Arts and the Teaching of History

Penney Clark is Professor of Social Studies Education in the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of British Columbia, Canada. She is co-editor of Historical Studies in Education.Alan Sears is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick, Canada. He is former editor of Citizenship Teaching and Learning.

“The chapters detail examples of literature, visual art, and public art. They explore ways of knowing that acknowledge differences in intention, method, and imagination between period novels and historical fiction; visual art as source … and public art as a vehicle for the convergence of history and heritage. Examples are drawn from a variety of contexts and eras … . Clark and Sears remind history teachers-at any level-of the ongoing importance of understanding the past as permeating the present.” (Karen Stanworth, Historical Studies in Education, Vol. 34 (2), 2022)

• 1. The Place of the Arts in Teaching History.- 2 Five Scholarly Conversations Related to History, History Education, and the Arts.- 3. Historical Fiction and History Education.- 4. Beyond Adornment: Visual Art as Source and Account in History Classrooms and Public Spaces.- 5. Points of Coverage: Public Commemorative Art and the Teaching of History.- 6. Engaging the Fray: Preparing Teachers and Students for Critical Encounters with the Past.- 7. The Humanizing and Civic Missions of History Education.