Provides an essay review of seven books, written since 1983, on the Vietnam War. The titles include: THE BAD WAR: AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE VIETNAM WAR (1987); IN THE COMBAT ZONE: AN ORAL HISTORY OF AMERICAN WOMEN IN VIETNAM, 1966-1975 (1987); and DEAR AMERICA: LETTERS HOME FROM VIETNAM (1985). (JDH)

Explores common problems with the traditional model for graduate research seminars and suggests an alternative conception which capitalizes on the use of local history, a carefully sequenced series of research experiences, and specific instruction in research skills. (JDH)

Describes the development of a college-level course in the history of animation. Contends that social history is reflected in the animated cartoons made for movie theaters. Includes a selected glossary, a bibliography of print resources, and a recommended list of video cassettes. (CFR)

Argues that historic sites permit students literally to make a connection to earlier people that cannot be duplicated in a classroom. Describes how visits to Curtin Village (Pennsylvania), a Juniata River canal (Pennsylvania), the Gettysburg battlefield (Pennsylvania), and the Antietam battlefield (Maryland) are incorporated into a study of U. S.…

Asserts that Steven Spielberg's film "Amistad" fictionalizes the overall facts of the case by inaccurately portraying many of the events that occurred. Explains that the myth-making tradition of Hollywood changes the messages derived from the Amistad court case. Critiques the teaching kit that corresponds to the movie. (CMK)

Points out that movies from the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's are excellent resource materials for the history and social science classroom. Suggests some ways particular films can be used to study mainstream, white, middle-class attitudes toward various issues and groups. (RKM)

Describes how 4 historical, popular, culture mediums may be used to help stimulate student curiosity about the past and provide practice in using and understanding the historical method. Highlighting the slave experience, the mediums are: (1) the antislave almanac; (2) the dime novel; (3) the moving panorama; and (4) the propaganda play.…

Discusses the teaching of women's history at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Describes how student views changed an instructor's own perceptions about race and gender issues. Observes that returning female students are particularly drawn to women's studies courses. Stresses the need to weave past and present into a feasible, humane…

Provides a history of school reform in U.S. schools from 1900 until the present. Discusses how educational policy can be included in the history classroom. Considers the differences between liberal and conservative policies, addressing how these two labels can be clarified for students. Includes a list of key sources and materials. (CMK)

Film documentaries can be a valuable addition to introductory American history courses. Using "The Adams Chronicles" as an example, the author identifies flaws in the film and then explains how careful planning and analysis of the video and printed programs enabled him to incorporate it effectively into a freshman-level survey course at Ohio State…

Tests the validity of a teaching strategy designed to help students learn to think historically. The method offers a rationale for understanding why historians may arrive at differing conclusions. Results of the study (n = 39) indicate a significant improvement in the experimental group concept of history. (TRS)

Describes difficulties encountered in presenting a college course on nuclear weapons and disarmament. Maintains that such courses must strive for a fuller historical account of the arms race, in addition to stressing the humanistic and ethical questions involved. Warns that controversy will arise and concludes that even blind anger is preferable…

Describes an oral history project to help students understand the narrative nature of history. Explains that the project focuses on "the Big Muskie" earth-moving machine and strip mining in southeastern Ohio. Explores the different stages of the classroom project. (CMK)

Describes how to use the films "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" from 1958 and 1978 and "The Body Snatchers" from 1993 to teach the last 50 years of U.S. history by enabling students to evaluate history as an ongoing analysis and critique of historical eras. (CMK)

Describes how a role playing exercise can be used to teach students in a college level history course about the use of the atomic bomb in World War II. Information is presented on general use of role playing in history courses, objectives, questions to consider about use of the atomic bomb, and course evaluation. For journal availability, see so…