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.
Timetable
Semester I, see timetables.
Method of Instruction
Seminar; attendance is compulsory (see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).
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.
Required reading
Entry test on:
*Marilyn Young, The Vietnam Wars, 1945-1990 (1991, Harper Perennial).
Further required reading: *Robert J. McMahon, ed., Major Problems in the History of the Vietnam War (3rd edition, 2003, Houghton Mifflin). *Graham Greene, The Quiet American (various editions).
Examination
*Long essay (7.500 words) to be submitted by 19 December (80%) *Seminar presentation (20%)
Information
With the tutor: a.fairclough@let.leidenuniv.nl.
Blackboard/webpage
Yes. Gives access to syllabus, bibliography, documentary sources, and additional texts.
Application Courses, Seminars and Exams
Exchange students can enrol via U-Twist for lecture courses.
Lecture courses
*Enrolment is possible from 1 July to 1 September for lecture courses in the first semester. *Enrolment is possible from 1 December to 1 February for lecture courses in the second semester.
Exchange students can enrol via email (t.w.chao@hum.leidenuniv.nl) for seminars. Seminars
*Enrolment is possible from 1 July to 15 August for seminars in the first semester. *Enrolment is possible from 1 December to 15 January for seminars in the second semester.