MVS100: Introduction to Military and Veterans Studies
Welcome to MVS100
At the heart of ASU’s commitment to honoring and understanding the experiences of our veterans, MVS100 stands as a pioneering course designed to bring the rich, diverse, and profound stories of military life into the academic arena. Spearheaded by veterans for veterans—and anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of military culture and history—this course is more than just an educational journey; it’s a tribute to the valor and sacrifices of those who have served.
Meet Your Instructor: Colonel Wanda Wright
Colonel Wanda Wright, a distinguished Air Force Academy graduate with a legacy of over two decades of service in the Arizona National Guard and the U.S. Air Force, brings her unparalleled experience and passion to ASU. Selected by Governor Ducey in 2015 to lead the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Colonel Wright transitioned to ASU in June 2023 with a mission to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders in veterans’ services.
About the Course
MVS100 is the flagship course of the newly established Bachelor of Arts in Military and Veterans Studies program, itself an evolution of the Veterans, Society and Service Certificate. Developed in partnership with the new Navy Community College, MVS100 offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, reflecting the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our students.
Objectives & Learning Experiences
- Understand Military Life: From the foundational aspects of military history and rank structure to the nuanced, personal experiences of service members, MVS100 offers a deep dive into the life within the armed forces.
- Storytelling at Its Core: True to the veteran culture of sharing and preserving narratives, this course emphasizes first-hand accounts and real-life stories to illuminate the realities of military service, covering a broad spectrum of branches, combat eras, and identities.
- Diverse Perspectives: Hear from a wide array of voices, including a female army nurse with experience in Vietnam and Desert Storm, a draftee from the 60s with memories of war’s haunting melodies, and a young woman whose military journey was marked by challenges and resilience, among others.
Course Structure & Assessments
- Engaging Modules: Explore various topics through storytelling, discussions, and quizzes, each designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of military and veteran affairs.
- Meaningful Assessments: Engage in projects that encourage personal exploration and understanding, from creating listicles that reflect on aspects of military life to conducting interviews with veterans and developing a unique “UnFinal” project to present your findings in a creative format.
An Honorable Journey
MVS100 is more than a course; it’s a movement towards recognizing and supporting the immense contributions of veterans to our society. Whether you’re a veteran, a student interested in military history, or someone passionate about supporting our service members, this course offers invaluable insights, stories, and opportunities to engage with the heart of military life.
Meet the Instructional Designer: Christine Moore
Christine Moore is an Instructional Designer with EdPlus supporting the Department of English, School of Communications, Film and Media Studies, and the School of Politics and Global Studies, including the MA in International Affairs and Leadership.
A second generation Sun Devil and 20+ year Army spouse, Christine has lived all over the world and working in Instructional Design at Syracuse University, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and teaching in the Hawaii, Texas and New York public school systems. Christine is also the EdPlus representative for ASU’s Military Affairs Committee focusing on student support.
