In the last several years, I have noticed more and more history educators discussing strategies for writing and teaching “usable histories”. It certainly is a catchy phrase. It resonates with most historians, as we spend a fair amount of energy defending the utility...
A few years ago, I taught a first-year university level World History course. It was scheduled for 8:30 on a Monday morning and, as might be expected, the lecture attendance was low. There were, however, a few very committed students. They would show up to lecture,...