Merrill Hartshorn, for three decades the driving force behind the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), died in 1985. This tribute, written by a former NCSS president and longtime friend of Hartshorn, describes Hartshorn as "the torchbearer of a social studies tradition." (RM)

Prosopography is the investigation of the common background characteristics of a group of people in history by means of a collective study of lives. How the discipline of prosopography can be used to help secondary and college level students understand the nuances of power is examined. (RM)

Wesley's college textbook, Teaching the Social Studies (1937), had an impact on social studies teaching, especially in its definition of the social studies; his conception of the role of history in social studies teaching; and his contributions to world affairs education. (PN)

Focuses on the career of Ken Burns, creator of historical documentaries for television and a popular historian. Examines his technique in creating documentaries, such as his use of style and the incorporation of biography. Discusses the differences between professional and popular history. (CMK)

Presents information related to the attempts on discovering the true identity of Tituba. Focuses on theories presented about her identity and her role in the Salem (Massachusetts) witchcraft trials. Discusses the images of Tituba portrayed in literature and U.S. history. (CMK)

Addresses why Charles Beard's reputation as a historian deteriorated, provides information on his life, and discusses his conceptions of history. Considers Beard's notions of social studies education, focusing on his ten social goals, the 12 characteristics of the "individual side" of social studies, and his proposed curricular plan. (CMK)

Emma Willard had an important impact on teaching social studies and on the education of women in general in the 19th century through her efforts in training teachers and through her writing. Willard's writing included both textbooks and books on educational philosophy. She began teaching at age 17 in a village school. After further education, she…

Explores the development of Arthur Bestor's ideas and his differences with progressives during the 1950's. Contends their differences, exacerbated by the Cold War, were matters of emphasis not principles. Concludes that ongoing post-Cold War battles among liberal social educators should be resolved in favor of their common social and educational…

Discusses the contributions of women educators to the development of geography as a discipline, focusing on seven women: (1) Susanna Rowson; (2) Emma Hart Willard; (3) Sarah Sophia Cornell; (4) Ellen Churchill Semple; (5) Zonia Baber; (6) Erna Grassmuck Gilland; and (7) Esther Sanfrieda Anderson. (CMK)

Offers a bibliography that provides suggestions for further information on the First Ladies. Types of information sources suggested include general overviews of the First Ladies, biographies and autobiographies of First Ladies, specialized studies, White House social history resources, and books for young people. (CMK)

Social studies classroom teachers can enliven high school history courses and motivate students to learn about history by using dramatic or heroic biographies in teaching history. The biographical approach centers on study of the lives, beliefs, and surroundings of historical actors. This approach differs from the "great man" theory of history in…

Argues that feminist history enriches the understanding of Canadian history by focusing on groups of women beyond the white, middle class, including those from First Nations communities. Reviews the life and works of E. Pauline Johnson (1861-1913), a Mohawk, English poet, and performer. Notes sources on women's history. (DSK)

Reviews Canadian business history books published since 1972 as well as reprints of useful older works. Topics dealt with are the fish, timber, and wheat industry, transportation, entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship, Canadian economy during World War I, the development of natural resources, and the lives of the rich and the powerful. (KC)

Discusses the use of life stories as a strategy for validating student life experiences, developing tolerance for and appreciation of other cultures and improving student attitudes about themselves and their peers. Describes a literature-based, college-level course for inservice teachers in which life stories were the dominant theme. (CFR)

Traces the life and career of DeWitt Clinton, who served as mayor of New York City, governor of New York, and U.S. senator. Stresses that Clinton deeply impacted the state and nation as the founder of New York City's public schools, as an advocate of higher education for women, and as a major figure in building the Erie Canal. (NL)