Hibakusha Testimony on Nuclear War: Recommendations in Social Studies Methods Courses

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Curriculum Studies in the Social Studies

Abstract

In February 2019, two nations with the largest nuclear arsenals announced their withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. This action brings renewed attention to nuclear non-proliferation efforts worldwide. In this troubling context, this study makes recommendations to U.S. social studies teachers on how to teach nuclear war. Employing a sequential, dual qualitative study design (Lloyd-Jones, 2003), we initially explored the testimony of six Hibakusha (survivors of Hiroshima & Nagasaki nuclear attacks). In our second study, we actualize these findings to bring the recommendations to life in our social studies methods courses.

Authors

• Brad M. Maguth, The University of Akron

• Jeremy Hilburn, University of North Carolina - Wilmington

• Misato Yamaguchi, Georgia Regents University