Prospectus

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America and Vietnam

Course
2010-2011

Page updated on Tuesday 15 June, 2010: literature has been changed!

Admission requirements

Entry test (instaptoets) based on Mark P. Bradley, Vietnam at War

Course description

America’s thirty-year involvement in Vietnam failed to prevent the unification of that country under Communist leadership. This seminar examines the course of America’s intervention in Vietnam under Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. Students will analyze the foreign policy background as well as the military and political aspects of the war. Other topics include the role of the news media in reporting the war and the influence of the peace movement in opposing it. Documentary sources will be used throughout. Film and literary sources will provide additional insights.

Course objectives

To gain an understanding of the main historiographical issues arising from the Vietnam War through study of secondary literature and primary sources. The development of research and writing skills through a study of relevant literature and documentary sources on a chosen topic. The development of presentational skills by means of an oral report..

Timetable

First semester, see timetable

Mode of instruction

Seminar, mandatory attendance, see study regulations.

Assessment method

  • Long essay (werkstuk, 7.200 woorden): 75%

  • Seminar presentation (referaat): 25%

Blackboard

Yes. Gives access to syllabus, bibliography, documentary sources, and additional texts.

Reading list

  • Michael Hunt, ed., A Vietnam War Reader (2010)

  • Mark P. Bradley, Vietnam at War (2009)

Registration

Zie aanmeldingsprocedure.

Contact information

E-mail: prof.dr. A. Fairclough