Presents a lesson plan that aims to show students why individuals admire and distrust the great size and power of the firms that dominate the economy. Activities include student research and presentations on conflicts and competition within the oil industry, as well as within Microsoft, Wal-Mart, and other companies. (MJP)

Maintains that the escalating costs of international commitments (primarily the Vietnam War) and domestic programs resulted in a chronic balance-of-payments deficit that signaled the end of "growth liberalism." Provides an in-depth look at Lyndon Johnson's efforts to address this crisis amidst growing political opposition. (MJP)

Recounts the experiences of a California middle school class that produces an ongoing magazine of oral histories. The multilingual, multicultural, working-class students have interviewed hundreds of participants. In the process they have learned how to research, interview, transcribe, and publish. Includes sample transcripts from the magazine.…

Examines various ways that a documentary film about a southern textile strike can be used in a social studies classroom. Describes a series of student comments about the film followed by responses from the teacher/filmmaker. Briefly annotates five Internet sites related to oral history. (MJP)

Discusses the educational and social efforts of the Benevolent Mechanics Association in Petersburg, Virginia, between the years 1825 and 1857. Although economically prosperous, the southern mechanics (all skilled trades) established a night school for their apprentices in a bid for social acceptance. Examines the reasons for the school's failure.…

Recounts the early efforts (circa 1970) of feminists to collect oral histories of women around the western United States. Supported primarily through universities, the historians collected material from ranch women, labor activists, Native Americans, Asian immigrants, Hispanic homemakers, and others. Discusses developments in oral history…

Provides a concise rationale for teaching labor history, placing the labor movement squarely in the 20th century move towards a more inclusive democracy and expanded definitions of citizens' rights and citizen participation. Briefly discusses current problems of downsizing and the proliferation of low-paying jobs. (MJP)

Profiles activities and exhibits at the Tsongas Industrial History Center and Lowell National Historical Park. Follows a group of students as they participate in a situation simulating 19th-century working conditions and subsequent union organizing. Includes two documents from a resource kit illustrating worker's lives. (MJP)

Presents a 22-item annotated bibliography on labor history, comprised mostly of book-length studies covering the subjects of colonial history, slavery and race, 19th century industrialism, gender, 20th century/ new labor history, and theoretical perspectives. The works include new perspectives along with established classics. (MJP)

Examines the relationships between history textbook content, teacher education curriculum, and the teaching of women's history. States that hostility is not the major obstacle to the meaningful utilization of womens' materials, but rather teachers' failure to find the motivation and time to deviate from the kind of history they were taught. (LS)

Examines the role which women's study groups and writing circles have played in the education of women in Japan, China, and the United States. Serves as an introduction to a cross-cultural study of women's history in the three cultures. Points out that the course raises questions about the politics of women's education. (LS)

Maintains that the photograph, "Migrant Mother," is recognized throughout the world. Provides a three-part instructional unit on Dorothea Lange and social issues related to migrant workers. Includes four photographs by Lange, including the most well-known, "Migrant Mother 5." (CFR)

Assesses to present state of knowledge of African-American contributions to, and the role of slavery in the settlement of, the Americas. Suggests areas for future research and discusses research problems. Argues that the economics of capitalism had more effect on conditions of slavery than did the legal codes. (DK)

Describes a study of how Chinese-American family and community behaviors, routines, values, and expectations affect the educational achievement of Chinese-American children. Finds that some traits, valuing effort over innate ability and parental involvement, do support academic achievement in association with certain social and economic…

Stresses developing students' interpretive skills, geography knowledge, and ability to read and understand statistics. Argues that computer accessibility makes possible innovative use of charts and graphs for secondary history teachers. Notes data may be printed out and used as teaching tools. Presents five teacher-produced graphs and provides…