Description

American democracy has left an enduring mark on the world, yet its history has also revealed moments of profound fragility. That vulnerability was evident in the years surrounding the Civil War, during the depths of the Great Depression, and in the political fragmentation that has intensified over the past decade. At such pivotal moments, Americans have not always risen to the challenge of making wise and necessary decisions—a failure rooted, in part, in the shortcomings of social studies education.

For too long, American history courses have emphasized rote memorization over the cultivation of critical thinking. As a result, many students leave school without the decision-making skills needed to participate fully and thoughtfully as citizens in a vibrant democracy.

Evaluating America’s Past seeks to address that gap. By presenting American history as a vivid and compelling narrative, the course invites students into lively discussions grounded in the nation’s past.

Before each class, students will read a chapter from the instructor’s book, also titled Evaluating America’s Past. Written in a dynamic, novel-like style, the book takes students on a chronological journey through American history. Each chapter opens with an intriguing anecdote and concludes with a central issue to be explored in class through a round-table Socratic seminar.

The First Four Classes will cover the following:

1. January 15 – Exploration and Colonization – (What is the best way to determine who should own or use the land?)

2. January 29 – Colonial America (Is it better to rely on faith or reason?)

3. February 12 – The American Revolution (What, if anything, justifies a violent revolution?)

4. February 26 – Creating a New Republic (How should political power best be distributed?)