The United States and the Vietnam War: Origins and Repercussions (P02480)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : HCA-P-USVW

This course supplements the School’s existing postgraduate options in History and strengthens the diplomatic history component of the program. In comparison to a similar course being offered at the undergraduate level, this course will identify and discuss particular themes, which have generated and continue to generate discussion among historians.
As an historical event, the Vietnam War was a defining moment for American foreign policy, politics, and culture. Americans have experienced the event as the most traumatic foreign policy venture in the 20th century, and the debates the war engendered still influence the political and cultural landscape to this day (as, for example, in the recent Iraq War). In scope, the course roughly covers the period from 1945 to 1975, and it will focus specifically on the American side of the conflict. Perceptions and approaches to the “Third World”, as well as the repercussions at home will be the most important overarching aspects of this course.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of History and Classics), (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing the course, students will be able to:
• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the most important issues and themes connected to the Vietnam War;
• independently identify and pursue research topics surrounding the Vietnam War;
• exhibit an understanding for different conceptual approaches to the study of history;
• analyze and contextualize primary source material;
• arrive at independent, well-argued, well-documented and properly referenced conclusions in their coursework essay;
• demonstrate their skills in group discussion and oral presentations;
• demonstrate their written skills, their analytical and theoretical skills in coursework.
• prepare and present their work in seminars and workshops.