Studying History in Context…Through Podcasts?
After spending a week with teachers in Florida, we’re so encouraged by the role these history and civics educators are playing in their students’ lives. One thing we’re taking away from the Seminar? Even though we have different opinions, interests, and strategies, we all agree that studying history helps us discover what is true and real about human nature. As we become more familiar with history, we can better understand each other and build a stronger, more prosperous future together.
Thankfully, we are not limited to history textbooks. There’s a wealth of interesting conversations happening over podcasts! If you’re looking for something new this weekend, here are a few of our favorite episodes.
Have you heard any good podcasts that encourage you to study history? We’d love to hear them! Drop a link in the comments below, or tag us on Instagram!
How are students impacted when their curriculum focuses on only one element of our shared history? How can we foster students who feel at home while learning and seeking out truth? Michaela Community School headmistress and CSS faculty member Katharine Birbalsingh shared some of her strategies and experiences at our Teacher Seminar—and on this episode of the Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast.
How important is it to study historic events in their own context rather than through our current cultural imaginations? How do film, religion, music, literature, and institutions impact our understanding of history? CSS trustee Prof. Niall Ferguson dives into this and more with Tyler Cowen on this episode of Conversations with Tyler.
While philosopher and author Vishal Mangalwadi was studying the history of India, he came to the conclusion that “all men are created equal” is in fact not a self-evident idea. If it was, history books wouldn’t include centuries of slavery and oppression. So where did this idea come from? How did it shape Western civilization? How did it go on to shape the rest of the world? Check out this episode of the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast.
What happens when we assume other cultures or communities share our same values? What lessons can we learn about human nature from great historic conflicts? Classical scholar and military history expert Victor Davis Hanson joins Spencer Klavan on this episode of Young Heretics to explore these questions and more in the context of the Peloponnesian War.
When we approach history on our own time or with students, the priority is not simply growing our knowledge of facts and dates. History matters because people matter. We are more equipped to work together in our communities and build a more free, prosperous, and beautiful future when we understand the truth about each other and our shared history.