Navies, naval combat and strategy

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

TThe teaching of this course is based on theoretical and theoretical-practical classes, supported by iconographic elements, analysis of texts, group work, readings and individual work, with the presentation and discussion of issues arising from those works.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended to give students an overview of the way in which the combat at sea have taken place and how the techniques have evolved, the organization of the navies and the strategic thinking, either prepared or empirical, that allowed the use of Naval Power by the countries.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.SHIPS AND NAVAL BATTLES
1.1.The time of sailing and rowing. Naval combat with galleys. Artillery in naval combats.The round ships.Ship formations
1.2.Technological developments in naval combats.Steam and steel. Mechanical propulsion ships.Rifled artillery.The new combat formations. Submarines. Naval aviation.

2.NAVAL STRATEGY
2.1.The dominance of the sea.Tactical Advantage and Sea Dominance.Ceuta and the Mediterranean.Portuguese Naval Power in the Indian Ocean.The Atlantic at War.Piracy and corsairs.The rise of the British Navy(17th and 18th centuries).Technological development and the mastery of the sea
2.2.The begginings of naval strategic thought.The priest Fernando Oliveira
Mahan and the quest for sea domination: The influence of sea power upon History.Sir Julian Corbett: Some principles on Maritime Strategy
The influence of Alfred T. Mahan in Portugal.
2.3.The concept of war at sea in Europe
2.3.1.Tactics vs.Strategy
2.3.2.Vessels:typologies,morphologies and functionalities

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Research work: 100.0%

Bibliography

1. GLETE, Jan, Navies and Nations, 2 vols., Stockholm, 1993.

2. GARDINER, Robert, ed. The Age of the Galley, Mediterranean Oared Vessels since pre-classical Times,London, Conway Maritime Press, 1995.

3. JÖRGENSEN, Christer, et al. Fighting Techniques of the Early Modern World (1500-1763). Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics, New York, Thomas Dunne Books, 2006.

4. SOUSA, Alfredo Botelho de. Subsídios para a História Militar Marítima da Índia, 4 vols., Lisboa, Imprensa da Armada, União Gráfica, 1930-1956.

5. TUNSTALL, Brian. Naval Warfare in the Age of Sail. The Evolution of Fighting Tactics 1650-1815, London, Conway Maritime Press, 1990