Mid-term Exam:

1) Thus far, I have learned much more about the Vietnam War. I was never very knowledgable about this deeply troubling and extremely reflective war given our current situation in Iraq. I am able to understand the motives behind the various countries and individuals involved in making the Vietnam War possible, however varied those reasons may be. I am learning that not everything in life has a definite answer or fact that can be attributed to it but this is a truth I am not yet willing to accept. Some things I simply must know the answer to or find a truth which is satisfying to my own mind.

2) I feel quite well rounded in our learning experience. We seem to get a little bit of everything in this class. The film texts were getting a little monotonous, but Hearts and Minds was a welcome reprieve. I guess I would like to see more texts directly from the Vietnam or even Vietcong perspective. Maybe a war momento translated would be a nice addition.

3) As I said above, I am struggling with the fact that perhaps the Vietnam War can never be fully understood. I have an insatiable desire to know and understand all things. Vietnam presents me with an additional mental conflict that is not readily solvable.

I want to be a better writer as well. I am at an acceptable level as it is but am not entirely sure that I am progressing further. I have made better grades on my R.A.s progressively, but I still wonder if my writing has actually improved. In some cases, I have just provided better arguements or evidence to back up my statements and this seemed to do the trick.

4) The class could be improved by having an actual veteran come and speak to us. Hearts and Minds was incredible but having the physical man in our presence would be even more so. It would be even more amazing if we had two veterans speak to us at different times, one with an oppository viewpoint. Although not readily advisable, how about a veteran debate?

5) The least useful text was Full Metal Jack simply because it depicted horrific events in a thoroughly humorous manner. Because of this, I was unable (and I predict others as well) to take the material seriously enough to give it any credence.

The most useful text was The Things They Carried because it provided an insider's glimpse into the war and brought into our minds the most provocative questions during discussion section.

6) My favorite text was Full Metal Jacket just because of my sheer enjoyment. Some of the gruesome moments were quite shocking, but I leave the film in my mind with a generally pleasant memory. I wouldn't take a girlfriend to any of the other films.

My Peformance:
1) I have blogged consistently. My blogs usually do reflect topics we have been discussing and are as insightful as possible. On the community blog, I try to relate them to other's posts and include questions of my own which others may or may not respond to.

2) I always participate in discussions. I try not to say things unless they are of importance or would lead to a response by others. I have never been shy so talking in class just comes pretty naturally to me.

3) My R.A.s are alright. I have gotten better at developing arguements but still need to work on style and approach. I fall into the case where rather than really thinking too much beforehand, I begin typing away and at the end see what has magicly manifested itself onto the page.

4) B+... I make sure to do everything that is required of me. There is still plenty of room for improvement however. I want to make blog posts of greater meaning, rather than just doing them to fulfill that weeks agenda. My R.A.s are decent enough, but need more thought.

5) My project is coming along nicely. I have begun aquiring and printing certain documents and images which will prove pertinent to my project. As it stands, I will be putting together items into a portfolio/album/journal. These objects will not truly tie together in any way but will be categorized into sections and certainly all pertain to the Vietnam War in one way or another. This album will reflect the disjointed nature of the war itself. I will label most if not all of the objects with a specific tone word that I feel best reflects the nature of the text/image. This will allow the viewer to pick up on the meaning of what he sees even if only glimpsed quickly. The text/image will relate to a concept and he will lock that somewhere in his mind. I would also like to include a certain element of childhood. I do not know how that will be done yet. I am thinking of having a girl look through the project as if it were her deceased father's scrapbook and reflecting her sad thoughts onto that book as she goes along.