Lebanon: A Case of History Education in a Sectarian Society

Authors

  • Paul J Yoder University of Virginia

Keywords:

social studies, history education

Abstract

This paper synthesizes the extant literature on history education in Lebanon.  The sectarian nature of the country and the recent civil war make the case of Lebanon a unique and compelling one.  Three emerging understandings underscore the complexity of history education in Lebanon.  First, Lebanon has a tradition of parochial or confessional schools dating back to the hands-off approach of the Ottoman colonial powers.  Second, the delay of a state-sanctioned national curriculum has paralyzed educators who have been left to piece together their own curriculum.  Third, the political gridlock of the country continues to make history education a contentious topic.  

Author Biography

Paul J Yoder, University of Virginia

Paul J. Yoder is a doctoral student and instructor in the Secondary Social Studies Education program in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.  His research interests include the teaching and learning of history and social studies among diverse student populations.  Email: pjy5rc@virginia.edu.

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Published

2015-08-01

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Articles

License

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