Justice and War: The Experiences of Military Personnel and their Families

FAIN: AV-271045-20

Indiana University (Bloomington, IN 47405-7000)
Jason Matthew Kelly (Project Director: October 2019 to October 2025)
Raymond J. Haberski (Co Project Director: April 2020 to October 2025)

A facilitator training program and subsequent public discussion series on justice and war for 25-30 veterans and civilians in the Indianapolis area, and a publicly-accessible online platform for related humanities, pedagogical, and training resources.

The “Justice and War: The Experiences of Military Personnel and their Families” program works with veterans, active service members, their families, and civilians to explore the relationship between the lived experiences of war and concepts of justice. Comparing two key moments in US history—the Spanish-American War and the Vietnam War—we will put participants’ own experiences in dialogue with the past by focusing on: historical justice; duty and justice; heroism and justice; suffering and justice; loyalty and justice; and patriotism and justice. There are 4 outputs of this project: 1) a new university course on justice and war; 2) a 3-seminar public humanities program, which will be offered twice over the course of the funding period; 3) a training program for seminar leaders; 4) and an open access, online platform that includes pedagogical materials, training frameworks, historical documents, and video so that the program can be replicated in other communities.

Associated Products

The Historical Experience of War (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: The Historical Experience of War
Author: Jason M. Kelly
Abstract: Welcome to The Historical Experience of War. In this course, we will journey through four millennia of history to explore the diverse and multifaceted experiences related to war. We will delve into the profound impact of war on individuals and societies across around the globe, examining it from the perspectives of soldiers, their family members, and non-combatants. Our primary mode of learning will be through close readings of historical documents. This approach enables us to study the intricate details and nuances of firsthand accounts in the form of poems, paintings, books, and more. By looking at a variety of historical documents, we will gain a deeper understanding of the personal and collective experiences of war. Rather than following a traditional, linear historical narrative, this course adopts a comparative approach. By examining different cultures and time periods, we will discern patterns and similarities in the experience of war over time—as well as discern specifics that are historically or culturally distinct. There are three modules in this course: 1) Myth, Narrative, and the Experience of War 2) Empire, Resistance, and the Experience of War 3) Race, Gender, and the Experience of War You can participate in one or more of the modules. For each module that you complete (including the assignments), you will receive a digital badge, which you can add to your digital resume (for example through LinkedIn). For more information on badging, see the next page.
Year: 2023
Primary URL: https://iu.instructure.com/courses/2192364
Primary URL Description: Course Website
Audience: General Public

Justice and War in American History (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Justice and War in American History
Director: Jason M Kelly
Director: Ray Haberski
Producer: Jason M Kelly
Producer: Kelly Kerr
Abstract: War is among the most consistent aspects of U.S. history. And, perhaps not surprisingly, it has always been hotly contested. Despite this, it is not often that Americans come together to discuss the history and experience of war. This podcast puts veterans, active service members, citizens, and scholars in conversation about the ways that the experience of war has shaped and been shaped by Americans’ concepts of justice.
Date: 7/25/2023
Primary URL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/justice-and-war-in-american-history/id1691136515
Primary URL Description: Apple Podcasts
Secondary URL: https://justiceandwarseminar.org/podcast-justice-and-war-in-american-history/
Secondary URL Description: Project website
Access Model: Open access
Format: Digital File
Format: Web
Format: Other

Justice and War (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Justice and War
Author: Ray Haberski
Abstract: This course explores the ethical, historical, and political dimensions of war and justice. It examines the origins and development of just war theory, a set of principles that guide the moral conduct of war. It also analyzes the impact of war on individuals, societies, and cultures, with a focus on the American experience from the Civil War to the present. The course draws on various sources, such as literature, film, philosophy, theology, and history, to understand how war shapes and challenges our moral values and judgments.
Year: 2022
Audience: Undergraduate

Justice and War reader (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Justice and War reader
Author: Jason M Kelly
Abstract: This is the reader for the Justice and War Discussion Leader Training Course. It is 626 pages long.
Year: 2023
Primary URL: https://indiana-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jaskelly_iu_edu/Documents/Public-shared/booklet-NEH-final.pdf
Primary URL Description: Discussion leader training booklet link
Audience: General Public

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