Today's political environment continues to become more polarized as Americans find themselves taking sides on controversial issues. While this is certainly not new to the American democratic experience, the way we as a country are combating it is. With the nation engulfed in a political maelstrom, people are forgetting how to have a civilized…

This article examines national sovereighnty and its role in the organizational structure of society through political and governmental roles. Cultural development, domestic affairs, minority groups and small nations, and individual and local government are discussed. (JR)

Results of confrontation between political theory and behavioralism: (1) language clarification; (2) prescriptive theory--the recognition of values and consideration of social and political principles; (3) analytic theory--framework for analysis of phenomena; and (4) composite theory--merging of analytical theorists and political philosophers. (SE)

In this article, the author presents an appraisal of the two contending perspectives on political scientists' approach to citizenship education in social studies: John Dewey's critique of political scientists' vision of citizenship education and a consideration of the educational implications of the APSA's activities in precollegiate citizenship…

Describes how a high school helps students analyze their own political views in order to make intelligent voting decisions. The approach uses a political spectrum, running from extreme right to extreme left, illustrated with examples at various points. Statements of political candidates are then categorized by the students. (JDH)

A lesson plan involves high school students in examining incidents in U.S. history as acts of political behavior, including an examination of the resources the participants possessed and the political techniques they employed. A list of 25 issues/events to investigate is presented. (AM)

This article examines what makes knowledge political in its derivation and uses, and what potential political functions it may serve. Emphasis is placed upon the idea that the consequences of political knowledge for a democracy are neither uniformly beneficent or malevolent; but depend upon how the knowledge is being used and by whom. (DE)

Describes an innovative teaching approach used in an undergraduate political science course on the American presidency. Procedures and objectives for centering the course on a press conference theme are presented. Information is also presented on course evaluation and student motivation. (DB)

In this article, the author examines how the idea (and ideal) of nation continues to serve as a directive for social studies education. He proposes discussing what a critical approach to understanding nation (and the historical narratives that define nation) might look like in the classrooms and what the stakes are for social studies educators,…

Defines the word republic and reviews its varied usage in social science writings. The author maintains that introduction of methodological devices into social science research has been accompanied by a tendency to avoid clear definition of key words. (Author/DB)

Contends that students should have a basic acquaintance with and appreciation for their religious heritage. Teachers must not teach religion, but can teach about religion through studies of religion in society, comparative world religions, or religious philosophy. Suggestions for topics in sociology, anthropology, political science, and history…

Because of recent legislation, many students with mild disabilities enroll in high school social studies courses in general education rather than special education settings. Therefore, teachers may have students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, communication disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in their history,…

An explanation of the move from using a single continuum to a circle and finally to a quadrangle as a tool for explaining political positions which clarifies their complexity rather than oversimplifying and distorting them. (ND)

An experiential political science course at the college level offers students a chance to volunteer their time to help in both national and local elections. Techniques and methods of evaluation are discussed. (JR)

Advocates an approach for teaching the civic education component of the social studies curriculum based on the teaching of political science. "Citizenship Decision-Making" materials are described as an example of curricula which conceptualize politics by permitting students to examine their own political experiences in comparison with the adult…