Critical Thinking in Social Studies: King Arthur
By
Dayna Hart, M.Ed, B.A.
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Chapter Four: Instuctional Unit
Chapter Five: Overview, Evaluation and Future Considerations
Table of Contents
Abstract....................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Contents................................................................................................ iii
Acknowledgment................................................................................................... v
Dedication.................................................................................................................. vi
Chapter One: Introduction.............................................................................. 1
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Purpose of Study......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Significance of the Study.......................................................................................................................................... 10
Design of the Study................................................................................................................................................... 12
Setting..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Evaluation of Resource Package......................................................................................................................... 15
Myth and Legend in History.................................................................................................................................... 15
Future Considerations............................................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter Two: Literature Review of History and Historical Narrative 18
History of History...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Narrativism.................................................................................................................................................................. 21
The Power of Narrative............................................................................................................................................. 25
Historical Narrative.................................................................................................................................................... 28
Teaching History....................................................................................................................................................... 30
Teaching through Historical Narrative................................................................................................................... 32
Critical Thinking......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Chapter Three: Methodology...................................................................... 40
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 40
The Appeal of the King Arthur Legend................................................................................................................. 42
Students’ Prior Knowledge of the King Arthur Legend...................................................................................... 44
Power of Myth............................................................................................................................................................ 46
The Mystery of Myth............................................................................................................................................... 48
King Arthur in the classroom................................................................................................................................... 49
Chapter Four: Theory....................................................................................... 53
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Cultural literacy.......................................................................................................................................................... 54
i) Longevity....................................................................................................................................................... 55
ii) The Hero’s Journey................................................................................................................................. 56
Imagination................................................................................................................................................................. 59
Rhythm of Education................................................................................................................................................. 60
i) Romance......................................................................................................................................................... 60
ii) Precision.................................................................................................................................................... 61
iii) Generalization........................................................................................................................................... 62
Chapter Five: Summary and Recommendations................................. 63
Summary...................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Interdisciplinary Education...................................................................................................................................... 66
Recommendations...................................................................................................................................................... 67
References.............................................................................................................. 69
References.............................................................................................................. 69
Appendix A.................................................................................................................. 77
Appendix B.................................................................................................................. 79
Appendix C.................................................................................................................. 80
Vita............................................................................................................................... 128
Partial Copyright License........................................................................... 129
Acknowledgment
I would like to thank Dr. Eliza Churchill for her time, patience and encouragement. Her guidance led me to reflect on my teaching philosophy and the social studies curriculum, both of which rejuvenated my teaching of history.
Dedication
To my family
Dad: Thank you for giving me my argumentative nature and opportunity to practice using it. It has made me the teacher I am today.
Mum: Thank you for instilling in me early the love for both history and stories.
Melanie: I am amazed at how you can finish my sentences and find the words I fail to. Thank you for interpreting my thoughts.
Dan: Thank you for teaching me to tango. The most interesting chapter has only just begun.
Thank you to all those who helped along the way: Tana, Gillian, and Gene.