Contextualization

The Cold War was a period that marked the second half of the 20th century, where the world found itself divided between the influence of two major powers: the United States, representing the capitalist bloc, and the Soviet Union, the socialist bloc. This global scenario marked a complex network of foreign policies, arms races, and proxy conflicts, which were essential in shaping the world as we know it today.

The period of Peaceful Coexistence, which roughly extended from 1955 to 1962, represented an attempt to ease global tensions, seeking peaceful coexistence between rival powers. However, during this period, several conflicts still occurred, including the Vietnam War, which became one of the most iconic conflicts of the Cold War era.

The Vietnam War not only represented the struggle between the ideologies of capitalism and communism but also catalyzed social movements worldwide. Protest movements emerged everywhere, from the United States to Europe, uniting people who were dissatisfied with government policies, violence, and social injustice.

Introduction

The history of the Cold War is essential for understanding various contemporary aspects of international politics, the balance of power among countries, and how conflicts on a global scale can influence local social movements. By exploring the theme of Peaceful Coexistence, conflicts in Vietnam, and social movements during the Cold War, this project aims to provide a deep dive into the period and a comprehensive understanding of its events, causes, and consequences.

Students will be encouraged to investigate and analyze a variety of sources, from historical documents to contemporary films, to gain a richer and more nuanced view of this time. Additionally, this project will also encompass the study of social movements triggered by the Vietnam War, offering an opportunity to learn about the dynamics of social movements, the causes of popular dissatisfaction, and the impacts of these movements on society and politics.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Cold War, Vietnam, and Social Movements: A Multi-disciplinary Immersion"

Project Objective:

The main objective of this activity is to research, analyze, and represent significant historical events of the Cold War, especially addressing Peaceful Coexistence, conflicts in Vietnam, and the social movements triggered by this period. The activity will promote collaboration among students and deepen their understanding of the historical period, linking it to the contemporary context through different disciplines.

Detailed Project Description:

The project will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and will last approximately one month. Each group will be responsible for creating a series of podcasts, composed of at least four episodes, addressing the main themes of the project. In addition to addressing historical content, students should also include analyses of the social, political, and cultural implications of these events.

Required Materials:

1. Online and offline research material (books, academic articles, historical documents, films, etc.)
2. Audio recording and editing tools (can be free online tools or more advanced programs)
3. Computers or similar devices for research and content production

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Group Formation:

   Groups will be formed by 3 to 5 students. Each member will have a specific role: researcher, scriptwriter, narrator, and audio editor. Roles can be shared or divided depending on the number of students in the group.

2. Research and Planning:

   Students should research the assigned topic and identify the main events, characters, and ideas that will be addressed in their podcast. They should also develop a script outline for each episode.

3. Script Production:

   Based on the research, students will write the script for each episode of the podcast.

4. Recording and Editing:

   After creating the scripts, students will record each episode of the podcast and, using audio recording and editing tools, assemble the final product.

5. Review and Finalization:

   After editing, groups should listen to their podcasts to review the content and make any necessary adjustments.

6. Presentation and Evaluation:

   Finally, each group will present their podcast to the class, and the work will be evaluated according to the established assessment criteria.

Project Delivery:

The completion of the project will have two parts: the podcast series and a written report.

1. Podcast Series:

   Each group must deliver a series of at least four podcast episodes. Each episode should be between 15 to 30 minutes long and address a specific aspect of the Cold War chosen by the group.

2. Written Report:

   After completing the podcasts, each group should prepare a written document that reports the entire project process, following the format of an academic report. The report sections should include:

   • Introduction (contextualizing the theme, its relevance, and real-world application)
   • Development (explaining the theory behind the project's central themes, detailed description of the activity, methodology used, and results obtained)
   • Conclusion (summarizing the main points, lessons learned, and conclusions about the project)
   • Bibliography (indicating the sources they relied on to carry out the project)

The idea is for the written report to complement the work done in the podcast, synthesizing the students' learning, detailing the research conducted, explaining the project development processes, and critically reflecting on the final results.