This article describes the Frank Reade dime novels, published in 1882, that are now recognized as the beginnings of the modern science fiction novel in the United States. They illustrate the hope that Americans of the time held for the future that newly invented technology could offer. Although the Frank Reade stories highlighted the promise of…

Described are the history of three German-heritage groups settled in Pennsylvania: the Solitary of Ephrata Commune, the Amish, and the Harmony Society. Suggested are pastoral, agrarian, and commercial agricultural analogs to life-support strategies of these groups respectively. Faustian agriculture emphasizing the connection of agriculture to…

This historic overview of Millersville State Normal School in Pennsylvania looks at the separate but equal treatment of male and female students and faculty during the late 19th and early 20th century. Although early school administrators were progressive in acceptance of both male and female students and careful to treat men and women equal in…

Analyzes the relationship of indigenous and western educational systems in lower Zaire during the transformation from the lineage form of production that prevailed in precolonial times to a form of dependent capitalism. Explores the relationships between education, religion, social structure, and social stratification patterns, especially among…

Discusses the historical plight of African Americans, Native Americans, and those of mixed ancestry in their fight against stereotyping, racism, and prejudice, and their fight for the right to self-identification and self-definition in the United States. Considers the various classifications of different races and the reasons for these…