War makes the world understandable, a black and white tableau of them and us. It suspends thought, especially self-critical thought. All bow before the supreme effort. We are one.

(Hedges, War Is a Force p.10)

Welcome!

War is a Force That Gives us Meaning begins with the premise that "war is an enticing elixir. It gives us resolve, a cause. It allows us to be noble."(p.3). At a time when the United States is engaged in war, author Chris Hedges offers the University community the opportunity to examine the meaning of war, how wars begin and the impact war has on our national psyche. Hedges, a former war correspondent who has covered conflicts in Central America and the Sudan, uses writings from the classical period to the present day in his reflections on war.

As we discuss this book, there are questions for the University community: Does war give us meaning? How are we changed by war? What can we learn from the history of war that will inform us the next time our country engages in conflict? Is War inevitable?

Chris Hedges Lecture Highlights

Click here for the streaming video!
Chris Hedges' War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning lecture was given on campus in the STAMP on October 29, 2008.

Introducing the FYB Blog & Wiki

Blog: http://firstyearbook.blogspot.com

A resource especially for students to dig a little deeper into the campus-wide book discussion, this is a blog of events, issues, and ideas dealing with the subject of war and the 2008-2009 First Year Book, "War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning," by Chris Hedges. The first event is the film "The Fog of War," showing this Thursday, September 25 at the Hoff Theater in the STAMP. Check out the blog for event discussion, info, study guides, polls, and more!

Wiki: http://otal.umd.edu/wiki/fyb

For instructors to share innovative teaching approaches to using the First Year Book. How does the book fit into your course? What supplementary material do you use in conjunction with the book? What discussions, debates, movies or games have you used to engage students with the book topics?

First Year students received their copy of War Is a Force That Give Us Meaning at the Terp Market Sunday August 31 (Grand Ballroom, STAMP) 1-3pm. Students can now pick up a copy at the front desk in 2130 Mitchell Building.

For more information contact Lisa Kiely (301.405.9363)
Lkiely@umd.edu

What's Next?
 


Check back soon for updates!