Through These Eyes

  «When I was in fifth grade I was exposed to a special program called “Man: A Course of Study” or MACOs. This was a unique program at the time with some very non-traditional methods of execution, content, and format. This program taught us about human value and culture through the watching and discussion of documentary footage of wildlife leading to life in a fading Alaskan culture. At a young age I knew I was participating in something special and unique. I felt privileged to be participating in this program. It opened my heart and mind and energized and expanded my thinking. I was thinking about this program recently and decided to do a little research. It wasn’t long before I came upon this documentary explaining the political ripple effect of this program and what led to its demise. It quite literally sickened me to watch. I had no idea all of this happened in the background. »

  «I first learned about Man: A Course of Study as a graduate student in education in 1969-70. In 1970-71 I became one of a small group of teachers who piloted this anthropological social studies curriculum in the Maplewood-South Orange, NJ, public schools. In 1972 I moved to the Chicago area and again taught MACOS in a Chicago suburb until 1977. As a young teacher this innovative curriculum formed who I became as a teacher and MACOS opne-ended discussions came to characterize my classroom. The spirit of questions and the openess to discuss any topic continued even after I was no longer able to teach MACOS. I believe this thoughtful approach to social studies left a lasting impression on my students, but I know it has affected my life as teacher, mother, and now as curriculum director. Two of my own adult children are now teachers one on the elementary level and the other on the college level and they approach teaching with the same open, inquisitive spirit. So it's important for those who created this curriculum to know that the affect has been long-lasting and continues from one generation to the next. »

  «Why is this video not available»

  «My father taught the MACOS curriculum and thought it was absolutely the best thing. When his school stopped using it, he couldn't bear to see it thrown away and brought it home. I have the films and a lot of the books that go with the series. I was about to put them on my burn pile but then thought I should look it up on-line. To my surprise, my father was not the only one who thought highly of the curriculum! »

  «The same thing continues in the US educational system. I am an anthropologist who taught my four children a full program of anthropology at home, thus causing a lot of difficulty for myself and them at school. This film breaks my heart for the Netsilik people and for the awful anti-intellectualism so prevalent in my country. It's the same story now with evolution and almost any kind of science. In spite of the discomfort of watching this film, I am glad I saw it--I think I saw some of the footage in college, but will now read the related literature and refamiliarize myself with these fascinating people.»