Originally published on May 5, 2021 (Episode 205)
Introduction
“Patriotic history is more suspect these days than it was when I was its young student, 50 years ago,” writes Eliot Cohen. But, he continues, “civic education is also inextricably interwoven with patriotism, without which commitment to the values that make free government possible will not exist” since “civic education depends not only on an understanding of fundamental processes and institutions, but on a commitment to those processes and institutions…”
These are observations contained in Cohen’s contribution to a new title from Templeton Press, How to Educate an American: The Conservative Vision for Tomorrow’s Schools, edited by Michael J. Petrilli and Chester E. Finn, Jr.
With me to discuss this essay, civic education, and the possibility of teaching history for the common good are Eliot A. Cohen and Jonathan Zimmerman, a past guest on Historically Thinking.
We’ve never tried anything like this on Historically Thinking before—getting together people who disagree about some things, but also respect one another and have a basis from which to reach agreement. But I think you’ll like the result.
About the Guests
Eliot A. Cohen is the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Jonathan Zimmerman is Professor of the History of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and a former public school social studies teacher. His work focuses on the history of education and the ways Americans have debated teaching across time.
For Further Investigation
Eliot A. Cohen, “History, Critical and Patriotic: Americans need a history that educates but also inspires,” Education Next, Vol. 20, No. 2
Jonathan Zimmerman, “Civic Education in the Age of Trump: Public schools in the United States aren’t teaching students how to engage diverse opinions.” The Atlantic, April 9, 2016
Listen & Discuss
What role should patriotism play in civic education? If you believe in fostering thoughtful debate about history and civic education, please pass this episode along to a colleague, a friend, or even your local school board.
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