The article reports the results of a 2008 national survey of political theorists concerning what and how they teach. The results are based on 1,086 responses from professors at accredited, four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The responses include information about which thinkers are currently being taught, the status of…

The section begins with an historical overview of the political science major at Whitman College and reports on innovative majors at California State University-Hayward, Denison University, Dickinson College, Earlham College, Smith College, and the New College at the University of South Florida. (DB)

This instructional unit combines a study of the Soviet leader V. I. Lenin with a study of libraries. Lenin was selected as the focus because of his support of books and libraries and because he oversaw a revolution that altered the political and social structure of Russia and the balance of power throughout the world. Included are lesson plan…

The theory and practice of political science and social studies instruction should be reformulated and reassessed in the light of political socialization studies, particularly with respect to designing curricula and selecting textbooks, planning instructional strategies, and structuring school climates and political systems. (RM)

Gives the background of the field of public policy analysis and management beginning in 1967 when scholars at nine institutions designed education programs for careers in public sector decision making. Describes the state of the nation during that period, the original curriculum, changes over time, and the achievements of public policy schools.…

This article reviews the Association of American Colleges' (AAC) report titled "Integrity in the College Curriculum: A Report to the Academic Community" in terms of its relevance to political science instruction at the undergraduate level. The report examines two issues: (1) political science as a core component of a general education curriculum;…

The idea of using newspapers in education is not a new one; in fact, recorded references go back as far as the 1890s. During the first half of the 20th century educators and newspaper people increased the awareness of how current materials could maintain an important place in the school curriculum. Influential publications during this period…

Maintains that political socialization research was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Contends that most psychologists today argue for a theory of development and education that focuses on the individual's construction of knowledge. Reviews research on learning and concept development. (CFR)

Maintains that research on political socialization began in the late 1950s and died a premature death in the 1970s. Discusses the field's origins and downfall, and predicts a rebirth in a new and sustainable form. Outlines changes in secondary school political science education and political socialization research in other nations. (CFR)

Maintains that civic competence and socially responsible behavior have been among the 10 developmental tasks of adolescence since the 1950s. Contends that the decline of interest in political socialization must be shared by both political science and developmental psychology. Discusses community service as a measure of civic competence. (CFR)