This article tests the assumption that state-mandated multiple-choice history exams are a cultural tool for disseminating an "official" collective memory. Findings from a qualitative study of a collection of multiple-choice questions that relate to the history of the Soviet Union are presented. The 263 questions all come from New York…

The purpose of this essay is to identify and direct the reader to some of the new trends in interpreting the Russian Revolution. (Author/JR)

Argues that an in-depth, interdisciplinary course in European history is a positive addition to the typical high school history curriculum. Provides a rationale, brief history, course outline, assignments, and a selected bibliography for an elective high school history course covering Russia and Austria around the turn of the 20th century. (JDH)

These essays were written to assist teachers in the task of making Russian history intelligible to young U.S. students. In "An Approach to Russian History," Edward Keenan proposes that students need to gain a better understanding of how Russians perceive themselves and their history. In "Pre-Petrine Russia," Andrzej S. Kaminski…

A REPORT OF THE 10TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE GUIDE TO EDUCATE SEVENTH GRADERS ABOUT RUSSIA INCLUDED THE HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, CULTURE, IDEOLOGY, AND AIMS OF THE U.S.S.R. OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS AND TO USE THE INDUCTIVE METHOD WERE SUGGESTED. A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND SUMMARIES OF EVENTS IN RUSSIAN HISTORY WERE…

Discusses the role of writers in Russia during the period of Joseph Stalin to enlighten issues related to intellectual freedom. Includes an annotated bibliography on "Russian Literature of the Soviet Period," to help students learn more about Russia. (CMK)

Historically, the cold war was a watershed that separated two epochs: the time of abnormal, although compelled, partnership of two political systems and the period of peaceful coexistence with barely hidden hostility. The peacefulness of the latter, however elusive and vulnerable it was from time to time, has to be credited to the cold war, a…

Describes the use of Charles Minard's graphic of Napoleon's 1812 Russian Campaign as an instructional tool in history classes. Maintains that the graphic, created in 1861, can be analyzed by students to determine six historical and geographical factors involved in Napoleon's defeat. Includes a copy of Minard's graphic. (CFR)

Reviews two textbooks for seventh-grade students on modern history discussing the strengths and deficiencies of each: (1) "Modern History. Part I: A Textbook for the Seventh Grade of the Basic School" and (2) "Modern History, 1500-1800: A Textbook for the Seventh Grade of General Education Institutions." (CMK)

Compares post-emancipation societies in Haiti, Jamaica, Russia, the southern United States, Cuba, Brazil, and Zaria, relative to the acquisition of land by former slaves. Suggests that this information might provide a comparative perspective for instruction about the efforts of Blacks and Whites after abolition. (KO)

Describes two books of curriculum materials published by the National Council on Economic Education regarding the Central and East European transition economies: (1) "Economies in Transition: Command to Market" (1997); and (2) "From Plan to Market: Teaching Ideas for Social Studies, Economics, and Business Classes" (1997). (DSK)

Offers a lesson plan for comparing the ideas and context of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, and the Emancipation Manifesto issued on March 3, 1861, by Alexander II of Russia. Gives background information on the Emancipation Manifesto, discusses preparation and lesson procedures, and suggests…

Presents activities and resources for teaching about the former Soviet Union in the elementary grades. Describes 13 activities dealing with the historical beginnings of the Soviet Union through 1992. Includes a list of resource organizations and an annotated bibliography of children's books on the topic. (CFR)

Asserts that the end of the Cold War and new world realities present challenges to social studies teachers. Presents suggestions for helping students change their way of thinking about the world and the place of the United States within it. Encourages teachers to examine the existing social studies curriculum for relevance. (CFR)

This unit is part of a continuing series on current foreign policy issues. This unit draws students into a debate on Russia's identity. Unlike previous units of this series, this one is not written from the U.S. perspective. Rather, students are asked to see the world through Russian eyes and to contemplate Russian choices in the areas of economic…