Developing spirituality through the use of literature in history education

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the significant potential for history teachers to contribute to the development of children’s spirituality through the use of literature within the history curriculum. Using four case studies of history teaching in English comprehensive schools, the paper outlines a holistic approach to the subject – drawing upon art and music as well as literature – to foster children’s capacity for meaning‐making from historical interpretations. The paper argues that history education prepares children for the spiritual by virtue of three elements unique to the subject: First, the subject matter and conceptual content of history provide the context for students to engage with the complexity of questions at the essence of the human condition, establishing a cognitive conflict through which spiritual development is fostered. Second, the subjectivity of historical knowledge allows for the development of a community of ethical enquiry within the classroom through which individuals can explore their own ideas and beliefs as well as those of others. Such enquiry fosters the development of reflexive empathy – the capacity to reflect on one’s own life in the light of understanding the lives of others. Third, the subject provides children with a language through which they can articulate their thoughts, beliefs and feelings. The paper argues that these unique elements are significantly strengthened through the complementary use of literature within history lessons, providing a powerful methodology which fosters children’s spirituality.

Keywords:

• Cognitive conflict
• Ethical enquiry
• History
• Interpretations
• Literature
• Reflexive empathy

Notes

* University of Leeds, School of Education, Hillary Place, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark Cottingham *

* University of Leeds, School of Education, Hillary Place, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. Email: [email protected]