The Vietnam War

The Draft Controversy

Due: November 10, 2010

What: For this analysis paper you will need to access the magazine and newspaper archives at the
Bowdoin College Library.

How: You will choose three media articles that deal explicitly with the controversy surrounding the
drafting of service members during the Vietnam War. These articles should be current to the war’s draft
lottery (published from 1968 to 1973). At least one of these articles should take a stance against the draft
or for the draft. The other two articles can be “objective” (i.e. take no stated stance).

Your aim is to compare and contrast the articles you chose.

• Who is the audience for each article? How do you know?
• What is the purpose of each article?
• How is the Vietnam War draft discussed in the articles? What terms are used to describe the draft
(“selective service” etc.)?
• Do the articles come out explicitly for or against the draft? How do you know?
• How do the articles describe draftees?
• Are any pictures or images used the in the articles? Why?
• How is military service described in the articles? (i.e. as a duty, obligation, honor…or?)
• How is the Vietnam War discussed in each article?
• Are war causalities and injuries discussed?
• Is the process of the draft discussed (the draft lottery)?
• Does the article include the perspectives/voices of any specific individuals? Who and what
purpose does this serve?

• Use course material throughout your analysis to support the assertions you make. You are also
welcome to bring in other relevant material.
• Your paper should be 3-4 double-spaced pages long, with all sources cited properly. Include the
articles you chose in your citations.
• You are welcome to use whatever citation style you are comfortable with, as long as you are
consistent.

Grading will be based on the following:

• Does it meet all requirements listed above?
• Is it analytical in content, not just a summary?
• Is it explicitly related to concepts from assigned readings, from in class discussions, readings, etc.
(in other words, your analysis should serve as an example of what we are studying in class)?
• Does it demonstrate your ability to extend what we have learned in class to other examples of
propaganda?
• Does it demonstrate they you understand the social context for this war?
• Does it demonstrate that you are thinking critically about propaganda and persuasive messages?
• Does it demonstrate strong writing ability,* including thorough proofreading?
* Refer to the writing guide provided at the beginning of the semester.

Rewrites: You are allowed to re-write one short analysis paper during the course of the semester. If you
want to do this to improve your grade on a paper, you will need to meet with me first so we can go over
the paper together. You have 2 weeks to rewrite your paper after getting it back. The re-write will be
graded with the same criteria as the original paper.