How would you ...

[archieclement]

Personally I think the best way is to incorporate as much local history in you can, I had a teacher who did when I was in school, and I know they have one now that does too.

History for some can be so abstract its hard to relate I think, but by going to local sites and researching events in your own community it becomes much more hands on. We would learn of Palmyra Massacre, Union occupation, The first murder and lynching in the county, Black Hawk war, Marion College, go to Lincolns New Salem and presidential museum, go to reenactments ect

And of course here everyone would read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and do a trip to Hannibal to see the sites




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[JeffBrooks]

Tell stories.

 

[Crazy Delawares]

Oh, thank you for posting, this may be very useful in the future !

Usually I quote my good old friend Manzoni ( If only he did not make that "The Betrothed" so long )

His thoughs were similar to yours:

" the purpose has to be useful, the subject is the truth and the means to communicate it have to be interesting "

I think that may sum up everything we said in this topic.

AMEN!!!

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

and something that the students could relate to they seemed to take more of an interest and if you can involve them that's even better.

Absolutely !

During my University days, I took a sophomore level American Civil War class to count toward my minor in History.
This particular course was covered by a very distinguished and popular professor.
( @Ole Miss . . . I'm sure you remember Dr. Harry P. Owens.)

Anyway, it was not an easy course and very hard to get into due to the Professor's popularity.

I learned why on the first day of class.

Before even introducing himself, he said something like: " We'll start with Chapter 5.
. . this skirmish was part of this campaign and the whole thing started about . . . "

He then walked to the chalkboard, and wrote in giant letters, one word.

SEX

He had everyone's attention for the rest of the semester.



True story !

 

[Ole Miss]

Dr. Owens, who was a cat, believed Shiloh to be the pivotal battle of the Civil War. He and Dr. David Sansing were giants in the field of Civil War studies.
Regards
David

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Dr. David Sansing were giants in the field of Civil War studies.

Oh yeah, I had more than a few classes with Dr. Sansing.

He was never shy with his opinions about ANY topic !

 

[Ole Miss]

I audited Dr. Owens Blue and Gray course and had Dr. Sansing for Mississippi history and learned much from both men.
Did you ever have a class under Dr. Allen Cabaniss? He taught history and the Classical languages and was a very intelligent and knowledgeable man. We used to stay after the Blue Lodge and discuss the War, the Greeks at Thermopylae, Freemasonry and the Punic Wars. What a fascinating man.
Regards
David

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

What a fascinating man.

He sounds like it !

Unfortunately, I never had any courses by Dr. Cabaniss.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

True story !