No history curriculum can be taught without giving some attention to the role that religion played in the development of cultures, nations or regions. It is important to explain to students that studying the origins of religion is in no way intended to serve as proselytizing; rather, it is meant ...
Born in 1853 in Holland, Vincent Van Gogh didn’t decide to become an artist until he was 27 years old. Among his first subjects were the people of the Dutch lower class. He was able to capture their suffering and hardships in dark tones and colors. Van Gogh moved to Paris in 1886 where his brothe...
Russian-born, French painter and stained glass artist Marc Chagall spent his early years in a small, Hasidic Jewish town in White Russia. His early experiences doubtlessly influenced his later work, as did the work of his Cubist and Surrealist contemporaries. Chagall painted prolifically before, ...
Pablo Picasso is viewed by many as a patriarch of modern art. Born in Spain in 1881, Picasso lived through both world wars and a host of other conflicts as the face of Europe changed throughout the twentieth century. Perhaps best known for his commentary on war in his mural "Guernica" and his rad...
Many students erroneously believe that the Constitution is not relevant to their daily lives. Researching current events as they relate to the Constitution is a great way for students to understand that it is a living document. There are many issues in the news about which students will have st...
In the middle of the nineteenth century, a small group of British artists made a decision to bring back a more pronounced “truth to nature” in their art. Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, William Holman Hunt, John Millais and Dante Gabriel Rossetti are the best-known artists of the pre-Raphae...
The Age of Exploration can be taught from a number of different perspectives, including those of the explorer, the crew members, the indigenous peoples, and the monarch. Not only should students understand the motives for exploration and conquest from the kings’ and queens’ points of view, but th...
The history of Great Britain is long and rich. It is intertwined with the development of most other European nations, as well as that of the United States. Beginning with the settlement of Britain by the Celtic people called the Britons, the land was later occupied by the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons...
The Middle Ages were an incredibly complex and important era in European history. Any western civilization class includes an exhaustive study of this period which connects the end of ancient history with the Renaissance. The era of castles, chivalry, plagues, knights and the Crusades is generally...
The work of Impressionist painters is among the most well-known and beloved of all of the artistic movements worldwide. Not only are Impressionist paintings aesthetically pleasing to look at, but they also represent a time and a place that is significant culturally and historically. The end of th...
The Surrealist art movement of the 1930's and 1940's is a fascinating era in the history of art. The artist’s subconscious was featured rather than a more conventional subject matter, such as a still life or a portrait. Hence, dreams became somewhat of a reality. Surrealism came about during a ti...
The Civil War is a tremendously important part of any American history course. Not only does it set the stage for an understanding of twentieth century history, but it also allows students to study a period of American history that was characterized by gross inequities, social injustice and blood...
The history and culture of Spain is fascinating. The geography, traditions and history of the country can be studied from a variety of perspectives and in several different disciplines. Certainly, geography teachers can teach about Spain as part of their study of Europe, but art teachers may choo...
Leonardo da Vinci, a keen observer of man and nature, lived and worked during the Italian Renaissance. A study of this incredible man presents a host of opportunities for collaboration. History teachers will find it quite easy to collaborate with science, art and math colleagues to give students ...
Self-portraiture is an important artistic expression. Not only can one learn about the artist, but one can also infer a great deal about the time and place in which the work was created. An excellent introduction to the practice of self-portraiture can be found at the National Gallery of Art webs...
When students think about technology, what comes to mind are computers, iPods, cell phones and cars; they neglect to remember that technology is defined as anything that makes life easier. When learning about past cultures, it is important to analyze the role that tools and technology played in c...
Art provides important insight into the culture and traditions of civilizations. An examination of Latin American Art is a wonderful way for students to learn more about the region as part of a social studies, art, or Spanish class. A thorough analysis of the region’s art will help students learn...
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be host to the 2016 Olympic games. Rio has a rich history dating back to the early sixteenth century, an unparalleled culture, and distinct traditions. There are many lessons and activities that can enhance a number of different curricula including social studies, Span...
The twentieth century witnessed unprecedented cruelty and violence: further evidence of human's capability for inhumanity to others. It is positively shocking how little students know about the Holocaust these days; they know even less about the Armenian and Rwandan genocides. With each passing ...
Teaching about the Holocaust is a daunting task for even the most seasoned educator. It is difficult to predict the responses of students, to find answers to seemingly rhetorical questions, and to help students grasp the enormity and inhumanity of the event. Literature is an especially effective ...
Most adults will agree that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to children’s books. Many are imbued with important morals and values that are made accessible for children when imparted by Dr. Seuss characters and rhyming prose.
For students learning about philosophy for the first tim...
The Crusades of the Middle Ages were a time of religious, political and cultural conflict. Christians and Muslims sought to take control of the Holy Land through a series of battles. The First Crusade began in 1095 when Pope Urban II decreed that Christians should rescue Jerusalem from the Muslim...
Although religion is a controversial topic (especially in public schools), it is an important part of history and should be taught as such. Educators can effectively teach this information without proselytizing or preaching so long as it is done from a historical perspective. For example, the r...
Understanding the steps which led to the American Revolution is an essential component to any American history class. It is important for students to understand that there were many events which ultimately led to the colonists’ decision to revolt against England. With the current climate of econo...
Literature of the ancient world is dramatic, complicated and full of adventure and love interests, much like today’s Hollywood blockbuster movies. Initially, stories were passed down through oral tradition in all civilizations. Gradually, as cultures began to develop systems of writing, they wrot...
In addition to the myriad of books, documentaries and records available to enhance the study of World War I and II, examining the art of the first half of the twentieth century is an invaluable tool to shed light on the psyche of the nations involved in these wars, as well as on the public face t...
Understanding the United States Constitution is one of the most valuable lessons students can learn in school. It is imperative that they know about their rights and responsibilities as citizens before they become registered voters. It can help them make informed decisions. In an era in which cit...
The fall of the Roman Empire cannot be attributed to any one event or cause. Rather, it was the result of a host of factors including barbarian invasions, citizens’ moral decline, an unstable economy, weak and corrupt leaders, lack of technological advances , the rise of Christianity and disease,...
For as long as man has inhabited the Earth, people have waged wars. Some battles were fought for resources, while others were for land or power. Other battles are the result of disagreements because of a difference in religious beliefs, while still others are waged over ideas and technology. Hist...
The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution was a crucial era in man’s history. Once man learned how to domesticate animals, settle in permanent communities and grow his own food, his potential for development and productivity increased dramatically. Man learned how to use animals not only for their hi...
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