About the Course
Unlike other Naval War College core courses, Perspectives on Modern War runs throughout the academic year. Students remain with their cohort for all their time at the Naval War College. The course objectives are to:
- Integrate core academic concepts across all three trimesters.
- Connect the three major symposia to core academic content.
- Evaluate senior speaker content and relate it to the overall NWC education.
- Address current topics without the need to retool other core content.
- Improve student experience with year-long learning communities.
The course uses a seminar-based approach, with students participating in nine seminars throughout the academic year. Additionally, the course incorporates annual symposia and high-level guest lectures, enhancing other core academic material with practical insights from leading experts. Students will attend three major symposia: The Future Warfare Symposium in the fall, The Women, Peace, and Security Symposium in the winter, and The Current Strategy Forum in the spring. High-level lectures from visiting officials and policymakers provide additional perspectives.
By integrating core content with symposium and lecture material, students will be able to apply critical analysis to the leadership challenges of modern warfare, honing their abilities in critical thinking, assessment, and strategic planning. Students are encouraged to continually apply their knowledge to contemporary strategic challenges, engaging in progressive opportunities to address today's most pressing security issues.