Teach American History

Below are some reading strategies, primarily for textbook and primary sources, developed by Bill Rexford and Garrett GLadden for use in their classrooms.

Textbook Reading Guide (18)

Texas State History Standards

gladdeng — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:09:16 +0000

As historians, we understand that history is constructed. And how we construct history deeply effects what then becomes socially accepted historical truths or popular historical narratives. This is hardly an area without controversy. The attached article describes a debate that is occurring in school districts across the United States. Respond with your thoughts, reactions.

Texas History Standards Article (20)

Follow the rest of the story here:

Civil Civics

American History Wars

Dr. Kevin Hatfield wrote the following:

I thought this recent controversy over the proposed adoption of a new social studies curriculum “standard” in Texas would offer a timely and relevant case study for our continuing examination of historiography with the teachers.

The proposed standard states: “Explain actions taken by people from different racial, ethnic, gender and religious groups to expand economic opportunities and political rights in American society.” The standard largely represents the last 30 years of “New Social History” and reflects scholarship such as Quintard Taylor’s “Racial Frontier” Thesis. Incidentally, the standard also embodies our own “American Dreams” and “Expanding Democracy” themes.

It would also add to our earlier conversation of the proposed Florida Bill we performed during the first weekend workshop. You also mentioned that Paul expressed his interest in incorporating Robert Miller’s _Native America_ into his workshop.

Robert Miller Discussion

gladdeng — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:55:56 +0000

The book “Native America, Discovered and Conquered” is an important work. Dr. Hatfield and myself are looking forward to the book discussion, but would like to start the conversation ahead of time. Please, on this page, list questions or insights you have on the work that you would like to discuss further. Also, feel free to respond to each other posts. Dr. Hatfield will be monitoring the page and will use it to structure the discussion.

First Question/Post:

I am curious as to how this work is connected to the James Loewen, Lies My Teacher Told Me, and David Lewis’s talk.

Your ideas?

Go to the TAH Discussion Forum to participate and respond or leave a comment here.

Robert Miller

gladdeng — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:53:37 +0000

In Native America, Discovered and Conquered: Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Manifest Destiny, Professor Robert Miller addresses the international legal principle called the Doctrine of Discovery and how that legal rule was used in American history and transformed into the American policy of Manifest Destiny. Professor Miller is our featured historian at the upcoming TAH weekend workshop. Below are some resources that may aid in reading his book and in understanding the doctrine of discovery.

http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/52646107.html

Doctrine of Discovery Presentation (18)