Reasoning with Democratic Values 2.0, Volume 1

The extensively updated and revised edition of Reasoning with Democratic Values 2.0 presents an engaging approach to teaching U.S. history that promotes critical thinking and social responsibility. In Volume 1, students investigate 20 significant historical episodes, arranged chronologically, beginning with the colonial era and ending with Reconstruction. A comprehensive Instructor’s Manual is also available for purchase.

In Volume 1, students can grapple with such ethical dilemmas as:
Should the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have granted reparation to the enslaved woman, Belinda Royall?Should Thomas Jefferson have freed his slaves?Should Juan Seguín have fought against the United States in the Mexican–American War?Should Robert E. Lee have accepted command of the Union Army?
“A powerful approach to learning history. The lively and exciting true stories provide ample background to engage students in discussions of well-framed questions that are perennial and important.”
—Diana Hess, dean, University of Wisconsin–Madison

“Ethical reasoning is joined with historical reasoning—values with inquiry—in an array of well selected cases. This curriculum belongs in every U.S. history classroom.”
—Walter C. Parker, University of Washington

“Clearly organized and eminently balanced, these volumes will help students become citizens who can converse across their differences.”
—Jonathan Zimmerman, University of Pennsylvania

“These volumes will help build a deeper understanding of significant historical concepts and present wonderful opportunities to engage in critical thinking.”
—Amy Bloom, J.D., social studies education consultant, Oakland Schools