Resources
Pedagogy
Duncan-Andrade, Jeffrey. 2005. An Examination of the Sociopolitical History of
Chicanos and its Relationship to School Performance. Sage Publications, http://uex.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/40/6/576 (accessed July 3, 2008)
The portrayal, explicitly and implicitly of Chicana/o people, in the institutional narrative, has a destructive effect upon the self-image of Chicana/o students. This negative self-image results in the divestment of Chicana/o students from the mainstream educational system.
Bowles, Samuel and Herbert Gintis. 1976. Schooling in Capitalist America: educational
reform and the contradictions of economic life. New York : Basic Books
The industrial production of capitalism is replicated in the educational system that is designed to produce workers for the capitalist system. Rather than producing critical thinkers, the system is designed to socialize individuals to fit into the existing order, rather than questioning the flaws of that order.
Freire, Paolo. 1993. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Trans. Myra Bergman Ramos.
New York : Continuum
Freire extensively discusses the approach of critical pedagogy and the ultimate goal of eliminating oppression in all of society. This radical approach brings both critical theory and transformative practice together, as a model for education. Key to his pedagogy is his critique of the "banking method" that relegates students to a passive and objectified position in the process of learning - a process that is key to becoming more human.
School of Unity and Liberation (SOUL). Oakland, CA.
Is a community organizing training center I worked with for several years that incorporates some aspects of "popular education" and liberatory educational frameworks in their education program.
Content
Dahl, Robert, Shapiro Ian and Jose Antonio Cheibub. 2003. The Democracy Sourcebook.
Cambridge: MIT Press
This is a broad compilation of short essays and analyses of democratic theory and practice. There are both primary and secondary sources that may be useful for both teacher and student.
Foner, Eric. 1998. The Story of American Freedom. New York: Norton & Company, Inc.
This text gives a critical analysis of freedom in America as a paradoxical system of freedom based on slavery and oppression. He views this paradox not as contradictory, but as symbiotic - as necessary for the development of the democratic vision of our founding fathers. This symbiotic relationship develops into heightening the need of oppressed people in the United States to lead the way for genuine freedom and democracy.
Foner, Philip. 1976. We, the Other People. Urbana: University of Illinois Press
A compilation of alternate "Declarations of Independence." This is a rich source of primary documents that can be used to highlight the consciousness of oppressed people about their condition and the actions needed to address them. Women, Labor, African Americans and Renters are represented in these declarations.
Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison and John Jay. 2003. The Federalist Papers. Ed.
Clinton Rossiter. New York: Penguin Books
Johansen, Bruce. 1998. Debating Democracy: Native American Legacy of Freedom.
Sante Fe: Clear Light Publishers
Critiques the Euro-centric narrative of the development of democratic theory and practice. Highlights the evolution of democratic practice by the Iroquois, the influence of this practice upon the "Founding Fathers.
Mill, John Stuart. 1978. On Liberty. Ed. Elizabeth Rappaport. Indianapolis: Hackett
Publishing Company
Nabakov, Peter. 1999. Native American Testimony. New York: Penguin Books
This is a powerful collection of Native American speeches, statements, sentiments and voices, expressing their hopes, dreams, frustrations, heartache and determination to survive in the midst of a foreign onslaught upon their land, their values and their person.
Plato. 2003. The Republic. Trans. Desmond Lee. London: Penguin Books
Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. 2007. The Social Contract and Discourses. Trans. GDH Cole.
USA: BNP Publishing
Weatherford, Jack. 1988. Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed
the World. New York: Fawcett Books
Critiques the Euro-centric narrative of the development of democratic theory and practice. Highlights the evolution of democratic practice by the Iroquois, the influence of this practice upon the "Founding Fathers. Discusses the multiple ways American Indians have contributed to the world economically, politically, socially and culturally.
West, Cornel. 2004. Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism. New
York: Penguin Press
This text provides a radical analysis of the existing economic, social and political regime. His criticism includes a discussion of historical examples in America of democratic and egalitarian principles across racial and ethnic communities. This is useful in flushing out differences between conservative, liberal, reformist and radical prescriptions for change.
Tocqueville, Alexis de. 2000. Democracy in America. Ed. J.P. Mayer. New York:
Perennial Classics
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