Dr. Matthew Spalding on Teaching the American Founding after 250 Years

About this episode

Dr. Matthew Spalding discusses the complexities of the American founding and the importance of the Declaration of Independence in education.

How have we allowed such a daring story as the American founding to become so flat? A history lesson so simple, tidy, and inevitable that it can be covered in one day's class? Dr. Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale's Van Andel Graduate School of Government, wants to revive the living story of the American founding—and the Declaration of Independence, in particular. Calling it our nation's "epic poem," he sees in this document as a layered poetic, philosophical, and practical work of the American Mind. This week on HeightsCast, Dr. Spalding invites educators (and everyday citizens) to understand our nation's founding as so much more than just "an Enlightenment experiment." Chapters: 00:03:04 "The American Mind" in 1776 00:08:36 A better definition of patriotism 00:10:57 Declaration of Independence: our epic poem 00:14:43 How and why we teach history 00:16:36 Founding influences: more than the Enlightenment 00:21:46 The American synthesis 00:26:40 "Pursuit of happiness" in context 00:29:22 Why the founding narrative is mistold 00:38:06 New surprises in old studies 00:41:32 Finding common ground today Links: Dr. Matthew Spalding , Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Matthew Spalding

Topics covered

• American founding
• Declaration of Independence
• history education
• patriotism
• Enlightenment influences
• American synthesis
• founding narrative

Keywords

• American founding
• Declaration of Independence
• history
• patriotism
• education
• Enlightenment
• American Mind

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hillsdale's Van Andel Graduate School of Government

Books & works: The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence, We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future, The Founders' Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders

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