CASE - Council on American Studies Education

American Studies Day at New Trier

On May 12th, New Trier High School is hosting a talk by Louis Masur, the author of The Soiling of Old Glory.

Masur is also the chairman of the American Studies department at Trinity University in Connecticut. In his book Masur tells the story of a stunning, Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a white busing protester stabbing an African-American man with an American flag staff.

Masur’s talk will take place in Gaffney Theater at 7 pm.

All American Studies teachers in the area are invited.

Thanks and Looking Forward

Thanks again to everyone who brought their enthusiasm and ideas to the CASE Conference.  Thanks, in particular, to Bill Ayers for a very inspiring keynote and to the Chicago History Museum for its generous support.

At the conference and in the subsequent weeks, many schools have reached out to our call to "Save CASE" and expressed interest in becoming the main organizers of future CASE conferences.  As a result, we have decided to convene a CASE Summit, at which we will begin coordinating and planning for next year and beyond.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, April 16, 4:30 p.m., at Gino's East on Higgins.  Everyone is welcome and pizza will be on CASE!

Please RSVP to me at bernie AT casechicago.org (if you haven't already) -- just so we know how to expect.

CASE Conference 2009: Here We Go

This year's CASE Conference has arrived.  We look forward to seeing you this Friday at the Chicago History Museum. 

With close to 175 registrants, a dynamic keynote speaker, a wide variety of breakout sessions, and a great venue, we're sure to have a good time -- and, oh yeah, learn something and network along the way.

We've uploaded the final detailed program with session descriptions and room assignments.

We also have some final transportation and parking advice from our hosts. The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark St., is easy to reach via public transportation. CTA buses 11, 22, 36, 72, 73, 151, and 156 stop nearby. The Brown Line Sedgwick station and Red Line Clark/Division station are also located approximately one half-mile away. For travel information, visit transitchicago.com.  Public parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum at Clark and LaSalle Streets; enter on Stockton Drive.  Visit the CHM website for directions and a map.

Remember to get your parking validated at the front desk for a reduced rate of $9.00.  Some spaces in the museum tend to be chilly, so we recommend that you bring an extra layer of clothing such as a sweater so you remain comfortable throughout the day.

See you there!

Registration is Now Closed

We have reached the maximum numbers of attendees for this year's CASE Conference.  We regret that we have to close registration.

Thanks to all  who have registered.  Stay tuned for a detailed program and some final thoughts before the big day next Friday.

CASE Conference 2009: Programs! Get Your Programs!

View the program (pdf) for the upcoming CASE Conference: “Education and Change," which will take place on Friday, February 27 at the Chicago History Museum located at 1601 N. Clark St.

This year’s conference will explore -- in the context of recent political events -- the role of change in education and American Studies.  We hope to shake things up a bit, asking foundational questions about what we teach and who we are.

The keynote speaker at the conference is Bill Ayers, who has been a leader in educational reform movements for over forty years. 

Three sets of breakout sessions will follow, and they all aim at providing educators with the tools to teach in a new era.  As a special bonus, the Chicago History Museum will be guiding teachers through their vast education resources -- including their special exhibit celebrating Abraham Lincoln.

For a more detailed look at the program, click here.

If you haven’t registered for the conference, please do so soon.  The conference cost is $89 and the fee includes keynote speaker/program, breakout sessions, curriculum exchange, continental breakfast and luncheon, and time to meet with fellow American Studies teachers.  All participants must register online.