I really like the following essays. I handout a number of questions before each exam, but students do not know which one they will get. I must say I love these two:
European History
Machiavelli suggested that a ruler should behave both “like a lion” and “like a fox.” Analyze the policies of TWO of the following [...]
I am giving semeter finals this week in all of my courses. Here is the very first question: Which of the following European thinkers do not belong?
My sophomore world history sections took their third exam of the semester today; we have one more left. I could smell their brains burning at the table.
Here is a sample short response question:
In the periodization of 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E., construct a map of the Afroeurasian world that showcases the major centers for trade [...]
As I noted in an earlier post, I was very excited to hear from a former student who is concentrating in history and wanted advice on the teaching profession. This student gave me the greatest compliment when she stated “I was inspirational in her career choice.” She will finish graduate school this spring and is [...]
This post was written by a dear friend and great colleague from Arkansas. She teaches at a well-respected school and has become a star in her field of late. She teaches courses in AP European and World History, and has offered her expertise on topics related to the teaching of history at national conferences. We [...]
My advanced Placement European history classes are examining the age of reason and the processes of political change during the Enlightenment. Though paradoxical, it is safe to say that the term Enlightenment is not for all. For all of their talk of liberation from conservatism and oppression, many philosophers such as Rousseau and Spinoza do [...]
My AP United States History classes are writing their first exam today; it should be a great adventure for many of them. Honestly, I think they will do very well. About 20 of us met at the home of Parker Malone for a review session last night; it went very well. Parker’s mom took the [...]
By definition…
Marxist historiography has made contributions to the history of the working class, oppressed nationalities, and the methodology of history from below. The chief problematic aspect of Marxist historiography has been an argument on the nature of history as determined or dialectical; this can also be stated as the relative importance of subjective and objective [...]
I found this political cartoon on another blog I read. I thought it said a great deal about the paranoia and ignorance of many; however, it does speak to the heart and truth about some American fear regarding President Obama. I do not know why some fear him except that he is different. And, people [...]
I continue to be and will always be a great fan of James Loewen; I think he gets it too. I am often troubled by the history buff notion. Too many people who see the teaching, reading, writing, and learning of history as static; it should not change since there is only one voice. But [...]
My United States history sections have been discussing the early formation of the American colonies and how each one developed its own particular identity. Our discussion today on the formation and settlement of Pennsylvania allowed us to discuss Quaker theology. In doing so, we addressed their role as pacifist. In colonial America, enclaves of Quakers [...]
I presented my very first paper at a professional meeting over a decade ago after being invited to become a member of Phi Alpha Theta — the national history honor society; I was still a student then. I woke up early this morning to review my notes and the rough draft of my paper discussing [...]
The Chronicle of Higher Education again published an article on the state of American history and Economics among many of America’s college students. According to it, students are getting dumber in history. The think tank that conducted the study found that seniors in college knew as much as, if not less than entering freshman. James [...]
While in Henderson, Nevada this summer, I got to work with a group of national history teachers; we discussed the direction of history education and various approaches that should be reconsidered in the discipline of history. I was honored to attend this conference since it was by invitation only. One of the things we looked [...]
I am excited about finishing my paper on the 1980s as a significant historical period in the United States History survey course. I usually teach this decade with great passion and interest seeing that I still listen to much of the music, and can recall every member of the Brat Pack that shaped teen pop [...]
The “Conversations with History” series showcases interviews with historians, political scientists, writers, and other professionals talking about their work and world events. See the official site for more information. Some notable participants from the history profession include: James M. McPherson, David [...]
While drafting my fall syllabus for AP United states history, I thought about how I might go about teaching the antebellum south; I do not like the way I teach it now; it is too simple, detached, uncomplicated, and fast. Thus I thought about placing the center of the unit on southern class differentiation. I [...]
I am currently reading Slavery by Another Name : The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. The author, Douglas Blackmon, concludes that slavery really emerged after the Emancipation Proclamation. I addressed this some before in a piece on democracy and race when I stated this: In Karl Marx’s historical [...]
I conducted a European history session with a colleague this past weekend; it went seemingly well. My colleague was a star and did a great job engaging the audience and asking great questions. The audience was wonderful. The overall conference went great. Now that part one is complete, we must now finish the writing process [...]
The Professor is an academic blog that reflects my teaching and professional relationships with both colleagues and students. It reflects my concerns and passion for the history profession, as well as current political and social issues. It even makes some attempts at making me appear human. Though I am a Christian and share the beliefs of what is one of the premier independent Christian schools in the nation, this blog is not associated with my employer, the Houston Christian School.
