph summary of each source as it relates to the topic, and must include at least 8 scholarly references in current APA format, to include at least one (1) primary source.  

Battle Analysis Research Project: Final Report Assignment

Students will complete a 12-15 page research project prepared in current APA format focused on an analysis of a military operation of their choice.  The project must include at least twelve (12) scholarly references, to include at least two (2) primary sources. At least two maps are to be included: one that places the topic in a strategic setting; the second a detailed, large scale map. The paper will include an introduction, general description of the military operation, the geographic setting, the impacts of geography on the outcome, and a summary and conclusion. Students must follow APA formatting for title page, citations, maps, figures and bibliography.  

Military Geography PowerPoint Presentation Assignment

Students will submit a PowerPoint Presentation focused on a choice from an approved list of topics. The presentation must be between 12–15 slides in APA format and include presentation notes. Each presentation slide note must be 250–400 words.