Students often ask me for literature (using the broad definition here) recommendations. Below is a working list of some of my favorite texts across the genres, mediums, and modes. Last updated November 2021. Essays “The Bible: An Introduction“ “It’s Just A Movie“ “Words Fail Me – Virginia Woolf“ “Leaning In: A Student’s Guide to EngagingContinue reading “Top Recommendations”
Search results for: imagined community
5 Comments about Benedict Anderson’s Notion of the “Imagined Community.”
While Benedict Anderson’s theory is important and interesting, it has limitations. For some limited background information on what we mean by “imagined community,” you can look at past blogs I have written here. Wikipedia also provides a good overview here of the book where he describes his theory. 1. What power does the “imagined community” haveContinue reading “5 Comments about Benedict Anderson’s Notion of the “Imagined Community.””
18 Ways to Have Different Class (or Group) Discussions
The following outlines various techniques I use when teaching to enhance or change discussion-based activities. I’ll update it as necessary. I’ve had a number of students say they enjoy my classes in part because they never know what we’ll be doing that day! 1. Bring out the maps. Have students draw maps and discuss theirContinue reading “18 Ways to Have Different Class (or Group) Discussions”
Creating and Omitting History, Fundamentalist Nationalism, and the A Beka History Textbooks
I first started officially drafting this article on August 7, 2015! During the past two years, I have constantly struggled with how to approach the issues raised in this post. I am always interested in how different institutions teach History, and a while back, I discovered that the A Beka History Textbooks are very problematic. AtContinue reading “Creating and Omitting History, Fundamentalist Nationalism, and the A Beka History Textbooks”
Philosophy of History and A Partial Analysis of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA”
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life Think of the tragedy that would have to happen for everything to disappear (?) tomorrow. This also takes for granted the social construction of laboring for an employer. The use of “I’d” also connotes individuality alone and ignores the collective role society and governmentContinue reading “Philosophy of History and A Partial Analysis of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA””
If the United States is a “Christian Nation”:
Misinformation abounds in public conversations and in historical memory. People give little regard to what, if any, greater truth or impact their beliefs and statements have. Hopes and fears true for one person are not necessarily true for others or are necessarily backed by evidence. This problem especially manifests itself in problematic, consequential ways when people describeContinue reading “If the United States is a “Christian Nation”:”
4th Annual 4th of July Piece: Country, Constitution, and Political Philosophy
This is part of what has become a yearly series. To see previous posts, click the following links accordingly: 2013: Personal Histories and Reflections about the 4th of July, 2014: “4th of July” vs “Independence Day” – Hidden Power of Words Series, #11, 2015: Third Annual 4th of July Reflection: Inability to Use Evidence—2015’s #1 Problem. Given my latestContinue reading “4th Annual 4th of July Piece: Country, Constitution, and Political Philosophy”
The (Many) Imagined Constitution(s) – Hidden Power of Words Series, #23
I’m often a bit irked at how often people–the news, politicians, and other people in the United States–discuss whether something is or is not in the Constitution of the United States, whether something is Constitutional or not. Have these people actually read the Constitution? The Constitution is almost exclusively merely a basic instructional manual for the initial constructionContinue reading “The (Many) Imagined Constitution(s) – Hidden Power of Words Series, #23”
Dr. Andrew Joseph Pegoda 