Having recently returned from a conference in North Africa, I found your State of State World History Standards awaiting me. What a glowing set of observations about South Carolina! I'm pleased to see the state so well represented, but I have to admit that I ask myself, "So what happens to these fine middle school and high school students when they arrive at the University of South Carolina?" There are not many students in introductory Western Civilization or Middle Eastern history courses who exhibit any evidence that they might have been provided with such a solid background. Still, there's something to be said for having the theory down, even if the application is a tad wanting.
Kenneth J. Perkins
Professor of History
University of South Carolina, Columbia
