The history teacher frequently struggles to find classroom sources that are not only insightful, but also challenge students to be interpretative and imaginative about the past. As an instructional tool, popular culture can do all of these while reflecting the cultural impulses emanating from a particular country or region. To this end, the…

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,…

Some interesting relationships between food and history -- working women and convenience food, exploration and the importation of new vegetables, reliance on potatoes and Irish emigration -- are suggested to indicate the usefulness of exploring history through eating habits. (JH)

Discusses how using literature can enhance the teaching of history. Contends that literature conveys the texture of life in the past. Textbooks do not provide this sense of the past. (RKM)

Presents a history of world history instruction as it has evolved since the 1890s in the United States focusing on New York state. Concludes that the latest revisions have restored chronology; eliminated any attempt at universal history; decreased the presence of the social sciences; and retained the option for a topical treatment within a…

Underscores the necessity of teaching United States history in a strongly international context, rather than perpetuating "historical provincialism." Advocates an approach that compares the American experience with that of other countries, highlighting both similarities and differences rather than the "unique and indigenous" nature of the forces…

Notes recent trends toward greater treatment of Asia, Africa, and Latin America in world history courses and the related tendency to decrease treatment of women and social history. Describes how history instructors at Tufts University coped with this problem by using a thematic approach. Illustrates this approach using the example of two medieval…

Topic 2, The Age of Charlemagne, from a theme issue on Teaching World History Through Science Fiction, motivates student discussion on tampering with history. The story is an excerpt from Thus We Frustrate Charlemagne, copyright in 1967. (JB)

Presents the seven principles for the teaching of history, many of which were the foundation for the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." (AM)

Over 17 months, pupils' abilities to evaluate documentary evidence and to deduce concepts and changes in their attitudes toward the course were assessed. Results emphasize the importance of syllabus and teaching technique, rather than maturation, indicating limitations in studies of children's historical thinking narrowly based on Piagetian…

Describes a university course which teaches the history of fascism and nazism through interdisciplinary methods: philosophy, film, literature, and art. Visiting lecturers include survivors of concentration camps. (KC)

Lists eight entries in the ERIC database that concern Christopher Columbus and the effects of his voyages on world history. Includes works on curriculum development, biological effects of the contact, and a bibliography of books for children. Explains how to find and obtain the materials. (DK)

Describes the first map to divide the globe into five symmetrical climatic zones. Discusses Ambrosius Macrobius's map as a statement of earthly limitations rather than physical reality. Suggests its significance for teaching world history is as an example of deductive cartography that influenced and challenged late medieval Christian thought. (DK)

Describes two video discs for classroom use. Explains that the discs present collections of still images representing Western civilization and non-European world history. Suggests that the discs be used for individual student reports or in cooperative learning groups. Discusses hardware necessary for using the materials. (DK)