Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History

Religion is deeply embedded in American history and one cannot understand American history's broad dynamics without accounting for it. Without detailing the history of religions teachers cannot properly explain key themes in US survey courses such as politics social dynamics immigration and colonization gender race or class. From early Native American beliefs and practices to European explorations of the New World to the most recent presidential elections religion has been a significant feature of the American story. In <i>Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History</i> a diverse group of eminent historians and history teachers provide a practical tool for teachers looking to improve history instruction at the upper-level secondary and undergraduate level. <br> <br> This book offers a breadth of voices and approaches to teaching this crucial part of US history. Religion can be a delicate topic especially in public education and many students and teachers bring strongly held views and identities to their understanding of the past. The editors and contributors aim to help the reader see religion in fresh ways to present sources and perspectives that may be unfamiliar and to suggest practical interventions in the classroom that teachers can use immediately.