Research indicates that history-based curricula--specifically textbooks and trade books--about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) are problematic and limited. If race relations are arguably America's long, unsettled tension, then Dr. King was one of its most impactful figures. Using the relevant historical research as a framework and the…

As a young child, Barack Obama learned about the civil rights movement from his mother. Obama's mother strove to instill in her multiracial son pride in being more than just literally African American. There is much to learn from Obama's history, understood both as the story of his life and as what Obama himself has said about his past and the…

In recent years, the use of primary sources in the history and social studies classroom has been increasingly promoted as a necessary and welcome practice, one designed to improve the quality of history education and to encourage student interest and engagement. Although some K-12 educators have been wary of adopting the use of primary sources,…

After examining the drawbacks of some of the currently popular teaching methods, the author proposes an approach to the teaching of high school history focusing on the matter of history -- the lives of men and ideas of the past. (SM)

Outlines seven criteria for judging the use of psychoanalytic biographical data in historiography. The author concludes that the psychoanalytic approach is useful as a teaching device to help students gain a deeper understanding of the motivations causing the actions of historical figures. (AM)

Examines the theoretical and practical implications of utilizing the biographical approach in the history curriculum by pointing out the advantages, examining the art of writing biographies, and discussing two basic methods used in teaching biography. (Author/CK)

Describes the development of a college-level Chinese history course based on the biographies of notable Chinese. Suggests story telling to make history more understandable and authentic. Argues that narrative can provide an open window for the study of any society. (CFR)

Probes the logistical problems of assigning a term paper to large history classes. Proposes a solution that asks students to write a biographical sketch of a notable individual in western civilization. Describes paper requirements and student responses to the assignment. Stresses the importance of developing writing skills in the liberal arts. (RW)