The Politics of Rewriting History: New History Textbooks and Curriculum Materials in Russia

Authors: Zajda J.¹; Zajda R.²

Source: International Review of Education / Internationale Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft / Revue internationale de l'éducation, Volume 49, Number 3, July 2003 , pp. 363-384(22)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The collapse of communism in Russia in 1991 necessitated, among other things, the rewriting of school history textbooks, which had been dominated by Marxist-Leninist interpretations of historical events. The aim of this article is to evaluate the new postcommunist history taught in upper secondary schools, giving particular attention to how the models for Russian identity presented in the new textbooks redefine legitimate culture for students. Attention will also be given to the multiple perspectives on history that textbooks and other curriculum materials emphasize; these new methods contrast with the grand narrative that dominated the study of history before 1991.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Education, St. Patrick's Campus (Melbourne), Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia 3065. E-mail: j.zajda@patrick.acu.edu.au 2: PO Box 244, Albert Park, Australia 3206. E-mail: reazajda@jponline.com

Publication date: 2003-07-01