Teaching Geography in American History. ERIC Trends/Issues, Paper No. 1.

This ERIC Trends Issues paper highlights the complementary qualities of geography and history and recommends the infusion of geography core themes into high school U.S. history courses. Part 1, "Rationale for Teaching Geography in American History," features information about: (1) overcoming the neglect of geography instruction; (2) finding a suitable place for geography teaching in high school curricula; and (3) the role and needs of geographic education. Part 2, "Guidelines for Selection of Content on Geography in American History," proposes that integration be based on the five geographic themes of location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions in conjunction with the five historical literacy concepts of: (1) understanding time and chronology; (2) analyzing cause and effect relationships; (3) examining continuity and change; (4) recognizing and participating in a common memory; and (5) developing historical empathy. Cognitive skills that are needed for learning geography and history are also described. Part 3, "Ideas for Lessons on Geography in American History," presents and discusses examples of five U.S. history topics and explains how they can be linked to geographic themes, elements of historical literacy, and cognitive skills. Part 4 offers a summary and curriculum recommendations. A selected bibliography of 14 ERIC resource materials is included. (JHP)