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Throughout history, military commanders have shaped the fate of nations, won empires, defended kingdoms and changed the course of world events. From ancient battlefields to modern campaigns, the most successful generals combined strategy, leadership, innovation and determination to achieve extraordinary results against often daunting odds. This fascinating course explores the lives, battles and achievements of some of history's greatest military commanders. Through a survey of around ten renowned generals from different periods and cultures, you will examine the qualities that enabled them to inspire armies, out think opponents and secure decisive victories. Discover the tactics they employed, the challenges they faced and the historical circumstances that shaped their careers.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Phil Grabsky: The Great Commanders (Channel Four, 1993)
• John Keegan: The mask of Command (Viking,1987)
• Mark Urban: generals (Faber & Faber, 2005)

COURSE OUTLINE

• By examining the careers of ten (or so) of the greatest/most successful military commanders of all time we may discover a few secrets of command.
• Is there a case that any one of these can claim to be greater than all the others?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Appreciate what makes a great commander