This one week, five session class will examine in-depth the air war in Europe during World War II.  We will look at the different air combat doctrines by key nations (such as Germany, England, the US, and the USSR), tactics by each nation's air corps, how the air war evolved, the impact it had on the fighting and results and also key aircraft and what made them so superior (or inferior.  We'll also look at key questions that include:  
--Was it a mistake for the US to engage in daylight bombing?
--Should the US have bombed the concentration camps?
--What impact did the investment in the air corps have on the US ground forces?
--Why did the Luftwaffe "experten" have such high kill scores?

My teaching approach is very interactive.  I continually ask questions (of the class and of individuals). I encourage students to share insights or experiences relevant to the class.  My teaching approach is very visual (so lots of pictures and slides including many photos that I've taken).  This is not an intro level course.  It is best for students who have already studied European history or World War II or have some knowledge of aircraft and/or flying.  It's not essential to have background in all of those areas.  But without some degree of knowledge in at least one of those subjects, this class is likely to be intimidating.  I want students to interact and if they have some level of interest or knowledge in at least one of those areas, they're more likely to feel confident enough to disagree with me, share an opinion, or ask a question.

Additionally, at the first session I assign each student the name of someone who participated in the Air War in Europe (for instance, Douglas Bader, Walter Nowotny, Benjamin O. Davis, Hanna Reitsch, Franz von Werra, Irina Sebrova, Chuck Yeager, or Buzz Beurling).  None of these individuals (both women and men) were senior leaders but people who were caught up in the Air War in some fashion.  Students should research their assigned individual.  As we go through the class, I share tidbits about that individual for relevant events.  And on the last session, anyone who wants to share what they found out researching their assigned person can do so.

Session 1: Spanish Civil War and the Condor Legion.  Germany's air preparation for war and flouting of the Versailles Disarmament treaty.  Poland, the Fall of France, and Blitzkrieg tactics.  Tactical differences between the Luftwaffe and their opposition.  Key players at this stage.  Aircraft comparisons.  How the air warfare influenced the outcomes at this stage of WW2.

Session 2:  Battle of Britain.  The role of Poles, French, Commonwealth, and American fliers with the RAF at this stage of WW2. Evolution of both Luftwaffe and RAF tactics.  The importance of radar.  Key players at this stage. Aircraft comparisons.  The limitations of the Luftwaffe in this battle.  Crete, command of the air, and the German Fallschirmjaeger.  Why the RAF's success doomed Operation Sea Lion.  The RAF "Big Wing" concept.

Session 3:  Operation Barbarossa--the air war in the East.  Why German pilots amassed such high kill scores.  Tactical differences between the East and Western theaters of combat.  Aircraft comparisons.  Key players at this stage.  The Luftwaffe's failure at Stalingrad.  The Night Witches and women in aerial combat.  Air warfare in North Africa and the implications for Rommel's campaigns.

Session 4:  Bombing campaign and Europe.  Daylight and nighttime bombing strategies. The RAF's role in the fiasco at Dieppe.  Development of night fighters.  Tactics for dealing with bomber formations.  How the presence of escorts affected bomber missions.  The impact of strategic bombing campaigns. The firebombing of Hamburg and Dresden and ethical concerns.  Key players at this stage. Aircraft comparisons.

Session 5:  Revolutions in aircraft developments and jets.  New aircraft that never reached mass production but were innovative.  Hitler's mis-use of the Me-262.  Ground attack aircraft by the allies and their impact on the war.   The dangers of flying outside of combat in this era.  Different approaches to flight training by each nation.  Women in the air and their role in this war.  Casualties involving the air war in Europe.  Key players at this stage.  Aircraft comparisons.  Student reports on individuals they researched and what was notable about them.