HISTORY: Textbooks

Siegfried Ramler says: "I appreciate your postings on the need for the establishment of an international review center addressing authenticity and objectivity in history and social studies textbooks. It would require the initiative of a well-placed and recognized university, an international board whose objectivity is beyond reproach, and adequate funding sources. Existing international bodies, such as UNESCO, subject to political pressures from national delegations, are not suited to carry out such a function.

One approach towards reduction of bias in the teaching of history eliminates the use of textbooks entirely. Instead, the instructor uses primary sources, including documents, well selected and balanced readings from the period being studied, and international press reports. While the criteria for the selection of such sources may include an instructor's bias, such an approach increases the likelihood of greater objectivity. Furthermore, the internet, giving students access to a wide array of sources and information, becomes a valuable tool provided it is well used.

Admittedly, such a teaching strategy requires a much greater investment of time and imagination from the instructor and student than the reading of chapters in a textbook. For most social studies classes around the world the textbook will continue to be the primary tool of instruction."

My comment: I agree that UNESCO is too politicized, although I am wondering about the UN University in Tokyo. Years ago there were international committees of historians on the subject, but I have been unable to find out what happened to them. I regret that Stanford's history department,the Hoover Institution, and the School of Education have not responded to my inquiries, which I take to indicate indifference. The use of original texts is too advanced for all but graduate courses. Like Miles Seeley, I think the situation Giuseppe Sacco describes would promote debate, but even so, all the Italian textbooks reflect Italian viewpoints.

Ronald Hilton - 8/13/00