At many institutions, the standard United States history surveys are considered "introductory" courses in history, for history majors and minors, pre-service teachers, and in the suite of courses that satisfy General Education requirements. There may not be a more critical course in the collegiate history curriculum than the U.S.…

In this article, the author recalls the time she met Gary Nash at UCLA on July 13, 1992, when they began the work of creating the National Standards in History. Professor Nash was the leader in the development of the United States History Standards. In creating the Standards, they were to focus on Historical Thinking. They needed to organize the…

Discusses problems inherent in planning the curriculum focus and goals of a world history course. Examines major options, including recent studies prepared by the College Board. Offers 17 specific goals for a world history course, from the definition of historical evidence to the role of science and technology throughout history. Concludes that…

The concluding article for SO 500 407, details a sample curriculum which seeks to make historical studies relevant to students' lives and to cultivate skilled amateur historians who know how to ask and answer historical questions, and whose understanding of history will make them more effective persons and citizens. (Author/MB)

Delineates why the National Commission for the Social Studies provides an excellent opportunity for improving social studies education. Identifies several issues the Commission must address, including the value of teaching social studies, the content of social studies curriculum, and when and how to teach the social studies. (LS)

Includes three papers from a panel on the teaching of medieval legal history held at 1985 American Society for Legal History: (1) "Medieval Legal History in the Core Curriculum" (J. Muldoon; D. Humphries); (2) "Teaching Early Medieval Law: A Comparative Approach" (J.A. Brundage); and (3) "Medieval Law and Society: An…

Describes the University of California (Irvine) one-year humanities core course as hermeneutically and contextually oriented. Explains course development, structure, and organization and provides the reading list. Students assignments include essays and a dialectical notebook. Provides a three-day fall seminar for the teaching staff. Finds course…