Contends that history is a nearly "sense-less" profession because reading is almost the only source of historical understanding. Reviews content related to sensory experiences in college history textbooks. Argues that including language about the senses in historical writing and instruction will enlarge the audience and the field of…

Discusses differences among the objectives, course content, and teaching methods of history instruction at high-school and college levels. Argues that improved communication and interaction among all professionals in the field, including teachers, archivists, librarians, and others, is necessary to improve teaching and learning. (CFR)

Argues that historians have often neglected ideological forces that have shaped their work. Offers a meta-analysis of the ideological dimensions of historical scholarship. Proposes a social psychoanalytical approach to history. Argues that a recognition of the connection between past and present would expose the ties between history and politics.…

This document describes the ways in which Japan and the German nations have taught the history of World War II. According to the document, the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) took a pro-communist and anti-fascist approach to the subject. At the same time, the Western Allies pressured the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) to institute a…

In this ongoing debate, Egan still maintains that because social studies is based on incorrect theories of child learning and aims to socialize and because the idea of social studies is confusing, the discipline should be allowed to die. (RM)

Presented is a model of curriculum design for history instruction using the concept cluster approach. The importance of proper age/grade placement when teaching historical concepts and the developmental characteristics of children and adolescents are emphasized. (Author/RM)

Discusses the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Criticizes contemporary condemnation of Columbus as unproductive. Acknowledges the deaths of countless Native Americans through disease and warfare. Recognizes that the pre-Columbian Americas did not comprise a paradise. Concludes that commemorating the…

Discusses the relationship of ideology, social theory, critical analysis, hegemony, and objectivity in the work of educational historians. Comments that the training of educational historians often neglects intensive ideological analysis of historical research. Argues that study of historiographical methodology and consciousness of its dimensions…

The first purpose of a high school course in U.S. history must be to help students understand the essence of democracy and those events, institutions, and forces that have either promoted or obstructed it. This review examines five textbooks and analyzes how useful they are in aiding that process, and how they might be made more helpful. The five…

Discusses attitudes toward history instruction from a survey of historians. Contends that historians who prize history seem less interested in dispensing knowledge than in imparting a historical perspective. Concludes that many historians are comfortable with the relatively low status of teaching because it provides autonomy. (CFR)

Reviews criticism of history instruction and historical knowledge in the United States since 1939. Contends that critics have shared almost identical concerns during that period. Suggests that, although efforts must continually be made to strengthen history instruction, the "crisis" in history is ephemeral and usually linked to…

Attempts to refute the multiculturalist revisionism surrounding the observance of the Columbian Quincentenary. Notes that warfare, epidemics, deforestation, and political turmoil existed in the Americas before Columbus' arrival. Discusses Christianity's central role in medieval Europe, some of multiculturalism's contradictions, and the importance…

A survey of 12 leading high school U.S. History textbooks has resulted in the opinion put forth in this book that the textbooks currently used in high schools are an embarrassing amalgam of bland optimism, blind patriotism, and misinformation. In addition to critiquing existing textbooks, the book also suggests how U.S. History should be taught.…

Contends that, when laypeople read history, they prefer to read biographies--stories about leaders and people--rather than about social forces and ideas. Argues that the most effective way of writing biography is to write chronologically, not to use flashbacks or flash forward writing. (CFR)

Asserts that, while historians value public communication, their view of the public is dominated by traditional college classroom demographics. Maintains that historians should broaden these boundaries to include nontraditional students. Describes efforts in Wyoming to present history in public meetings. (CFR)