FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES SUMMER SEMINAR

FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES SUMMER SEMINAR 2010

This is a hybrid seminar that includes an online component beginning on June 28th. The term “hybrid” refers to a combination of online and in person activities. As a result, the seminar carries with it very specific opportunities before, during and after the seminar. In preparation for the seminar, we will start to form a community through some online activities. This online space is our first opportunity to introduce ourselves and to begin our work. The online discussion board will help us prepare for our week together by viewing the agenda, meeting the other participants online and exploring the seminar’s themes and content through selected readings and activities. We will continue to employ technology throughout our seminar.

Although forgotten by most Americans today, during the early 20th century the eugenics movement flourished in the United States. In the name of science and progress, eugenic proponents claimed that social problems, such as crime, poverty and violence, were caused by inferior racial traits passed on from one generation to another. This thinking influenced the passage of involuntary sterilization laws, immigration restriction legislation, and state prohibitions on interracial marriages. Facing History and Ourselves’s resource book, Race and Membership in American History: The Eugenics Movement, chronicles this history. This seminar helps teachers develop new insights into how notions of inclusion and exclusion have affected the thinking, behavior, and policies of Americans since the founding of our nation. Participants learn how the ideas of race in the 19th century help lay the groundwork for the eugenics movement in the early 20th century. They also learn about those people who resisted these ideas and policies, as well as the implications of this history for our lives today.

Teachers of American history, interdisciplinary American studies courses, and a range of social studies and english electives can use the resources and teaching strategies employed in the seminar. Following this seminar, participants receive complete access to Facing History’s educator resources, including downloadable unit plans, lessons, and online conversations. In addition, participants are invited to borrow videos, DVDs, and books from Facing History’s lending library. Finally, each participant is assigned a Facing History program associate, who is available to provide ongoing support services.
 
Click here to apply.

For more information contact Dr. Lauren Kempton (HEPRP) at 203-387-2424 x380 or e-mail lkempton@jewishnewhaven.org

The Holocaust Education Prejudice Reduction Program is delighted to host the staff and scholars affiliated with Facing History and Ourselves. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in three days of Professional Development Training along with 10 hours on-line, pre and post seminar.

• What is Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO )?

Facing History and Ourselves is a national educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry.

• What is the FHAO Summer Seminar?

In this intensive professional development program, a small group of teachers (maximum of 25) will confront the moral questions inherent in a study of violence, racism, and anti-Semitism, as well as courage, caring and compassion. Participants engage in discussions with staff members, scholars, and speakers, connecting the events of history to those of today. Most importantly, participants discover how to help their students to make those connections.

• Who is eligible to enroll?

The FHAO Summer Seminar is open to public, private, and parochial middle and high school teachers who are employed by schools located in New Haven and the Greater New Haven area. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. If more than 25 educators apply, potential participants will be placed on a waiting list. The Summer Seminar is free of charge for teachers. However, a $75 refundable deposit is required from all participants to hold their places in the Seminar. Checks will be returned to those who participate in the Seminar, but will not be returned if enrollees decide to not attend. A light breakfast and lunch is provided to Seminar participants each day.

• Are CEUs available?

Yes. CEUs will be awarded to those who attend the entire Seminar.

• Is it possible to attend part of the Seminar?

No. All participants must attend each day for the entire session and participate in the on-line learning.

• What is the host organization?

To register for the 2010 Summer Seminar, click here

You can register on the National Facing History and Ourselves site directly by clicking here