[324] MTSU history class to write new chapter with trip to Vietnam

FOR RELEASE: March 6, 2013

EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081, gina.logue@mtsu.edu

MURFREESBORO — As Chuck Hagel, America’s first Vietnam veteran to become secretary of defense takes office, MTSU launches its first study-abroad excursion to Vietnam.

The class of 12 students will embark on their trip to bolster their stateside learning Sunday, March 10, and return home Sunday, March 24. 

“This is a new and exciting opportunity for our students to be able to experience the new Vietnam and examine ways in which Americans and Vietnamese view warfare, especially effects of warfare on Vietnamese society,” said Dr. Derek Frisby, associate professor of history and a Marine veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Stops on the itinerary for Frisby’s history class, “Public Memory and the Vietnam War,” include:

• Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam;

• Pleiku, strategic locus of U.S. military supply logistics during the Vietnam War;

• Quy Nhon, birthplace of an 18^th century emperor;

• Khe Sanh, site of a key battle of the Vietnam War;

• Hanoi, the capital city where students will be treated to a reception with members of the Marine Security Force;

• and the “Hanoi Hilton,” where former Navy pilot, now U.S. Sen. John McCain and other American prisoners of war were held captive. At this location, Frisby will recite the official Tennessee state poem, “Oh, Tennessee, My Tennessee,” written by Adm. William Porter Lawrence, a Vietnam War veteran.

Students will have an opportunity to gain a global perspective by studying history “on the ground” where it happened and to place historical literature, popular culture and cultural approaches to Vietnam in context.

“Dr. Frisby’s Vietnam program is a new MTSU signature program that will allow MTSU students to see and experience the locations and the culture they have learned so much about regarding such a significant part of America’s recent history,” said Dr. David Schmidt, vice provost for international affairs.

Frisby said he hopes to attract more Vietnam War veterans to accompany future classes to enrich the learning experience by sharing their personal perspectives with the students.

In preparation for the journey, students already have submitted written personal expressions of their knowledge of the war and essays on Vietnam’s histories with China and France.

Future assignments will focus on students’ analyses of 21^st century Vietnam, which they will compare and contrast with their preconceptions and their impressions of how American media have portrayed the country.

Each student’s cost is approximately $4,100, which includes transportation, admission/guide fees, lodging and 90 percent of all meals.

For more information, please contact Gina Logue at 615-898-5081, 615-631-8322 or gina.logue@mtsu.edu.

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