AHA Session 86
Friday, January 9, 2026: 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Marquette Room (Hilton Chicago, Third Floor)
Chair:
Joe Underhill, Augsburg University
Papers:
Session Abstract
The Anthropocene—an era defined by humanity's significant impact on Earth's systems—presents a critical challenge for educators across disciplines. This session explores the fruitful potential of interdisciplinary approaches to teaching the Anthropocene in history classrooms. Panelists, with experience teaching history, incorporating historical perspectives into their teaching, and/or collaborating with history educators, will showcase how a multitude of disciplines, modalities, archives, and praxis can enrich our understanding of this complex era beyond the traditional repertoire of history teaching. We will delve into practical strategies for engaging students with the Anthropocene's deep history, exploring its connections to present-day crises like the climate crisis, pandemics, hazardous substances, and mass extinction. This session aims to equip history teachers with innovative methods for addressing the Anthropocene in their classrooms, fieldwork, and other experiential learning environments, empowering the next generation to grapple with our current predicament and envision potential paths forward.
See more of: AHA Sessions