A.P. UNITED STATES HISTORY
Summer Reading Project
Mrs. Miller
Book: Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen
Book is available at a variety of places. There are 18 copies in the San
Diego Public Library system. It is available at www.amazon.com from
$23.00 for a new hardcover copy to $5.00 for a soft cover gently used
book.
Background; James Loewen surveyed twelve leading high school American
History textbooks Loewen argues that the books represent history with blind
patriotism, mindless optimism, misinformation, and outright lies.
The purpose of this summer reading project is to expose you to Loewen’s
argument and to help you think more critically about history.
Assignment:
1. Read the book.
2. Answer the attached questions. Your responses must be typed, doublespaced, size 12 font using a standard Times Roman Numeral (not
fancy) font. Some answers may be only a paragraph (5-7 sentences)
while others may be several paragraphs. The goal is to answer them as
completely as possible. Questions are listed in the order as they are
discussed in the book. Responses are due NLT the July 30th.
3. Be prepared to discuss the book in roundtable discussion the first day
of class (regular school year) and throughout the year as we study the
appropriate topics. This will mean that you will want to take notes
while are reading the book. The summer reading assignment will be
included as part of you grade.
Note: If you do not have a personal computer you may access the
computers at the public library or at school during the AP Summer
Intensive.
Lies My Teacher Told Me questions
1. What is heroification? Why is heroification a bad thing?
2. Why don’t textbooks address the shortcomings of historical figures?
3. Why is chapter 2 titled “1493"?
4. Why do American History textbooks promote the belief that most important
developments in world history are traceable to Europe?
5. What is Loewen’s dilemma with focusing so much attention on Columbus?
6. What are some of the myths surrounding Columbus according to Loewen?
7. What are some of the myths of the First Thanksgiving? What are some of the truths?
8. What are some of your recollections of the portrayals of Native Americans in your
history textbooks? Do they differ or are they the same as the accounts in the books that
Loewen surveyed?
9. Why do American textbooks gloss over events between Native Americans and white
Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries?
10. What examples does Loewen cite to show the invisibility of racism in American
History textbooks?
11. How has slavery impacted foreign policy and territorial expansion in the United
States?
12. What is meant by the Confederate myth?
13. What examples does Loewen cite to show the invisibility of antiracism in American
History textbooks?
14. Why do American History textbooks routinely leave out issues of social and
economic inequality?
15. Do textbooks paint a realistic picture of the American federal government? Why or
why not? Be sure to include specific examples.
16. Why do American history textbooks gloss over the recent past? What, according to
you, is the last date for history vs. current events? (E.g. do events in 2000 count as
history? Or 1995? 1990?)
17. What do the last chapters of American History textbooks convey, according to
Loewen?
18. What are Loewen’s solutions to the problems in American History textbooks?
19. The course you are enrolled in next year is called AP United States History not AP
American History. What messages do those titles convey? In your opinion, is the
distinction important? Why or why not?
20. Please type a half-page reaction to your reading. In addition, please consider the
course for next year and include your expectations, concerns and questions.
21. Have a great summer!