Describes how one teacher taught adolescent literature that deals with war and, specifically, the Vietnam War. Covers four key themes of Vietnam literature: combat narratives, the war at home, refugee experiences, and the next generation. Suggests ways of using these materials with students. (HB)

This paper suggests that one way teachers can revitalize literature studies in classrooms and foster students' response to literature is by teaching the literature of the Vietnam War. The paper presents some typical student responses to some Vietnam War literature, which stand in striking contrast to student responses to other kinds of literature.…

Starting a unit on Vietnam War literature by having students view slides of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and listen to letters left there is just the first step in how an English teacher uses the arts to enhance student learning about the Vietnam War and its literature. After discussing their reactions to the slides and the offerings left at the…