David Espey
Bennett 407
215-898-7360

despey@english.upenn.edu

This course will explore the relation between war writing and travel writing by and about Americans in Vietnam. In addition to fiction and non-fiction by veterans and war correspondents, we’ll read a selection of articles about travel in Vietnam. We will also look at the war’s effect on writing by women, Native Americans, African Americans, and we will briefly consider its effect on music and film as well. But our focus will be on Vietnam, and we will also read work by Vietnamese writers in translation. The course will include frequent short response papers, a mid-term essay of 4-6 pages, and final paper of 6-8 pages. The two long papers can be revised.

Course policies: Because we meet only once a week, I'll expect perfect attendance. If you do have to miss a class, let me know ahead of time. If there is a writing assignment due, send it by e-mail. If there is no writing assignment due, write a brief essay in answer to one of the questions. Course grade will be 60 % for exercises and class participation, 15% for mid-term, 25% for final.