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Review
| Bringing the Civil War to the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers, by James I. Robertson, Jr. and William C. Davis. The Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 2002. 89 pages. $10.00, paper
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| In this teaching aid the authors do an excellent job of focusing the instruction on some crucially important aspects of the war which need to be understood by all students of American history. While no brief book can cover all aspects of this most important American war, the authors look at several areas of interest in nine of the ten blocks in the book. I especially liked the way Robertson and Davis looked at battles and generals in the fifth and sixth blocks. Their brief illustrations of strengths and weaknesses would facilitate any student's understanding of the battlefield generals and their actions. In block one, however, while I liked the treatment of "myths," I thought a little more detail could have been given to illuminate the causes of these myths developing. In block two I found a useful discussion on the Compact Theory, which we need to teach in our Civics classes. I can use this book to teach that idea more completely and clearly. However, I would have liked one thing to be included that was not, a copy of the Confederate Constitution. It is a little difficult to put in the student's hands and I feel it would facilitate this lesson. In block nine I found that the explanations of the legacies of the war were great! I even learned a few facts and my students will love the detail of how Santa Claus came to be! |
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This book is very readable and could easily be placed into the hands of students as supplemental reading. I will certainly use this book as a tool to teach the Civil War in my 11th grade classes in the upcoming days because I think it suitable for both my regular and advanced placement classes. Even middle school teachers could benefit from the materials in the text. After all, the authors stated that one should teach about those aspects that the teacher is familiar with or interested in. I liked the way the book brought the issues into today's world with thought-provoking questions for discussion and understanding. Beyond that, because of this book I was able to respond to a question concerning the giving of flowers at a funeral. I had not known when the custom developed until I read this book. So I can see that I may use this text in all my Social Studies classes, although I am sure that was not the author's intent. The authors should have titled the work, "Bringing the Civil War to LIFE in the Classroom"!! For that is exactly what the book does, brings the Civil War to life through discussion and enlightenment. |
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R-S Central High School
Rutherfordton, North Carolina |
Karen E Higgins |
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