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(Published on 14 March 2011)

Benchmarks of Historical Thinking Summer Institute, July 4 - 9, 2011

Following the success of our 2010 Summer Institute in Ottawa, we are very pleased to announce that we will be holding a Summer Institute for educators in Vancouver in the summer of 2011. This exciting institute will take you on an exploration of historical thinking, while examining the themes of immigration and aboriginality. As well, we will look at the broader substantive theme of cultural exchange across borders.

Plenary lectures by Dr. Peter Seixas and other distinguished guests. Off-site field trips will enhance the work conducted during the in-class portion of the institute.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 3rd. The number of spaces is limited, however, so please apply well before the deadline.

Summer Institute information can be found at the UBC External Programs website at http://eplt.educ.ubc.ca/programs/institutes/bht.php

Bursaries are once again being provided by our partner THEN|HiER. Find out more by downloading the application form posted on the THEN|HIER website at http://thenhier.ca/en/content/thenhier-funding-programs Deadline for bursaries is March 31, 2011.

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What is a Benchmark?

<p>John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising &amp; Marketing History,<br />Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections</p>

A surveyor cut a "benchmark" into a stone or a wall when measuring the altitude and/or level of a tract of land. A bracket called a "bench" was secured in the cut to mount the surveying equipment, and all subsequent measurements were made in reference to the position and height of that mark.

The term "benchmark" was first used around 1842 to refer to a standard of quality by which achievement may be measured.

The foundation documents available through the Benchmarks site attempt to help teachers establish standards for assessing student learning of the modes of thought that constitute historical thinking.

John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History,
Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections