Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Suggested Readings
In celebration of Veterans' Day, the school principal has requested that the student newspaper staff prepare an issue devoted entirely to the Vietnam War. The faculty sponsor of the student newspaper has suggested that you, the editorial staff, create a newspaper that addresses several issues associated with the Vietnam War including how the United States became involved, major military engagements, the involvement of women, effects of the war on the domestic front, and the Vietnam War Memorial. You are encouraged to consult reliable historical sources in order to present an accurate view of the conflict.
You and your staff will be responsible for researching, writing, and producing an issue of the student newspaper devoted to the Vietnam War. The newspaper will include:
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an article that addresses how the United States became involved in Vietnam; |
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an article that discusses military tactics, strategies, etc.; |
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a human interest story about one or more people who served in Vietnam (one of the featured people must be a female); |
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an editorial discussing the anti-war movement; |
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a political cartoon, and |
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an article describing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its background. |
The newspaper will be produced using Microsoft Publisher.
1. The class will be divided into groups of four by the teacher.
2. Determine individual roles for the members of your group who will work together to create the newspaper:
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Editor/Lead Historian - The editor/lead historian will take charge of organizing the research for the staff. The editor/lead historian will conduct research as well assign and monitor the research activities of the other staff members. The editor/lead historian will also keep records of the sources consulted and compile the Works Consulted list. |
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Reporter - The reporter will be responsible for conducting research and writing the majority of the articles. |
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Feature writer - The feature writer will be responsible for conducting research and writing, particularly the human interest article. The feature writer will also be responsible for maintaining the journal which documents group work sessions (members present, tasks assigned, accomplishments, goals for next session, etc.). |
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Graphic artist/layout editor - The graphic artist/layout editor will be responsible for aiding other staff members in the research process, inclusion of a political cartoon, and will be the key organizer in the publication process of the paper using Microsoft Publisher. |
3. Document each group work session as indicated in the role description for the feature writer. Journal will include at least one evaluation of a web site.
4. Each member of the group conducts research in order to contribute materials to the production of the newspaper. Research should incorporate a variety of resources including text and reference materials, videos, CD-ROMs, as well as Internet sources. A list of all the research sources will be included in the newspaper listed under "Works Consulted" using proper MLA citation.
5. Organize the group's research. Write and edit the articles.
6. Work collaboratively to publish your newspaper using Microsoft Publisher.
Learning Advice:
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Take accurate notes on all of your research including citation information. |
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Appropriate use of photos and graphics will enhance your newspaper. |
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Coverage should be objective and balanced except for editorials and human interest stories which allow for expression of more personal points of view. |
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Because not all information obtained through the Internet is accurate, current, or unbiased, verify your information with at least two other sources. |
Chant, Christopher. Military History of the United States, volumes 12 & 13, New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1995.
Danzer, Gerald A., Klor de Alva, Wilson, and Woloch. The Americans. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell, 1998.
America in the 20th Century, volumes 7 & 8, New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1995.
The Vietnam War, 12 volumes, New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1989.
Class Zone: The Americans Textbook site which provides links to sites addressing a number of issues involving Vietnam: growing U.S. involvement, use of napalm, Dean Rusk, women, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a general overview.
Destination Vietnam A history of the country of Vietnam
Re: Vietnam: Stories Since the War PBS site that serves as a gathering place for personal stories and a forum for dialogues about Vietnam's legacy in our lives.
Recalling the Vietnam War Contains reminiscences from leading players in the drama and analysts of the events that present a fascinating portrait of the causes and consequences of U.S. foreign policy decisions
The Vietnam Conflict An academic information portal for education and research by Professor John K. Swensson at De Anza College
Vietnam - A Country Study A detailed history of Vietnam and the Vietnam War from the Library of Congress. Also contains the Central Intelligence Agency's list of information and maps about Vietnam.
The Vietnam War Internet Project The Vietnam War Internet Project is an educational organization dedicated to providing information and documents about the various Indochina Wars and to the collection and electronic publication on the web of oral histories and memoirs of both those who served in and those who opposed those conflicts.
The Wars for Vietnam Member site of the History Channel.com Network which contains numerous official documents, an overview of the war, and various links regarding Vietnam
Women in Vietnam This page is dedicated to the Red Cross, Special Services, Army Nurse Corps, and other civilian and military women who served in Vietnam.
"Matters of Conscience: Stephan Gubar and the Vietnam War," American Stories Video Series. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell, 1998.
"Poisoned Dreams, 1960-1964," "Unpinned, 1965-1970," and "Apocalypse Now, 1971-1975," The Century: America's Time/ABC News; The History Channel. New York: ABC Video; Burbank, CA: Distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 1999.
"Vietnam: How We Went to War," 20th Century with Mike Wallace. A&E Television Networks. New York: New Video Group, 1996.
The Americans Electronic Library of Primary Sources. CD-ROM. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell, 1998.
Beyond the Wall: Stories Behind the Vietnam Wall. CD-ROM. Beverly Hills, CA: Magnet Interactive Studios, 1996.
The War in Vietnam: A Multimedia Chronicle. CD-ROM. New York: Macmillan Digital USA, 1995.
Please keep the following grading rubric in mind as you collaboratively create your newspaper project.
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Criteria |
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Organization |
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| Content | |||
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| Documentation | |||
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Total Points |
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Grade |
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Score |
Meaning |
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3 |
Excellent - This criteria has been met in every possible way, and may even exceed expectations. |
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2 |
Acceptable - This criteria has been mostly addressed, however, there is room for improvement. |
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1 |
Sub par - Some elements of the criteria have been met, but most of the criteria fails to be addressed. |
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0 |
Incomplete - This criteria has not been addressed in any meaningful way or has not been completed. |
After completing this assignment, you will understand some of the major concepts and themes of the Vietnam War era including the escalation of U.S. involvement, major military engagements and tactics, the role of women, domestic issues associated with the conflict, and the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Photographs used were downloaded from the National Archives website and the Library of Congress website. The format for this assignment is based on a template from the WebQuest Page.
Antle, Nancy. Lost in the War. New York: Dial, 1998.
Caputo, Philip. A Rumor of War. New York: Ballentine, 1977.
Edelman, Bernard. Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam. New York: Pocket Books, 1985.
Fuller, Jack. Fragments. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1984.
Gay, Kathlyn. Voices from the Past: Vietnam War. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 1996.
Hahn, Mary Downing. December Stillness. New York: Avon Flare, 1988.
Mason, Bobby Ann. In Country. New York: Harper & Row, 1985.
McNamara, Robert. In Retrospect. New York: Vintage, 1995.
Myers, Walter Dean. Fallen Angels. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1988.
Paterson, Katherine. Park's Quest. New York: Lodestar Books, 1988.
Terry, Wallace. Bloods. New York: Ballantine, 1984.
Last modified on October 31, 2002.
Designed by Michelle Pope michelle.pope@gw.spartanburg1.k12.sc.us
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