Reasoning With Democratic Values: Ethical Problems in United States History, Volume 1: 1607-1876

by Alan L. Lockwood

Reasoning with Democratic Values presents an innovative approach to one of the traditional goals of social studies―the promotion and understanding of social responsibility. The two volumes are designed to encourage critical discussion in secondary courses in United States history; they will be of great value in ethics courses as well. Both are heavily illustrated with photographs and drawings, and filled with lively, thought-provoking stories. Arranged chronologically, Volume 1 investigates 21 significant historical episodes beginning with the colonial era and ending with Reconstruction. The 29 episodes in Volume 2 being with the era of expansion and reform and end with problems facing Americans in the contemporary era. History, it is certain, will take on a personal immediacy and meaning for students when they discover individuals who have been forced to make ethical decisions that radically altered their lives as well as the history of our country. Each of these highly readable episodes draws students into a vivid recreation of the past. Each episode has been especially selected to highlight an ethical problem characteristic of the era under review. The authors have included a helpful four-section sequence of activities at the end of each The two volume set is complemented by a comprehensive Teacher’s Manual that provides answers for each episode. It also addresses commonly asked questions about the program’s approach to ethical issues and illustrates how existing United States history courses can provide an appropriate place for students to explore the meaning of responsible judgment and action. Additionally, there is a detailed guide for use in selecting episodes and determining the frequency of their use within the normal curriculum.

Genres: Nonfiction

206 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985