HSY3460

The Vietnam War ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Jane Drakard

Offered:
Caulfield First semester 2006 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: As for HSY2460

Objectives: In addition to fulfilling the general objectives established for history units at third-year level, students successfully completing this subject will be expected to: 1. Develop a knowledge of the historical development of the Vietnam War and an understanding of the broader ideological, political and cultural context in which the war took place. 2. Reflect on the impact of the war in Vietnam and the USA, as well as other parts of the world such as Cambodia and Laos and Australia. 3. Think critically and about the different cultural values involved in the various American, Vietnamese and other perceptions of this highly complex event. 4. Continue the acquisition of critical and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate these verbally and in writing. 5. Have an ability to formulate, investigate and write up an independent research project. 6. Demonstrate in their writing the capacity to present a sustained argument based largely on primary sources. 7. Be aware of contemporary philosophical, historical and cultural debates including structuralist and post-structuralist models of interpretation. 8. Have a sense of the past as a site of political contestation.

Assessment: Research essay (2500 words): 50% + Class project (1000 words): 20% + Class test (1000 words): 20%

Contact Hours: 3 hours (2 lectures and 1 tutorial) per week

Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in History or permission

Prohibitions: HSY2460