This lecture course provided students with a survey of war in the Western world from the Middle Ages to the present. It featured a two-prongued approach, focusing both on how military strategy and tactics have changed through time and how war has shaped and has been shaped by politics, society, and culture. Readings featured a wide array of primary and secondary sources. As head preceptor I taught two discussion sessions, grading papers and exams, and was in charge of course logistics throughout the semester.

                                                                           

Abel Faivre, On les aura!, World War One poster, 1916 (Library of Congress)

Selected Course Evaluations:

  • "Patrick has been the best preceptor I've had at Princeton. He is very good at leading discussions and makes precepts enjoyable to attend. Furthermore, he met with me numerous times, taking time out of his busy schedule, to discuss my paper and my general performance in the course. I had such a great experience being in Patrick's precept and would love to take another course with him."

  • "Precepts were an interesting way to engage in the week's material and consider different perspectives. Challenging questions were frequently brought up and the Patrick was very helpful in answering questions, contributing to the discussions, and raising new points to consider."

  • "I think Patrick was a good preceptor and tried to facilitate discussion. He clarified the readings for us and prepared us amply for the term paper."