Vietnam in Literature and Film (W) (I) (F)

Prerequisite: None

Wintersession 2008 :   Trip to Vietnam   January 2 – 15, 2008

Come to know first-hand this land that played such a prominent role in American history, as well as the globalizing country of young people that it is today. Explore how fictional narratives measure against historical and cultural perspectives on the U.S. war and on the country and people of Vietnam. Stimulate your critical thinking as you perceive the differences between preconceptions and realities in today’s Vietnam, now a member of the World Trade Organization. Stay in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, visit its pagodas and temples, and meet Vietnamese film writers and directors. Take items of much-needed warm clothing to Hmong villagers in the highlands north of Hanoi, accompanied by an anthropology professor and by the director of Deserted Valley, an acclaimed film about these ethnic minorities.  Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), visit important historical sites of the U.S. war, and experience modern Vietnamese cultural production, meeting with young Vietnamese TV producers. You will read and discuss literary and film masterpieces of the war from both sides prior to departure, and afterwards write formal, graded papers analyzing your experiences in cultural and social historical contexts, both American and Vietnamese.  New York Vietnam Veterans memorial and Vietnamese restaurant visits after the trip will provide off-campus opportunities for assessment.

The total cost of the travel will be approximately $2,800; this includes program fee, lab fee, visa, airfare, three-star hotels, daily meals, local guides and translators, transportation (bus to and from Sapa; taxis; air travel to HCM City), and travel insurance.

For more information contact:

Dr. Kim Worthy,  Department of English,  kworthy@wagner.edu,  Tel: (718) 390-3298

Accompanying staff: Veronica Knight, vknight@wagner.edu,  Tel: (718) 390-3375