Book: Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen
This book is available for purchase at a variety of stores- both physical and online. I have seen used copies on-line at sites like amazon.com for as low as $4, but it is also available at Barnes and Noble, etc.
Background: James Loewen surveyed twelve leading high school American History textbooks. Loewen argues that the books represent history with blind patriotism, mindless optimism, misinformation, and outright lies.
The purpose of this summer reading project is to expose you to Loewen’s argument and to help you think more critically about history.
Assignment:
- Read the book.
- Take a picture of you and the book and send it to me along with a brief note telling me about yourself, your summer, and your reading (what you think so far, etc). E-mail the picture and note to me NO LATER THAN (NLT) July 31st. cpark@norfolkcollegiate.org
- Answer the attached questions. Your responses must be typed, double-spaced, size 12 font using a standard (not fancy) font. Some answers may be only a paragraph (5-7 sentences) while others may be several paragraphs. The goal is to answer them as completely as possible. Questions are listed in the order as they are discussed in the book. Responses are due the first day of class. A letter grade (6 points) will be subtracted each day it is late- not that there will be any late assignments turned in, right?
- Be prepared to discuss the book in roundtable discussion throughout the year as we study the appropriate topics. This will mean that you will want to take notes while you are reading the book. Use your book, write in the margins, highlight, etc!
Lies My Teacher Told Me Questions:
1. What is heroification? Why is heroification a bad thing?
2. Why don’t textbooks address the shortcomings of historical figures?
3. Why is chapter 2 titled “1493"?
4. Why do American History textbooks promote the belief that most important developments in world history are traceable to Europe?
5. What is Loewen’s dilemma with focusing so much attention on Columbus?
6. What are some of the myths surrounding Columbus according to Loewen?
7. Explain the process known as “cognitive dissonance”.
8. What are some of the myths of the First Thanksgiving? What are some of the truths?
9. What are some of your recollections of the portrayals of Native Americans in your history textbooks? Do they differ or are they the same as the accounts in the books that Loewen surveyed?
10. Why do American textbooks gloss over events between Native Americans and white Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries?
11. What examples does Loewen cite to show the invisibility of racism in American History textbooks?
12. How has slavery impacted foreign policy and territorial expansion in the United States?
13. What is meant by the Confederate myth?
14. What examples does Loewen cite to show the invisibility of antiracism in American History textbooks?
15. Why do American History textbooks routinely leave out issues of social and economic inequality?
16. Do textbooks paint a realistic picture of the American federal government? Why or why not? Be sure to include specific examples.
17. Why do American history textbooks gloss over the recent past? What, according to you, is the last date for history vs. current events? (e.g. do events in 2000 count as history? Or 1995? 1990?)
18. What do the last chapters of American History textbooks convey, according to Loewen?
19. What are Loewen’s solutions to the problems in American History textbooks?
20. The course you are enrolled in is called AP United States History not AP American History. What messages do those titles convey? In your opinion, is the distinction important? Why or why not?
21. Please type a half-page reaction to your reading. In addition, please consider the course for next year and include your expectations, concerns and questions.
22. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! I cannot wait to get to know you all next year!