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Searching for the American Dream: How a Sense of Place Shapes the Study of History
Author(s): Cassandra L. Atherton (Author, Editor), Glenn Moore (Author, Editor)
- Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
- Publication Date: 30 Aug. 2013
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 190 pages
- ISBN-10: 1443848115
- ISBN-13: 9781443848114
Book Description
Searching for the American Dream is a theoretical and practical exploration of genius loci. Beginning with John Dewey and an investigation into the importance of experiential learning, Moore invites a range of scholars, curators, teachers and students to distil their experiences into a series of essays on the importance of ‘place’. From visiting the tenement museum in the Lower East Side in New York, to watching live history in the form of the Trial of Bridget Bishop in Salem, to having a private audience with state department officials, to attending an AFL-CIO meeting and taking classes with scholars in American studies, animal rights and education, Glenn Moore’s book ‘takes you there’. At a time when university teachers are looking for ways to energize students who all too often are questioning the relevance of their degrees, this is a timely study. It explains the theory of experiential learning, and outlines the rewards available to the lecturer brave enough to take students out of the classroom and expose them to real world experiences. The ground breaking feature of the book, however, is that it offers practical advice on how to plan, organize and conduct an international study tour.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Educational experiences outside the classroom are transformative for students, steering their lives and careers in new directions. Glenn Moore’s reflections on the triumphs and pitfalls of experiential learning, and his wonderfully comprehensive blueprint for a successful study tour make this the essential book for today’s global educators.”– Professor Kate Darian-Smith, University of Melbourne”Based on real world experience, Glenn Moore’s book provides a practical guide to how to run a successful overseas study tour. It also illuminates the benefits of getting students out into the field so that they can see the places and people that they are writing about.”– Dr. Timothy Minchin FAHA, Professor of North American History, La Trobe University
About the Author
A leading expert on experiential learning, Glenn Moore is a scholar, critic and teacher of modern American history. He has held lectureships at the University of Melbourne, Australian National University and University of Western Australia. He has published a series of articles in Australian and American journals on labor history, sport and leisure.
