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Abstract

For students to undertake a meaningful study of multicultural and diversity issues in American society, they require certain basic historical information and the ability to think critically about competing historical claims and perspectives. In the course of this article, the author discusses how to teach a brief version of U.S. history by focusing on some of the key legal documents that have defined the status of women and people of color in this country. Combining attention to this history with a brief account of the history of immigration provides an effective way to reduce a large body of material to manageable size. The author suggests some pedagogical devices that can help students think critically about issues of power and privilege. In addition, she recommends some films that can help to make history come alive.

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References

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Teaching U.S. History as Part of Diversity Studies

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