**DoD Schools Introduce Western Civilization and Christianity Course**
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is set to introduce a new course this fall focusing on Western civilization and Christianity. This initiative, part of a broader effort by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to shift the educational focus toward patriotic values and classical learning within the schools serving military families.
**A Shift in Educational Focus**
DoDEA operates approximately 160 schools across 11 countries, educating roughly 70,000 students who are children of active-duty military personnel or civilian service members. Unlike most public schools, these are federally run institutions, making them a specific target for educational reform. The new course, titled “The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume I: The Ancient World and Christendom,” will use a textbook published by conservative house Encounter Books. It is designed to fulfill a world history graduation requirement for high school students, offered through the department’s virtual school.
The textbook has already sparked significant controversy. Historians and educators who reviewed excerpts noted concerns that the text misrepresents history by conflating Western civilization with Christianity and portraying Islam as an inherent threat to both. Critics argue that this narrative strips away essential context, particularly regarding historical conflicts like the Crusades.
**Conservative Agenda in Education**
This move aligns with a wider conservative push to reshape educational content, particularly regarding how American and Western history is taught. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been a vocal advocate for classical Christian education, viewing it as a counterbalance to what he sees as overly negative portrayals of U.S. history. His 2022 book, “Battle for the American Mind,” argues that progressive movements have systematically removed God and religion from public life.
The Trump administration has further solidified this agenda by accepting the Classical Learning Test—a college entrance exam positioned as a conservative alternative to the SAT—at military academies. Additionally, the administration has appointed academic leaders with ties to classical and civic education initiatives, including Tiffany Hoben, who previously worked on civics curriculum in Florida that drew criticism for its interpretation of church-state separation.
**Criticism and Debate**
Not everyone welcomes this shift. Some educators argue that the classical education model, when used as a political tool, transforms shared literary heritage into a weapon rather than a unifying force. Susan Wise Bauer, author of a popular classical homeschooling curriculum, noted that the impulse to define “us versus them” undermines the very purpose of a liberal arts education, which should foster critical thinking, not patriotism.
The Department of Defense has stated that it remains committed to providing military-connected students with the best possible education. However, it has not directly addressed the specific concerns surrounding the textbook or the broader classical learning initiative.
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### FAQ Section
**Q: What is the name of the new course being introduced?**
**A:** The course is titled **“Western Civilization to 1500.”**
**Q: Which textbook will be used for this course?**
**A:** The course will use **“The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume I: The Ancient World and Christendom”** published by Encounter Books.
**Q: Why is this course controversial?**
**A:** Critics argue the textbook misrepresents history by presenting Western civilization and Christianity as identical and depicting Islam primarily as a threat. Historians have also raised concerns that the text omits important context regarding historical violence and conflicts like the Crusades.
**Q: Who is behind this initiative?**
**A:** The initiative is part of a broader effort by Defense Secretary **Pete Hegseth** to refocus education on patriotic values and classical learning.
**Q: Are there changes beyond this new course?**
**A:** Yes. The DoDEA has also begun hiring classical learning teachers and has changed leadership, with Paul Craft appointed as director and Tiffany Hoben as the chief academic officer. Hoben previously worked on civics curriculum in Florida that promoted conservative views on church-state separation.
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### Conclusion
The Department of Defense’s decision to introduce a Western civilization and Christianity-focused course represents a significant shift in the educational landscape for military families. While framed as a return to patriotic and classical learning, the move has ignited fierce debate over historical accuracy, religious bias, and the politicization of education. As the curriculum rolls out this fall, it will undoubtedly be watched closely as a test case for how conservative educational ideals are being implemented within a federal institution.
