In the fall 2005 semester, the author designed a course in the history of America's modern wars hoping to encourage students to criticize and oppose the country's current aggressions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Surveys of student attitude change suggest that the course did promote criticism but did far less to facilitate student activism. The author…

In this article, the author points out that in this increasingly visual world, outstanding films can engage classes and lift the curtain on the cultures and modern history of Latin America. He recommends some of the most gripping and perceptive films on this topic, and offers advice on how teachers can provide the background to these dramas and…

Describes the efforts of Henry Crowell, developer of Quaker Oats, to develop a market for breakfast cereals using market research and advertising. Examines how innovations in communications technology have been brought about by the struggle to control the material economy in the face of industrialization. Traces the development of the information…

The seven books analyzed here reflect clear and often exasperating prejudices. However, when taken as a whole, their individual perspectives yield a wealth of information, material, and ideas that can increase understanding of both the complexities of America's involvement in Vietnam and the questions surrounding such involvement. (RM)

The roots of American involvement in Vietnam, which stem from the ending of World War II, are examined. (RM)

When used to supplement print materials, explore dimensions of interpretation, and raise questions about bias, films can prove valuable aids for arousing students' curiosity about the past. Films that can be used in secondary classes to teach about the sixties are described. (RM)

A secondary history teacher describes how he uses rock and roll music to help students study and interpret modern American history. Besides being a lot of fun to teach, a rock unit makes students realize that even contemporary music has a place in history. (RM)

Briefly reviews 12 available bibliographies of Holocaust literature. Cites publisher information and costs. Evaluates entries on the basis of author's teaching experience and personal experience as a Holocaust survivor. Precedes bibliographical entries with a discussion of the Holocaust and resistance movement, identifying camps and estimated…

Examines the philosophical and judicial conflicts on the U.S. Supreme Court between justices Douglas and Frankfurter. Traces their disagreements citing specific court cases. States they represented judicial activism and judicial restraint. Concludes it is possible that the country benefited from the philosophical tensions and debates generated by…

Sees the United Nations Decade for Women (1975-85) as a series of events with revolutionary significance. States conferences held during this period produced significant documents giving legal recognition and force of international law to reforms. Describes the struggles at the Nairobi (Kenya) conference of 1985. Includes a five page list of…

In this lesson, high school students read quotes and relate them to events that took place in the 1960s. Provided are the quotes, discussion questions, and suggestions for class activities. (RM)

Discusses the study of U.S. history in east German universities. Describes obstacles such as a lack of recent U.S. historical publications and limited opportunities to study in the West. Includes as areas of study: the American Revolution, the Civil War, twentieth-century foreign policy, historiography, German emigration, and U.S. Presidents. (DK)

Traces the systematic murder of 250,000-500,000 Gypsies by the Nazis in the 1930s. Concludes little scholarship has been completed on this incident. States that files documenting the systematic extermination of these people on the grounds of Nazi claims to national security, genetic health, racial purity, and crime prevention are now available at…

The work of 17 major photographers who documented farm life in America during the 1940s is being presented in an exhibition entitled "Roy Stryker: U.S.A., 1943-1950." Launched at the International Center of Photography, New York, in May 1983, the exhibition will be touring nationally through 1985. Sample photographs are included. (RM)

Information to help secondary history teachers select appropriate readings on three of the most important issues of the sixties--civil rights, the Vietnam War, and women's liberation--is provided. Significant books on these topics are discussed. (RM)