Geopolitics

Killing Fields - Video Assignment

The video The Killing Fields was made in 1984 and it chronicles the experiences of two reporters, Sydney Schanberg and Dith Pran, as they cover the military conflict in the Cambodia-Vietnam region. The actor playing the part of Dith Pran won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It was his first acting performance. Unfortunately, he was murdered in L.A. a few years ago. The video is a truthful portrayal of the atrocities in Cambodia. The situation in Cambodia reflects the tragic consequences when powerful nations attempt to influence weaker ones. In many cases. it is the common people of the nation who are hurt.

Questions:

1) In one or two paragraphs, briefly outline the events of the video. ( 5 marks )

2) In your opinion, what is the meaning of the film's title. Please think about your answer. ( 3 marks )

3) Describe your personal reaction to this movie. ( 5 marks )

4) Is there a moral or lesson to be learned in this movie, especialy for the developed world. (Hint: listen carefully to Sydney Schanberg's acceptance speech) ( 2 marks )

Using the video, and the 2 articles, Death of a Nation and Palace of Fear, and the chronology of Cambodia, answer the following:

5) Describe the methods of control that the Khmer Rouge used on the Cambodian people. ( 5 marks )

6) Describe the role that the U.S. had in causing the disaster in Cambodia. ( 2 marks )

7) Define the following terms:( 4 marks)

• a) Madman Theory of War
• b) Pol Pot
• c) Prince Sihanouk
• d) Hun Sen

1)Washington Post

2) the site:Killing Fields

3) Cambodian Genocide Project

4) Visual History:The Cambodian Killing Fields

5) Khmer Web Page

Send your answers by e-mail to: mayfield@ica.net Please make sure you number and give a title to your answers (ie. Answers to Killing Fields video?)and sign your name.