History of the future
Taking a fresh look at the past is the key to cultural understanding, says Damien Lane, IB Diploma Programme subject area manager, history.
You might have noticed that something exciting is happening to history in the IB Diploma Programme. Education is about edifying: helping build citizens of the future. In this respect the teacher is the architect of that education. Yet we do not work with inert materials – children truly are interactive. This is why we must strive to push our charges to use their imaginations. Only in this way will they break down barriers and learn to question, which will, in turn, lead to them building a world that works better.
This is not ‘pie in the sky’ theory. It is the only way we can hope to improve the world around us. As George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” For this reason, many people have worked on the new history guide and introduced a course called Route 1.
It focuses on a period in European history where Muslims, Jews and Christians did more than tolerate each other: they often worked together
Route 1 attempts to bring about a whole new perspective on the past. It focuses on a period in European history where Muslims, Jews and Christians did more than tolerate each other: they often worked together. In Andalusia, for example, the Jews experienced a ‘golden age’ under Muslim rule during the time of Maimonides. We rightly focus on the conflict in human history, as this cannot be forgotten. However, sometimes, we do this to the detriment of all the positive things that have also occurred in history.
At a meeting in Cardiff in October 2007, an expert team devised a scheme of work that combined the teaching of Muslim history and more traditional European medieval history. There is the opportunity, for example, to study both caliphs and kings and learn about different systems of rule. Added to this is the option to learn about Islamic and Western law codes. It is a truly enticing prospect that students will learn not only of conflict, but also cooperation.
There is certainly no better time to start challenging so many existing preconceptions. This is a chance to use our knowledge, history and technology to communicate a broader view of the past that should allow for a more mature world-view of the future.
Find out more
To find out more, visit the Diploma Programme history section of the Online Curriculum Centre.
A global language
Art can be a great way for students to encounter other cultures and perspectives on humanity. Students at St John’s College in Harare, Zimbabwe, participated in a series of projects exploring representations of the self and the body. Following research on the techniques of artists from around the world, the group created self-portraits and figurative paintings of an African model. Students went on to look at body art in different cultures, before having a go at painting their own designs.
“This was a real bonding experience for the students,” says Val Shaw, head of visual arts. “It was hard work, a lot of fun and produced stunning coursework.”
