This book brings new life to the study of social studies by integrating the tools of creative drama and theater tools like pantomime, movement, improvisation, scripted drama, oral interpretation, debate, public speaking, readers theater, storytelling, and the many other ways the body or voice can be used to creatively communicate ideas to others. Taking into account the curriculum standards for social studies, the national standards for an education in theater, and Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, the book provides readers with strategies that have worked well in the classroom. These strategies include a wide variety of drama activities with a historical focus; step-by-step modeling of historical improvisations and reenactments; an outline of the basics for creating a historical play production; examples of dramatic language arts activities for social studies teaching; and a detailed description of an integrated unit on slavery and abolitionism. "In the Spotlight" sections at the end of each chapter describe a lesson or project in detail, including sample assessment ideas; examples of how drama and theater come into play with the social studies standards; and annotated professional books and resource literature for each chapter. With this book, teachers can help their students learn about a particular period of history and discover historical concepts by becoming men and women of the past, reliving dramatic moments in their lives, and experiencing their problems and solutions. (BT)