Times of Change

Times of Change – Vietnam and the 60s

As we discuss the Vietnam War in Asia and at home, you will be using this “Literature and Thought” anthology from Perfection Learning. Like your reader for the Civil War, I chose this collection for a few reasons. First, I feel that it offers an incredible and varied collection of readings that tell much more than what happened during the Vietnam Era. In addition, I like the focus questions for each of the four “clusters” in the book. Finally, I wanted to use this time to end the year with exciting literature while continuing to develop different reading strategies and sharing some ideas on the characteristics of a good reader. I know we can all read. I also know that we can all improve our reading.
For each of the assigned readings in “Times of Change”, read the brief intro in this guide AND in the actual reader, check out the questions or exercise for the reading, and then commence with the fun part – reading. When you have finished, respond to the exercises as blog postings.
In addition, take a look at the list of characteristics of a good reader that I have provided online, and try to incorporate some of these ideas and strategies into your own reading. They should look familiar, since they were on your guide for the Civil War text. I promise – they will make you a better reader!

Your responses will be evaluated for accuracy (when appropriate), effort, and timeliness.


A Dubious Crusade by James A. Warren
2 pages - complete by Tuesday May 22

Look up both words in the title of the short essay. What do they mean? Dubious means doubtful or a feeling of doubt. And Crusade means any of the military expeditions undertaken by the Christians of Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries for the recovery of the Holy Land from the Muslims.
Relate the title to the reading. What is Warren saying? How do you think this will relate to the rest of our study if Vietnam? In the reading he explained how for a while many nations considered the U.S. to be the top dogs and the invincible ones. But then the millitary was beginning to be doubted then the American people were doubing the government thus the title.




History by Thuong Vuong-Riddick
2 pages - complete by Tuesday May 22

What is the overall theme of Vuong-Riddick's poem?
The overall theme of Vuong-Riddick's poem was how many lives were taken and how many allies were created and destroyed.



The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution … by Goldberg
2 pages - complete by Tuesday May 22
What is the main thesis of the essay?
The controversy of the Vietnam War.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?
It was a resolution created by president Johnson to be given congressional approval to defend the United States interests in the area.
What evidence does the author give to support his thesis?
The U.S. Navy destroyer, The Maddox.
How does this link to the theme of the first reading, “A Dubious Crusade”?