| Social Studies
AREA RATIONALE:
The study of history allows for a wisdom experienced by others, therefore eliminating repeated mistakes in society. The field of social studies encompasses several academic subjects drawn from humanities and social sciences. The central focus that unites those subjects is that they study people and human behavior in social contexts.
Lessons of the Viet Nam War
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Lessons of the Viet Nam War is a study of American involvement in the Viet Nam conflict. This survey will include a study of early Vietnamese history and struggle against foreign colonizers, American involvement, and the subsequent effects of the war on both nations. Vietnamese culture will be studied and contrasted to that of America. The course will also examine the social and political lessons of the conflict
and their application to present-day situations.
The Viet Nam Special Projects and Viet Nam (advanced) components will have additional requirements to the basic class in several of the different units.
COURSE RATIONALE:
A solid knowledge base of the United States' history, including the Viet Nam War is important for students to know for understanding today's society and the country's relationships with other countries.
Introduction to Viet Nam
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
A survey of Vietnamese history, including early civilization, Chinese occupation, French colonization, World War II and the cold war. A geographic study of Southeast Asia is included. The Vietnamese way of life will be examined, and contrasted to Western culture. Tet will be celebrated will typical rituals and customs and an authentic meal prepared.
How the War Was Fought
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The different strategies adopted by the US will be studied, and their effectiveness summarized. Important political and military figures and their roles will be examined.
Was the War Legal?
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
This unit will examine the functions and roles of the different branches of government, and their role in military conflict. A study will also be made of the legality/morality of the actions of different US leaders, in light of different documents governing their actions. A study of My Lai will be made, and possible causes identified. (Advanced students will write a position paper on the legality and ethic of American involvement in Viet Nam, using different documents for the basis of their reasoning)
Who Fought the War
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The selective service system will be studied, and a demographic makeup of those that served in Viet Nam prepared. (Special Projects and Advanced students will interview veterans that served during different conflicts and compare/contrast the different responses)
The War at Home
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
A study of the course of the anti-war movement and an analysis of it's results. Prominent leaders will be identified, and their roles examined. Each student will interview an adult about their experiences during this time. (Special Projects students will prepare a short research paper on a related topic)
The Viet Nam War in Literature
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
Students will read and summarize selections from different sources (magazine/newspaper accounts from the time, poems, stories, and current articles) about the conflict. (Special Projects students will summarize a magazine article weekly; Advanced students will complete a book report)
Lessons of the War
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The economic, social and political costs and impact of the conflict on both countries will be identified. Current situations will be identified where lessons learned from the Viet Nam war may be applied. (Special Projects and Advanced students will research an appropriate topic and write a summary paper)
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