This article is an exploration of how the new early American cultural history can be employed in the first half of the standard American history survey. The author discovered that the New Cultural History can be an outstanding tool by which to introduce a highly culturally diverse student population to the multiracial, multicultural, and…

The American emphasis on utility and practicality in education was expanded over the course of the twentieth century, particularly in the development of community colleges with their dual mission of liberal arts education and vocational training. Because of their mission and their dependence on local funding and community requirements, two-year…

In 1999, the City University of New York (CUNY) abolished remedial programs in its four-year colleges and began to rely on standardized test scores as criteria both for exiting remediation and for admission to bachelor's programs. By doing that, the university has in effect eradicated its three-decade-old "open admissions" policy, argue…

Describes the content for community college history courses that meet the needs of the students by focusing on the educational aids; affective teaching techniques, such as using period music or an anecdotal story; and student outreach. Includes a lecture outline and hints for writing essays. (CMK)

Discusses limitations of existing publisher-based computer-assisted instruction (CAI) products. Provides two examples of interactive multimedia courseware, discussing the potential for each in the United States History survey: (1) "Eunice: A Captivity Simulation" and (2) "Intercultural Sensitivity." Describes each courseware. (CMK)

For over thirty years, teaching the United States history survey course has been the focus of the author's professional life. At both the high school and college level, he has introduced students to the sweep of American history from Jamestown to Watergate. During those years, he has grappled with the conundrum of how to make this often-unwieldy…

Highlights the benefits of active and student-centered learning. Describes the University of Wisconsin Student History Network that uses an updated model of the literary society and includes a Web site and electronic discussion groups for students in history survey courses. Discusses the problems, changes, and success of the University of…

Focuses on the project "Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age: Reconceptualizing the Introductory Survey Course" that facilitates collaboration among faculty from two- and four-year colleges in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Southern California in creating and disseminating active learning materials for use in World and U.S. history…