Examines several generalizations concerning political terrorism that have been inferred from research and suggests methods and materials social studies teachers can use to teach a basic understanding of terrorism. (FL)

Offers a theoretical and political framework for teaching gender and racial issues in a literature course. Discusses the goals of increasing students' awareness of these issues and ways in which the theoretical framework can be used to address specific works of drama, fiction, and poetry. (DMM)

Provides a brief discussion of the controversial issue of logging as it relates to the extinction of the spotted owls. Suggests ways to help students understand both sides of the issue. (ZWH)

This seven part teacher's guide is designed to accompany the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) television series, "Columbus and the Age of Discovery," and also may be used without viewing the programs. The guide features seven units that reflect the themes of the television series. The units are: (1) "Columbus's World"; (2)…

Describes a college course designed to explicate the political dimensions of biomedical issues now emerging in American society. The course combines a rigorous overview of the technologies and the accompanying value changes which are producing these issues with a discussion of the problems being raised. (RM)

Discusses the political relevance of Miller's play about Salem witch trials to (1) the McCarthy era hearings, and (2) current cases between religious fundamentalists and school curriculum boards. Summarizes the history of these events and relates them to an interpretation of "The Crucible." (JG)

Notes the current attempt to replace social studies with U.S. history and geography. Delineates the two strands of thought in the social studies reform movement and argues that there is a strong tradition of the social studies as a unified, issue-centered field of study. (SLM)

Given the lack of interest among college and high school students and the declining rates of participation in political affairs, the concept of political specialization has significant implications for teaching political science. Research reveals that almost 90 percent of high school students who do not plan to attend college are either completely…

Material about nuclear disarmament and the arms race should be included in secondary school curricula. Teachers can present this technical, controversial, and frightening material in a balanced and comprehensible way. Resources for instructional materials are listed. (PP)

Describes programs sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) to promote civic participation. The programs are National Issues Forums (NIF) in the Classroom; Jefferson Meetings; Great Decisions; Public Issues Series; and C-SPAN in the Classroom. (SLM)

The activities in this book have been completely revised to reflect changes in the sixth edition of the "State of the World Atlas" (Atlas). Each activity in the book is aligned closely with the National Geography Standards, "Geography for Life." Standards are clearly identified at the beginning of each lesson. Activities in the…

Provides an overview and background information on the debate over gun control, as well as several teaching ideas. Handouts include a list of related topics drawn from various disciplines (economics, U.S. history), seven arguments for and against gun control, and a set of policy evaluation guidelines. (MJP)

Proposes constructive ways for discussing controversial issues in the social studies classroom. Develops an educational goal and a rationale for controversial issues discussions. Explicates six strategies for addressing controversial values issues, and discusses the problem of whether the teacher should disclose their position. (SLM)

Describes a game developed to provide medical education students with opportunities to discuss questions concerning health education issues. Indicates the materials needed for constructing the accompanying game board and provides the questions that are addressed by participants as they play the game. (TW)

Maintains that criticism of the National History Standards is inaccurate and politically motivated. Claims that conservatives value history instruction as an inculcation of patriotism rather than a search for truth. Praises the Standards as fair, insightful, and useful. (MJP)