While narrative history has been the prevailing mode in historical scholarship, its preeminence has not gone unquestioned. In the 1980s, the role of narrative in historical writing was "the subject of extraordinarily intense debate." The historical backdrop of this debate can be traced to the preceding two decades, when four groups of thinkers…

Discusses the educational and social efforts of the Benevolent Mechanics Association in Petersburg, Virginia, between the years 1825 and 1857. Although economically prosperous, the southern mechanics (all skilled trades) established a night school for their apprentices in a bid for social acceptance. Examines the reasons for the school's failure.…

Explores the educational efforts of the Lutherans in Australia, who were mostly of German decent and emigrated to the southern states during the time period of 1838-1850. Addresses the public reactions to the Lutherans and their schools from 1914-1918. (CMK)

Examines the introduction of compulsory school attendance in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter (England) following the 1870 Education Act in order to explore class relations and the role of education. Demonstrates the significance of viewing children and parents as agents who initiate activities relative to compulsory school requirements. (KO)

Traces the historical development of technical literacy through the establishment of technical institutes in the United States. Relates the development of technical learning to the emerging industrial economy. Explains that instruction required literacy and fundamental mathematical skills. Notes scientific literacy was popularized by magazines…

Discusses the initial integration of African American scholars into U.S. higher educational institutions after World War II. Concludes that the practices of the post-World War II era placed a badge of inferiority on African American scholars at traditionally white universities that continues today. (CFR)

Reviews the social impact of Burton J. Bledstein's 1976 book, "The Culture of Professionalism," on public attitudes about the social role of universities. Asserts that Bledstein's major contribution was to raise critical questions about the functions of the modern university and the relationship between knowledge and power. (CFR)

Summarizes the various interpretations and representations of Canadian educational history in textbooks and other scholarly publications from the last 20 years. Charts the appearance in educational history of intellectual and social history, as well as minority and feminist considerations. (MJP)

Observes the romanticized, contradictory, and occasionally reviled character of the American South and considers the role education played in its development. Discusses shifting movements in American historical writing about education (from triumphant public access to oppressive social control) and how these related to the southern experience.…

Discusses the educational destruction and construction in Democratic Kampuchea (Cambodia) under the Khmer Rouge regime. Explains that in constructing the Democratic Kampuchea education system the Khmer Rouge sought to harness the power of education to their agenda of egalitarian, self-reliant, and agrarian socialism. (CMK)

Argues that during the late-nineteenth century, when teachers became de-skilled and women's access to top administration became limited, female spaces and social organizations emerged that were conducive to long service and career advancement at the low echelons of the bureaucracy. Focuses on a social history of teachers in Providence, Rhode…