The Civic Value of World History

The Civic Value of World History
AHA Learn, for Civic Learning Week

Monday, March 9, 5 p.m. ET

In the 21st-century United States, conversations around civics often focus on founding documents, constitutional principles, federal institutions, and the intellectual history of American politics. But the founders themselves understood their work within a global context. The Declaration of Independence, for example, famously addresses the people and nations of the world, framing an argument for sovereignty by way of international recognition “among the powers of the earth.” This webinar brought together a panel of scholars and educators to discuss the civic value of world history in both secondary and post-secondary contexts. How can international understanding and awareness of global perspectives inform civic engagement? Why do we teach world history? And how might educators engage students, parents, administrators, and policymakers in fruitful conversations about a global past?

Moderated by Kenneth Pomeranz (Univ. of Chicago), this hour-long AHA Learn event featured Judi Freeman (World History Association), Lois MacMillan (Grants Pass High Sch.), Ruth Mostern (Univ. of Pittsburgh), and Jesse Spohnholz (Washington State Univ.).