The Meaning of America
How can we produce citizens who are attached to our country, devoted to its ideals, and eager to live an active civic life? Studying our documents and learning our history can surely help. But stories are even better. With The Meaning of America, educators Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass demonstrate how short stories can be used to enhance civic education and how a pedagogical approach that stresses learning though inquiry can make primary sources come alive for students of all ages.
Session 1: “The Man without a Country”
National Identity and Why It Matters
Session 2: “To Build a Fire”
Freedom and Individuality
Session 3: “Harrison Bergeron”
Equality
Session 4: “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg”
Enterprise and Commerce
Session 5: “The May-Pole of Merry Mount”
Freedom and Religion
Session 6: “The Project for Moral Perfection”
Self-Command
Session 7: “A Jury of Her Peers”
Law-Abidingness: Toward Public Order
Session 8, Part 1: “Chamberlain”
Courage and Self-Sacrifice: Toward Country and Its Ideals
Session 9: “Bartleby, the Scrivener”
Compassion: Toward Neighbors
Session 10: “The Namesake”
Making One Out of Many
