
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.
Instructors:
Kim Korinek
Hai Thanh Nguyen
Nam Nguyen
More Praxis Labs

Infectious Disease on the Run
Margaret P. Battin, PhD
Wendy Hobson-Rohrer, MD
This Praxis Lab examined the history, science, and ethical implications of pandemics, from the Black Plague to COVID-19. Students analyzed how diseases spread, the social and political responses to outbreaks, and the ethical considerations of public health interventions.

How We Die
Margaret P. Battin, PhD
This Praxis Lab explored the evolving landscape of death and dying in the modern world, examining the shift from infectious disease mortality to prolonged battles with degenerative illnesses like cancer, heart failure, and dementia.

Education, Incarceration & Justice: Punishment and Opportunity in an Era of Mass Imprisonment
Erin Castro
Roberto Garcia
This Praxis Lab examined the deep connections between education, incarceration, and justice in the United States, a country with the highest incarceration rate in the world. Students explored the historical and systemic forces that have expanded the carceral state, disproportionately affecting low-income communities and communities of color.