Describes a six-week study unit that requires students to examine specific aspects of the Iran-Contra affair in light of models such as presidential leadership style. The combination of a case study, student-centered cooperative learning, and writing across the curriculum proved popular with both the students and teacher. (MJP)

Discusses the difficulties of providing unity in introductory political science classes. Argues that beginning students will better understand politics if they are shown how to conceive of political figures and events in the same terms as their own experience. Urges a definition of politics that stresses people's relations to one another rather…

Asserts that law-related education programs, although more prominent at the secondary level than in higher education, have been successful in educating students about the role of law in society. Describes the use of mock trial competition as an instructional strategy in political science courses. (CFR)

Presents an outline for teaching about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the political science classroom. Explains that the course includes an overview and an examination of the key actors in the AIDS crisis, as well as analysis of the political and bureaucratic dimensions. Identifies subtopics and suggested and required readings. (SG)

Discusses teaching of critical thinking in introductory college government classes. Emphasizes identifying, evaluating, and constructing arguments as fundamental skills. Suggests text and methods for developing these skills. Argues that government classes involve too much information to allow students to retain much if taught in the traditional…

Asserts that increased attention to marginalized groups in college political science courses is long overdue. Introduces a series of six brief articles describing how to incorporate these groups into the curriculum. Includes articles on gender, race, and sexual orientation issues. (CFR)

Maintains that constitutional law is the cornerstone of an undergraduate public law curriculum. Asserts that there is a welcome trend toward teaching the subject over a two-semester sequence, instead of only one. Describes course content and teaching strategies used in a college constitutional law course. (CFR)

Asserts that commercial online computer services provide a wealth of features that can be helpful in teaching political science. Discusses four commercial services and recommends the use of Prodigy because of its ability to link one article to other articles of related content. (CFR)

Criticizes the traditional approach to teaching U.S. government as being de-contextualized, piecemeal, incoherent, and ineffective. Summarizes an alternative approach that follows historical development but emphasizes the emerging character of the U.S. political system due to the interaction between values, context, and institutions. Text readings…

Presents the syllabus of an introductory U.S. government course. The course stresses alternative views on government including multiculturalism, grass-roots politics, social issues, class, race, and gender. Specifically, seeks to inculcate critical thinking and a global awareness. Includes a course outline, discussion of grading policies, and list…

Describes a CD-ROM product that simulates introducing a freshman congressman to Washington, DC. The member is briefed on duties and responsibilities (including a historical overview) and given a tour of the Capitol. Interactive components include hiring staffers and acquiring leadership positions. Includes suggestions for integrating the product…