A Shake in the American Eye

15 Minute History

Description: 15 Minute History is a history podcast designed for historians, enthusiasts, and newbies alike. This is a joint project of Hemispheres, the international outreach consortium at the University of Texas at Austin, and Not Even Past, a website with articles on a wide variety of historical issues, produced by the History Department at the University of Texas at Austin. This podcast series is devoted to short, accessible discussions of important topics in world history, United States history, and Texas history with the award winning faculty and graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin, and distinguished visitors to our campus. They are meant to be a resource for both teachers and students, and can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in history.

University of Texas at Austin

My Review of History of the Second Ku Klux Klan:

1. I rate this podcast a 10/10. The podcast is set up by historians and teachers in History. The podcast felt as if it was a professional interview. The episode involving the Ku Klux Klan was conducted by a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Austin. The person that they interviewed had credentials in History and teaches at New York University. From the start of the interview to the end, it breaks down the history of the 2nd KKK and how it differs from the rest. It opens a ton of ears for those who want to listen to this episode.

2. Though the KKK diminished in numbers and became unacceptable in today's society, the 2nd KKK was known as the most impactful organization in its generation. The 2nd KKK not only spread White Patriarchy throughout the United States, it may have changed in gender norms. Linda Gordon was the interviewee in this podcast episode and a chapter from her book focuses on feminism in the KKK.

Map, documented Ku Klux Klan Klaverns

 3. At first, I did not think that feminism had played a role in the 2nd KKK, but after listening to Gordon talking about how white women within the KKK would formulate their divisions headed by their gender. The reason why feminism could've played a huge role in the KKK was that it goes against the conservative tradition of women being the household wives/mother.

4. How can this be used in a classroom?

It can be used as extra credit. Teachers can assign questions to a specific time in the podcast episode. This will make sure that students are actively learning in their class. This episode in particular covers an area of diversity and gender studies. So students can use this as a starting point to help with their adventure in history.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Listening rather than reading off from a board can be an alternative for student learning.

Cons: Teachers will have a hard time knowing if their students are actually learning if they are only listening.