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History in Our Schools: A Forgotten Science?
| Article
# : |
11006 |
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Section : |
CURRENT ISSUES
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| Issue
Date : |
6 / 1986 |
2,285 Words |
| Author
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Solveig Eggerz
Solveig Eggerz is a free-lance writer who has written on
educational issues for a number of years. She received her PhD
in comparative literature from Catholic University. |
This nation, with its vibrant history, is rapidly becoming a country without a past, thanks to the neglect of the study of history in the nation's schools.
Parents whose children are enrolled in social studies classes presume that this study material contains lessons in history and geography, as it was originally intended to do. More likely than not, their children are learning little or no history.
In fact, history is but one of approximately 25 topics, ranging from gun control to sexism, presently embraced under the social studies umbrella. Social studies, as it is now perceived, is largely current events oriented and includes such topics as environmental education, career education, and consumer education.
"Because of the ill-defined nature of the field, it is easily invaded by curricular fads," writes education historian Diane Ravitch. Describing the confusion that is social studies, she notes:
To some teachers, social studies means the study of the social sciences, and many schools now offer courses in sociology, economics, psychology, and anthropology; to others, it consists of studies that promote understanding of current social problems. Still others see it as a field whose purpose is to teach good behavior and good citizenship. A currently popular definition holds that its purpose is to teach values, critical thinking, and respect for cultural diversity. ("Decline and Fall of Teaching History," The New York Times Magazine, November 17,
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