University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Thurs 10-12

Carl von Clausewitz has long been regarded as the one of the most important strategic thinkers of modern times. However, much of today's Clausewitz scholarship is still steeped in the Cold War tradition of depicting Clausewitz as the mastermind of major interstate war. A number of 'new wars' scholars have, in turn, declared Clausewitz irrelevant to understand war in the twenty-first century. This module takes a more comprehensive look at Clausewitz in order to discuss how relevant Clausewitz and his writings are in the context of strategic studies today. It takes into account Clausewitz as a historical person and an eye witness of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It considers Clausewitz's historical and political writings alongside his magnum opus On War. Finally, it discusses the reception of Clausewitz in different centuries and national contexts.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Completion of required core modules in one of the School of IR Mlitt Programmes

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar and 2 office hours

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor S Scheipers
Module teaching staff: Prof S Scheipers
Module coordinator email ss203@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• have an advanced understanding of Carl von Clausewitz’s theory of war and its relevance or otherwise for contemporary strategy
• assess critically social science and historical research on this topic
• Develop their written and oral skills through essays, examinations, and presentations in the tutorial programme
• Possess the capacity to critique current debates in strategy.