Classroom in conflict
Subtitle: teaching controversial subjects in a diverse society
By: John A. Williams.
Series: SUNY series, the philosophy of education; SUNY series in philosophy of education.
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Albany
Language: eng
Number of pages: 204
Subjects: College teaching -- Social aspects -- United States -- Case studies; Educational sociology -- United States -- Case studies; Multiculturalism -- United States -- Case studies; History -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Social aspects -- United States
Genres: Case studies.
Description: "This book transcends recent debates about political correctness to address the underlying problems of teaching controversial subjects in the college and university history classroom. The author criticizes both sides of the debate, rejecting, on the one hand, calls for a uniform, chronological history curriculum and, on the other hand, claims that only ethnic or racial "insiders" are qualified to teach about their communities." "In chapters on colonial, comparative, and African history, Williams applies the concept of "Gandhian truth" to historical subjects, moving through tentative and flexible perspectives to achieve a complex picture of historical episodes. And in chapters on imperialism, nationalism, racism, and the problem of "the other," he discusses the difficult and contingent nature of conceptual language. In the second half of the book, he addresses framing rules of discussion by which sensitive issues can be discussed with diverse audiences, the relationship of American pluralism to a world perspective, and what can be accomplished through an education in pluralism."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 181-198) and index.