Abstract

Using a critical analysis approach, I investigated the dominant narrative of slavery and African Americans prior to the Civil War in the 2011 South Carolina Social Studies Academic Standards Support Document for the 11th grade U.S. History course. Findings indicate that the Support Document does not offer a complete narrative of slavery and African Americans, perpetuates a negative image of African Americans, excludes themes of African American heroism, and maintains myths related to slavery. The dominant narrative found in the Support Document was compared to the scholarship of historians to construct a counter-narrative for teacher leaders to consider during curriculum development.