The subject of this paper is the construction of childhood as a time of happiness in different historical periods. It first analyses the construction of childhood as a time of happiness in the German romantic period in the eighteenth century. Secondly, the paper discusses the construction of happy mothers and children in "The Century of…

Historiography is often overlooked as a fascinating subject by most contemporary students, whether in the secondary history classroom or undergraduate course. Some sense of the changing historical interpretation of a topic such as Reconstruction may be provided through contrasting passages from a modern history text with earlier editions of books…

Postcolonial theory remains part of the challenge of literary theory to curriculum development. As the author's personal history suggests, it is more than simply another way of reading and interpretation, but enables an engagement with, a bearing witness to, the gross inequalities of the world today. Drama is a good example, evidenced by the…

Most historians now widely agree that the concrete accomplishments of President Kennedy were modest and that his failures and misjudgments were considerable. Yet Kennedy's image continues to shine in our historical memories with a brightness that few other figures of this century can match. Reasons are discussed. (RM)

The presidency of John F. Kennedy is assessed. Considered are J.F.K's positions on, and national and world leaders' reactions to, such issues as oil depletion allowances, the Civil Rights Bill, the Vietnam situation, and the Cold War missile gap. (RM)

Many students assume that history has nothing to do with them and therefore is a waste of their time, so finding a way to get involuntary history students truly involved in a topic is always the most challenging aspect of teaching it. As passive listeners they will remember little; as active participants they will remember more and--in at least a…

In recognition of Rudolf Friml's centenary (1879-1979), his career as a composer of operettas, musical comedies, and musical satires and as a concert pianist is reviewed. (KC)

Presents an unorthodox account of the onset of World War I based on speculations about alternative outcomes. Considers reasons that historians are reluctant to imagine counter-factuals and argues that this lack of imagination may cause them to overlook some of the historical causes they seek. (DMM)

Examined is the evolution of Greece in the context of demographic, geopolitical, and historical factors. The international personality of Greece today is discussed. (RM)

Unusual insights, presented in college freshmen papers, concerning events from the Middle Ages to the present are the focus of this essay. (RM)

People call on their cultural resources to find relief for their fears and reassurance about their hopes. Among those resources is the mysterious and hazardous tool called leadership. There are many traditions of leadership in world cultures, but the contemporary notions about leading and leaders are ever-changing, so that traditional…

Examines the linkage of spirituality, justice, and cultural evangelization by (1) reviewing the recent efforts to construct a societal spirituality; (2) presenting a theological reflection on these efforts using models; and (3) discussing the implications for religious education. (GEA)

Traces the historical sources of "Some Plant Olive Trees," a utopian novel by Emma Gelders Sterne, which offers a fictional account of the Vine and Olive colony, one of the most colorful yet least known utopian communities of the nineteenth century. (AYC)

Summarizes changes in the Japanese script from 1900 onwards, emphasizing those made after World War II in an effort to simplify the script. (FL)

Considers Arendt's argument that Eichmann was an example of how Nazi totalitarianism changed modern concepts of evil. Concludes that an amoral bureaucracy, whose goals transcended personal judgment, involvement, or responsibility, is part of the social environment which still constitutes a threat today. (AM)