'Strategy' has many modern definitions and uses, from national defence and foreign policy to the business world, but its ancient Greek origins (strategia) allude to the art of the military leader, or general, in war. This course echoes this ancient and enduring conception to analyse the use of military force as an instrument of strategy. Its aim is to impart an understanding of the fundamentals of the employment of armed force to contribute to the consideration of the practicalities of formulating and enacting strategy. The course will examine the pitfalls and risks of military endeavour, the possible benefits, and what military forces can and cannot do.

The course begins by exploring the classic operational domains: land, sea and air and the characteristics and capabilities of land, sea and air power. Having laid these foundations, it will progress to consider how activities in each domain have been unified into combined, joint, or even integrated, approaches to warfighting. Alert to the conflict and strategic instability of the contemporary world, and the rapid innovations in military technology accompanying it, the course will also critically examine emerging ideas and approaches to warfighting. This will include consideration of new warfighting domains such as cyber, space and information. A number of common themes will underpin the course: the character versus the nature of war; the interplay between technological innovation and warfighting theories and doctrines; the relationship between strategy, operations and tactics; the effect of the natural and manmade environment in shaping military operations; the act of command and the systems enabling it; and the congruity, or incongruity, between military and political objectives.

Of interest to those seeking better understanding of force as an implement of national policy or the longitudinal development of military theory and practice, the course is particularly appropriate for students considering government service or other positions involving national and international security matters.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify the theoretical distinctions between the nature and character of war, and articulate the characteristics of land, sea and air power, with reference to selected military theories.
2. Articulate the relationship between strategy, operations and tactics.
3. Analyse the conduct of military operations and identify the role which military theory and doctrine, command systems and practice, logistics, technology, geography, the political-military interface, and inter-service and coalition relationships play in determining their outcome.
4.  Critically reflect on emerging trends and theories relating to future warfare, including the proliferation of warfighting 'domains'.
5. Conduct research and analysis and evaluate evidence.
6. Communicate clearly and persuasively about defence and security matters in a variety of modes.

Research-Led Teaching

The course content will reflect the convenor's extensive research and teaching background in the history of warfare in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This includes his work on two Australian official history series, teaching engagements with the British Army and the Australian Defence Force, and ongoing work in the conduct of the Borneo campaign of 1945.

Recommended Resources

All course readings are provided via Canvas either through ANU library links or PDF documents.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

The AI guidance for STST8052 is that AI applications may only be used to identify potential sources. If there is any suspicion that AI has been used directly to develop content for a submitted assessment item the student concerned will be subject to an Academic Integrity review.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course Introduction and Frames of Reference
2	Foundations: Sea power and its application
3	Foundations: Land power and its application
4	Foundations: Air power and its application
5	Foundations: The Act of Command
6	Foundations: Jointness and Integration
7	Coda: Warfare, Adaptation and Innovation
8	Contemporary and Future Warfare: Littoral Operations
9	Contemporary and Future Warfare: An empty Sea?
10	Contemporary and Future Warfare: The rise of the Machines
11	Contemporary and Future Warfare: Jungle and Mega City
12	Reflection: Has Force Lost its Utility?

Tutorial Registration

Registration for seminar groups will be via My Timetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Contribution to Peer Learning	10 %	*	05/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Historical Research Essay - Case Study Justification and Research Plan	15 %	14/08/2026	28/08/2026	3,4,5
Historical Research Essay	20 %	21/09/2026	12/10/2026	3,4,5,6
Warfare Futures Presentation	25 %	17/10/2026	01/11/2026	3,4,5,6
Examination	30 %	*	09/12/2026	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students will be assessed on their participation as detailed under Assessment Task 1.

Examination(s)

One three-hour, in-person examination as per details at Assessment Task 4.

Assessment Task 1

Contribution to Peer Learning

Students will be assessed on the degree to which the contribute to educational environment of the classroom. This is not a simple attendance mark. Students will be graded on the extent of their weekly engagement with the subject matter and with the rest of the class, the thoughtfulness and relevance of their contributions, and the manner in which they conduct themselves in the classroom. A rubric will be provided on the Canvas site, and students will also receive written feedback to accompany the mark via this means.

Assessment Task 2

Historical Research Essay - Case Study Justification and Research Plan

Students will produce a one-page justification for the case study (or case studies) they have selected to employ to respond to their allocated essay question (Assessment Task 3). The justification should articulate why the case study is relevant to the question and provide a brief survey of extent literature and sources demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach to the question.

Assessment Task 3

Historical Research Essay

Students will write a 3000-word research essay analysing a historical case study (or case studies) in response to a thematic question provided on the STST8052 Canvas site.

The intent of this assessment is to provide historical foundations for the Group Presentation (Assessment Task 4). Students will thus be allocated questions but will have the ability to select their own case study (or case studies). The thematic questions will be designed to explore the factors that have determined the character of military operations and their outcomes, including the relevance and application of doctrine; the influence of technology or technological change; command systems; the selection and sequencing of objectives; and role of inter-service, multinational, and broader participation.

Students are reminded that this is an exercise in analysis, not description. The requirement is to examine, evaluate, and explain – to mount an argument and not simply describe.

The essay will be submitted via Canvas/Turnitin. Each student will receive individual feedback via that medium.

Assessment Task 4

Warfare Futures Presentation

Working in small groups of 3-4, students will research and deliver a presentation on allocated topics about future directions/scenarios in warfare, which will be delivered at a course 'Warfare Futures' Seminar. This activity will build upon students' individual research for their long essay and is intended to draw together the elements of the course dealing with the historical development of the employment of armed force and those that deal with emerging theories of warfighting. It is also intended to develop students' presentation and research skills and their ability to work within a collaborative environment.

Each presentation will be 20 minutes long, designed to fit in a 30-minute time slot providing 10 minutes for questions. It is expected that each presentation will have both spoken and audio-visual elements. Prior to the presentation each group will be required to present a summary of their findings of no more than two pages in accordance with a provided format. A full bibliography will also need to be attached to the summary document.

The mark for this assessment will be made of three components: 60% course convenor mark to the whole group; 20% individual peer assessed mark; 20% audience assessment to the whole group. Each presentation will be recorded for marking (and, if required, appeals) purposes.

Assessment Task 5

Examination

Students will be required to undertake a 3-hour examination during the University's specified exam period. This examination will either be completed in person or online using an appropriate method of invigilation. It will comprise 10 short answer questions addressing theories and concepts discussed during the course and two essays, choosing from two question sets - one relating to historical content in the course and the other reflective in nature.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Canvas site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned via Canvas/Turnitin three weeks after the due date of the piece.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students