This dissertation will compare how the politics of the early American republic (1790-1800) are portrayed in educational resources and scholarly works. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate that educational materials are both incomplete and positively biased, and therefore teachers of secondary social studies should limit their use when…

The rise of China, as well as any of the emerging economies, has much to offer students and teachers of social studies--especially in the fields of history and economics. Traditionally, history education in the United States has emphasized Western civilization and provided instruction for educators with that end in mind. In an era of increased…

This issue's "Middle Level Learning" section presents two articles. The first is "Harriet Tubman: Emancipate Yourself!" (by Steven S. Lapham and Peter Hanes). "Argo," which won the 2012 Oscar for best picture, was about a daring escape of six U.S. diplomats from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. Now imagine the…

This book focuses on the history of the Statue of Liberty National Monument from 1952 through 1982. It describes how the monument has come to symbolize an expanding set of ideals, how the symbolism has produced responses in various groups of people ranging from celebrations to physical attacks upon the Statue, and the manner in which the monument…

This special theme issue of the OAH Magazine of History contains articles that present a variety of perspectives on the Columbian Quincentenary--the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyages of discovery. The articles include: "Exploring the Columbian Quincentenary through Historiography" (John Hebert); "Science, Religion,…

Discusses the Columbus Quincentenary and its impact on the K-12 history and social studies curriculum. Reviews the differences of opinion about Christopher Columbus and the results of the voyages of discovery. Warns that teachers must be wary of instructional materials that are based on political and social ideologies. (CFR)

Teacher developed U.S. history curriculum materials involve high school students in analyzing rival historical interpretations. Students learn how to deal with arguments through the booklet "A Guide to Critical Thinking" and then analyze and debate interpretations. Appendices include sample materials and a matrix of content with associated…

Describes the teacher education workshops and instructional materials available from the National Archives of the United States. Contends that using primary sources will help students see history as historians did. Concludes that the National Archives seeks more collaborative activities with history teachers. (CFR)

Provides a list of teaching materials and general background information from the ERIC database on migrations and directions for obtaining the full text of these materials; topics include, but are not limited to, women immigrants, immigration policy, and immigrant history and experiences in the United States. (CMK)

This resource book provides essays on relevant topics, conceptual overviews, courses of study, successful lessons and other ideas by individuals widely recognized for their expertise in teaching world history. Lessons illustrate cross-cultural exchange, global themes, and comparative analyses to teach the skills of thinking historically. The book…

Describes a project to produce classroom materials for world and U.S. history based on primary source documents. Recommends departing from textbooks to penetrate particular historical problems through the units described. Suggests that such projects teach students the complexity of history, encourage active learning, and display a variety of…

Outlines a series of teaching activities to be used in conjunction with Robert E. Lee's letter of resignation. These include textual analysis, class discussions, writing assignments, and student research. Includes a photocopy of the letter as well as a brief discussion of Lee's role in the Civil War. (MJP)

Traces the history of science in the United States through an extensive bibliography of sources useful to history teachers. Expounds on notable trends in the history of science, beginning with the revolutionary period up to the present. Focuses on the impact of social and cultural ideas on science in the United States. (RW)

Reports on a study of how the three-way encounter among Europeans, the indigenous Americans, and Africans is presented in six secondary U.S. history textbooks. Describes the evaluation instrument and process used to review the textbook content. Concludes that teachers should use supplementary materials to ensure balance. (CFR)

Describes the development and evolution of college-level history courses on U.S. western history. Discusses historical resources used in the courses and topics for student discussion. Concludes that the 20th-century west can be used as the foundation for a thematic approach to history instruction. (CFR)