Carl Becker's contribution to the philosophy of historical relativism is presented. Three ideas central to historical relativism are: 1) the subjectivity of historical facts, 2) history as a product of the historian's imagination, and 3) the influence of the contemporary "climate of opinion" in shaping the historian's view of the past.…

Exposing fables, testing new interpretations, and discovering the true complexity of myths can make history come alive. That a Methodist clergyman was put in charge of recruiting in Quebec, that Canada was unprepared for war in 1917, and that the Canadian government hopelessly mismanaged recruiting are examples of myths examined. (RM)

Discussed is how G. M. Young's historical essay, "Victorian England: Portrait of an Age," is a reflection of its time and of the abiding cultural concerns of Young's intellectual life. (RM)

Argues that the British industrial revolution was in no sense inevitable and scarcely deserves the term "revolution." Examined are the characteristics which the British shared with other Europeans and ways in which they were distinctive that enabled them to become the first industrial nation. (RM)

Discusses the rationale for establishing criteria for evaluating oral history interviews. Presents seven evaluation categories relating to oral history tapes and three categories relating to typescripts. (CK)

Presents an annotated bibliography of materials on the history of Argentina from 1862 to the 1980s. The bibliography is intended for use by college level history instructors as they develop curriculum on Argentina and as they seek to provide students with informative, stimulating, and accessible reading. The bilbiography relies heavily on journal…

Presents an annotated bibliography of materials on the history of Chile from the 1500s to the twentieth century. The bibliography includes works from the United States, England, and Chile on a variety of topics, including the colonial period, Pre-Columbian Chile, Indian life, culture, political structure, the impact of Spanish Imperialism, land…

In the Humanities the notion of scholarship is fundamental to professional identity and prestige. Among historians scholarship is still overwhelmingly identified with research, and research of a particular kind, which has come to dominate ideas of what it means to be a professional historian. The valuing of one aspect of professional practice has…

In this article, the author contends that the vast majority of American historians no longer regard American culture--whether high culture or mainstream popular culture--as an essential area of study. The much-vaunted culture turn in the humanities has run its course in one of the first disciplines it influenced. Indeed, most of the books today…

This paper examines history as a general education requirement in postsecondary institutions. General education tries to present a basic core of knowledge which is fundamental to all educated men and women. Research regarding goals for required general education and history reveals that a statement of goals is almost always couched in value terms.…

Discusses how examination of buildings as historical evidence can help students in college level history courses understand culture. Teaching methods are suggested, including walking tours, analyzing physical appearance of buildings, describing spaces between buildings, and examining buildings' ownership and occupancy patterns. Journal…

William Faulkner's novel "Absalom, Absalom!" is described as a valuable teaching resource for an introduction to the philosophy of history. At least six ways of viewing history are presented in the book, which is useful and motivating in helping students understand the complex nature of history. (AV)

Reviews several definitions of material culture and material culture research. Identifies the special characteristics and pitfalls of material culture research appraising how such research can be useful in historical explanation. Forecasts expectations for materials culture research over the next decade. (JDH)

Discusses how psychohistory and psychobiography can be used in graduate and undergraduate history classes to help students grasp the motives for individual and mass actions throughout history, e.g., Why did the British military men make certain tactical decisions in World War I? (RM)

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