Honors

Policy & Social Justice 2022-2023

Legacies of the American/Vietnam War from Diverse Perspectives

The Vietnam War—known in Vietnam as the American War—left lasting imprints on both American and Vietnamese societies. From the origins of PTSD to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, from anti-war protests to the experiences of Vietnamese Americans navigating displacement and identity, war’s transformations shape history, memory, and lived experience. In Vietnam, where over two million lives were lost, families continue to grapple with the war’s aftermath—unexploded ordnance, Agent Orange’s effects, and the enduring resilience of communities.

This Praxis Lab examined war’s transformative effects through research, literature, film, oral history, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Students explored how war influences identity, health, landscape, and memory, engaging with guest speakers, music, and documentary film to deepen their understanding.

A key component of this course was an international exchange with students at Fulbright University in Saigon, Vietnam, using a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) approach. This unique opportunity allowed students to gain cross-cultural perspectives on war’s legacies through joint projects and discussions. The course culminated in a Fall Break trip to Vietnam, where students met directly with those affected by war and collaborated in person with their Fulbright University peers.