HSY2460 - The Vietnam War

Leader(s): Jane Drakard

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit traces the origins of the war in resistance to French colonialism after 1945 and examines deepening US involvement, analysing the motivations of the main participants. The unit will focus not just on the military phases of the war, but also on its cultural and ideological ramifications in Vietnam, the USA and Australia. Lectures will provide a general framework with tutorials focussing on more specific issues such as contrasting styles of warfare, cold war ideology, the role of the media, anti-war protest, POW and veterans issues and approaches to commemoration and remembrance. The wider ramifications of the war in Southeast Asia, especially in Cambodia, will also be studied.

Objectives

In addition to fulfilling the general objectives established for history units at second-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.

Assessment

Written work (essay): 35%
Class participation (including written and oral tasks): 25%
Test (two in-class tests of 1 hour): 40%

Contact hours

3 hours (2 lectures and 1 tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in History or permission

Prohibitions

HSY3460