In this course, we will get to know different approaches to the analysis of history textbooks, from critical discourse studies to eye-tracking experiments. Looking at history textbooks from different countries, we will discuss how to analyze both the texts and the images included in them. How are narratives and pictures used to make some accounts of history but not others appear legitimate? How do history textbooks perpetuate or address inequalities? How have such textbooks changed over time? How do they relate to other media that represent history, from museums to mangas? And how are history textbooks actually used in classrooms? We will also discuss the aims and challenges of translating history textbooks between languages, and of using textbooks in multilingual teaching environments. The course draws on history, sociology, visual studies, sociolinguistics, critical discourse analysis, and translation studies.
The course includes 21 hours of teaching and will be held in English. It aims at students with a background in history, education, social sciences, or sociolinguistics. It is open to BA and MA level students, but also to practicing history teachers, who will be invited to reflect on their own classroom experience.
| Dates | July 28th-August 1, 2025 |
| Price | 200 € including social activities. Students will have to find their own accommodation, but we will provide some suggestions. |
| Registration | open until May 31st or when the maximum number of 20 participants is reached. The course will only take place if at least 5 participants sign up. > Registration Form |
| Course Credits | 3 ECTS (6 ECTS for those who submit a 4-5,000 word essay by 29 September and receive a passing grade) |
| Instructors | Professor Mischa Gabowitsch Dr Zhazira Bekzhanova |
| Contact | CCTC@uni-mainz.de |
