Civic Illiteracy and Education

The Author: John Marciano is an Associate Professor at SUNY Cortland, where he teaches courses in the social and historical foundations of education. He received his B.A. in History from the University of Rochester and his Ed.D. in Higher Education from SUNY Buffalo. An activist, teacher, and scholar, he is co-author (with William L. Griffen) of Lessons of the Vietnam War.

"In a free society, history should always be 'contested terrain'. In this provocative study, John Marciano argues powerfully that our own terrain is not contested anywhere near enough in the schools, and that the form of 'civic illiteracy' that results undermines democracy and freedom. His general critique and specific case studies are thoughtful and well-executed, and should be carefully considered by educators as well as the general public. The stakes are very high, not only for our own society but - given its enormous influence and power - for many others as well." (Noam Chomsky, Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
"Marciano writes in the tradition of radical public intellectuals. He has been in training for this work for a long time, and it shows. His hammer blows are accurate as they smash through the hegemonic plaster that seeks to obscure the naked power of the class State in its role as agent of capital and neo-empire. The role of the institutional school in the construction and perpetuation of this fig-leaf is effectively revealed. His book accomplishes what critical theorists seek to do, namely, assist us in our attempt to make sense of the constructed world, as well as endeavor to change it. Citizen-educators and students will be treated to a sober but hopeful analysis of our situation, as well as what can - and should - be done." (Richard A. Brosio, Professor of Secondary and Social Foundations of Education, Ball State University)