Twentieth Century: U.S. Combat Infantrymen in World War II

The primary objective of this course will be the development of the basis for a better understanding of the experiences of the US combat infantryman of World War II. Unlike a typical World War II course that tends to focus on the major events and outcomes of the war and the heads of state and generals who directed these events, this course will focus instead on the common soldiers (privates, privates first class, corporals), NCOs (sergeants), and junior officers (lieutenants and captains) who risked their lives in the infantry squads, platoons, and companies that served on the front lines. Includes a service-learning component: students will be paired with a World War II veteran who presently resides in Baton Rouge, will regularly meet with this veteran over the course of the semester, and will interview the veteran about his (or her, in some cases) war experiences. Upon completion of the interview process, the student will then write an account of the veteran's experiences. This written account will be delivered to all the veterans at the end of the semester at a public reception for the students and veterans and their friends and family.