Supplemental Texts for Teachers
American Visions: The Epic History of Art in America, Robert Hughes (1997)
Based on the PBS series by the same name, Hughes book is, as the title says, a history of American art from the pre-colonial days to the end of the 20th century. His focus on the events, artistic movements, and artists – famous and anonymous – captures the grand scope and importance of the visual arts in our nation’s history. American Visionsserves as an authoritative text for teachers looking for material to supplement their instruction of America’s cultural history.
The Birth of Freedom, ed. Lewis (2006):
“An anthology of the events, documents, and speeches that have shaped Western civilization,” The Birth of Freedom uses these sources to examine the ideals so important in shaping the American character and democratic society.
Decision in Philadelphia: The Constitutional Convention of 1787, Collier and Collier (1986):
A useful resource about the men and events that created the document that became America’s foundation and a model for emerging democracies around the world.
To Establish Justice, McKissack and Zarembka (2004):
To Establish Justice reflects America’s on-going struggle to preserve the ideal of liberty for all, an ideal not always achieved. By examining the legal struggles of Native Americans, African- Americans, women, Japanese-Americans during World War II, as well as the more contemporary struggles of people with disabilities, gays and lesbians, and students, the authors illustrate how the judicial system has paved the way for both justice and discrimination, and how this important arm of our government has impacted all of our lives
First Freedoms, A Documentary History of First Amendment Rights in America, Haynes, Charltain, and Glisson (2006):
Using primary documents, First Freedoms “demonstrates how liberty and justice…have been shaped by the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment….” Each primary document is accompanied by an essay that provides the relevant historical context.
Law in America: A Short History, Lawrence M. Friedman (2002):
Friedman traces the evolution of law in America from its earliest days in the colonies to the “Modern Administrative-Welfare State.” Along the way, he discusses the impact that such forces as the economy, family, and race have had on shaping our current laws.
Liberty and Freedom: A Visual History of America’s Founding Ideas, David Hackett Fischer (2005)
Hackett’s book provides a visual history of the ideas that have become the tapestry of American freedom and society. From the liberty tree and flags of revolution to more modern images, Hackett explains the origins and issues that gave rise to these iconic images and the way they depict Americans’ evolving concepts of freedom and liberty. This work is valuable resource for any teacher seeking to enrich and expand the study of American civic education.
On the Rule of Law: History, Politics, Theory, Brian Z. Tamanaha (2004)
“The rule of law is the most important political ideal today, yet there is much confusion about what it means and how it works.” With these words Tamanaha begins his historic examination of the rule of law from its classical origins to its use and abuse today. His short book examines the history, politics and theory of the rule of law and its impact on not only American history but the history of the world. On the Rule of Law is an excellent primer for teachers desiring to broaden and deepen their understanding of this often used and little understood concept.
Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II, Coleman (1995):
Coleman’s book examines the invaluable service women provided during the war, the impact their contributions had on changing perceptions about their role in society, and their struggle to retain the gains they had made after the war. Personal stories and extensive photographs supplement Coleman’s
Wrestling with the Angel of Democracy: On Being an American Citizen, Griffith (2008)
The author suggests that democracy is evolutionary, and, as American citizens, we are deeply influenced by the continuing struggle between tyranny and liberty.
Based on the PBS series by the same name, Hughes book is, as the title says, a history of American art from the pre-colonial days to the end of the 20th century. His focus on the events, artistic movements, and artists – famous and anonymous – captures the grand scope and importance of the visual arts in our nation’s history. American Visionsserves as an authoritative text for teachers looking for material to supplement their instruction of America’s cultural history.
The Birth of Freedom, ed. Lewis (2006):
“An anthology of the events, documents, and speeches that have shaped Western civilization,” The Birth of Freedom uses these sources to examine the ideals so important in shaping the American character and democratic society.
Decision in Philadelphia: The Constitutional Convention of 1787, Collier and Collier (1986):
A useful resource about the men and events that created the document that became America’s foundation and a model for emerging democracies around the world.
To Establish Justice, McKissack and Zarembka (2004):
To Establish Justice reflects America’s on-going struggle to preserve the ideal of liberty for all, an ideal not always achieved. By examining the legal struggles of Native Americans, African- Americans, women, Japanese-Americans during World War II, as well as the more contemporary struggles of people with disabilities, gays and lesbians, and students, the authors illustrate how the judicial system has paved the way for both justice and discrimination, and how this important arm of our government has impacted all of our lives
First Freedoms, A Documentary History of First Amendment Rights in America, Haynes, Charltain, and Glisson (2006):
Using primary documents, First Freedoms “demonstrates how liberty and justice…have been shaped by the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment….” Each primary document is accompanied by an essay that provides the relevant historical context.
Law in America: A Short History, Lawrence M. Friedman (2002):
Friedman traces the evolution of law in America from its earliest days in the colonies to the “Modern Administrative-Welfare State.” Along the way, he discusses the impact that such forces as the economy, family, and race have had on shaping our current laws.
Liberty and Freedom: A Visual History of America’s Founding Ideas, David Hackett Fischer (2005)
Hackett’s book provides a visual history of the ideas that have become the tapestry of American freedom and society. From the liberty tree and flags of revolution to more modern images, Hackett explains the origins and issues that gave rise to these iconic images and the way they depict Americans’ evolving concepts of freedom and liberty. This work is valuable resource for any teacher seeking to enrich and expand the study of American civic education.
On the Rule of Law: History, Politics, Theory, Brian Z. Tamanaha (2004)
“The rule of law is the most important political ideal today, yet there is much confusion about what it means and how it works.” With these words Tamanaha begins his historic examination of the rule of law from its classical origins to its use and abuse today. His short book examines the history, politics and theory of the rule of law and its impact on not only American history but the history of the world. On the Rule of Law is an excellent primer for teachers desiring to broaden and deepen their understanding of this often used and little understood concept.
Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II, Coleman (1995):
Coleman’s book examines the invaluable service women provided during the war, the impact their contributions had on changing perceptions about their role in society, and their struggle to retain the gains they had made after the war. Personal stories and extensive photographs supplement Coleman’s
Wrestling with the Angel of Democracy: On Being an American Citizen, Griffith (2008)
The author suggests that democracy is evolutionary, and, as American citizens, we are deeply influenced by the continuing struggle between tyranny and liberty.