We Must Teach History; Not Just Social Studies

Since I became an educator in 1973, I have ranted and raved about the need to ensure that every HS graduate of our schools has a solid grounding in 20th century history, at the very least. One of my first changes at AIS Israel was to develop a year-long course for seniors on the 20th century, and to require every senior to pass that course in order to graduate. We had a staff of outstanding history teachers at AIS, and the HS curriculum included ancient history (grade 9): world history (10) : and American History (11). Other social studies courses were available, but as electives.



Surveys in the USA and the UK consistently reveal that history/social studies are to HS students the most boring and irrelevant courses they take. But that is because they are most often not taught by history majors; but rather by teachers with social studies or general degrees. Taught by impassioned, committed and innovative teachers, history will be, as it was at AIS, the most enjoyable amd popular set of courses in the school.



Why should this matter? Humankind is facing a complex and dangerous period, in which violence on a grand scale, ecology, diseases and religious conflict again threaten the world's equilibrium and survival. But most Americans under 30 now get their news from Jon Stuart, a TV comedian. Most students (and often their teachers) fail on the most simple assessments of historical knowledge, and most assessments focus on pure factual knowledge. Political candidates can and do distort with impunity the meaning and lessons of even recent history. The internet guarantees that anyone can secure a view of history grossly distorted through the lenses of religious, political and social fanatics.



Those who read the many excellent books focussed on historical events know that history is more exciting, surprising and compelling than any work of fiction could ever be. The true human stories, like that presented in the recent, acclaimed ducumentary by Ken Burns (The War), are increasingly accessible on film as well.



What would it take to promote a renaissance in the teaching of history, that would deliver a structured, comprehensive understanding of where mankind has been andwhere we might be headed?



I beseech every educator to focus time and energy on this formidable but vital task, of ensuring that every student develops not only an understanding of the history of humanity, but also a passion and excitement that guarantees a lifetime of learning.