Chapter 12: Unpacking Patriotism in an Elementary Social Studies Methods Class

In this chapter, I delineate various conceptualizations of patriotism and the controversies around whether and how to teach patriotism. Then, I outline ways to incorporate patriotism and the controversial issues around it into an elementary social studies methods course. By sharing successful teaching strategies that allowed my students to unpack the notion of patriotism, I hope my colleagues elsewhere may find it useful to fight against civic illiteracy and uncritical patriotism that permeates our society.