Studying history is the practice of truth-telling, making justice and fortifying democracy. robust historical understanding prepares us for a lifetime of defending those endeavors. |
The creation of the modern world is a paradox: the struggle for equality, rights and democracy is intertwined with new systems of subjugation, hierarchy and warfare. We'll embark on a journey that utilizes historical understanding to better our current predicament and choices at a crucial juncture: the confluence of climate change, democratic erosion, and a weakening commitment relying on traditional modes of truth telling that took shape at the start of the Modern Era (The Enlightenment). This course examines the complex story of recent world history, and highlights voices of resistance against organized oppression up to the present day. We’ll practice important skills that use historical study to help us better appreciate the forces that shape our lives. We'll approach the modern narrative through the lens of four strands: human rights, identity, resources and their limits, the arts. Welcome to BigHistory!
Quick Links: See the About Page to view the syllabus, course description, my commitments to students, course expectations and academic integrity. Click here for quarterly Citizenship self-evaluation. Check out my Thoughts on the Production and Study of History, and historical inquiry emboldens democracy. Check out our class project Mama Africa: The African Diaspora Music Map project.
Identity Curriculum: to support the BHS initiative for all students to see themselves in the curriculum, please use these Terminology Resources: Race/Racism • Gender
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“They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed. And then, out of that silence came thousands of voices… Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” -- Malala Yousafzai, 16, of Pakistan, speaking to young leaders at the UN (NY Times, 7/13, 2013)