United States history classrooms have the potential to simultaneously foster an understanding of students' cultures and experiences today in relation to the nation's history and develop critical thinking and technology literacy. Yet classroom materials and instructors tend to avoid, ignore, or misrepresent controversial topics such as race and…

There are few topics more engaging, polarizing, controversial, and relevant than the issue of race relations in the United States. As race and racism are enduring issues of importance and popularity, it seems fitting to explore the topic through one of the more engaging and divisive eras in U.S. history; the Civil War. National and state standards…

In the United States courses on civics or government are often marginalized in most states' social studies curricula in favor of courses in United States or world history. The origins of this history-dominated approach have roots in the debates between the American Historical Association and the National Education Association at the turn of the…

Criticizes historians for entrenching themselves behind barriers of methodology. Suggests that historians may be unable to see what is hidden beneath the surface of events. Urges that historians look to the subject matter of the literatures and cultures of all ages to effectively interpret events. (KO)

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)

Examines increased interest in Latin American studies initiated by Cuban Revolution of Fidel Castro. Identifies and compares older historiography which evolved in Latin America and newer efforts which have emanated from the United States. Suggests that a changing political and economic climate and different emphasis in methodology are affecting…

Presents a mode of formal analysis that identifies different substantive theories about history teaching. The mode rejects as incomplete or incoherent pseudotheories that fail to indicate which needs they are supposed to meet, which knowledge they are supposed to provide, or which authority they are supposed to recognize as legitimate. (RM)

Provides an account in 1988 of 23 university history departments in the United States from a British visitor's perspective. Traces the history of the curriculum, comparing history departments in terms of curriculum, curricular change, general education requirements, requirements for a history major, departmental academic planning, teaching methods…

Architecture can be a topic in high school community studies. A program in Boulder, Colorado, is described as a case study. Learning activities include walking tours, library and city archive research, and slide shows. Tips for teachers and an annotated bibliography are included. (Author/DB)

Discusses the Bradley Commission on History in School recommendations as part of the 1980s curriculum reform movement. Examines the problem of too many social science disciplines competing for space within the limited core curriculum. Analyzes several major reports published on social studies curriculum reform. Concludes with further questions…

Discusses the development of a twentieth century world history course, its possibilities, pitfalls, and rationale. Includes a course outline, readings, audio-visual materials, and discussion topics. (GEA)

Discusses the Schools History Project implemented in England in 1972. Traces the Project's history and development, and assesses problems that it has encountered. Elaborates on curriculum, curricular change, teaching methods utilized, inservice training of teachers, and the Project's future. Provides a sample syllabus developed by the Project. (RW)

Recommends enlarging perspectives of colonial American history by expanding geographic boundaries and ethnic group considerations, emphasizing ethnohistory, and enlarging time period studies. Benefits include possibilities for indigenous comparative history, comparative history of colonization, and interdisciplinary history. (CK)

Analyzes problems confronted when integrating women into U.S. history textbooks and college survey courses. Reviews feminist scholarship to examine how women's experiences have differed from men's throughout U.S. history. Although acknowledging the importance of exploring these differences, argues scholars also must investigate women's…

If history teachers' aim is to teach students how to think, why not ask: What forms of thought do historians use, and what specific techniques will inculcate these forms? In this article, the author proposes a fundamental shift, from courses with a focus on the mastery of data to courses with a priority on learning the historian's craft. The…