Using Frederic Jameson, we outline concentric circles of the political unconscious structuring debates about academic freedom at the national and state levels. By drawing parallels between the World War I university and the contemporary university, we suggest that such circles function historically, always bearing traces of an earlier time. To…

In contrast to "Just Say No" lectures on drug use common in K to 12 drug education programs (e.g., Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E.), this activity used peer teaching in an Introductory Psychology course to promote active learning and open discussion of controversial issues about drug use. Working in small groups, students researched…

This study examines the effects of school contexts, individual differences, and motivational goals and benefits on current events knowledge. A review of the literature focuses on motivation study of goal theory and self-efficacy. The sample includes 798 students from nine high schools (grades 9-12) in diverse geographical locations and of various…

This research study sought to understand the current state of Holocaust education in Romanian classrooms and how sociocultural and institutional forces influence its treatment. By identifying the obstacles, challenges, and successes of Holocaust education in Romania, this study can both disseminate the techniques and conditions that bring about…

Until recently, one of the most expected and accepted experiences among students in biology classrooms of the United States has been the dissection of vertebrate animals, from frogs and mice to cats and fetal pigs. However, resistance to animal dissection has grown during the past decade with concerns ranging from inhumane treatment of animals by…

This book draws on conversations with six individuals, each of whom offers a distinct approach to character education and speaks to the problems and the practical side of designing, implementing, and evaluating character education. The text opens with an overview of character education, exploring what it is, moral dilemmas, goals, and criticisms.…

One of a series of information packets, the document provides clear, specific information about the controversial subject of astrology. The packet includes six articles explaining the dozens of careful scientific tests which have concluded that there is no scientific evidence supporting astrology. The packet includes an interview with astronomer…

This book, written by a member of the Louisiana State Legislature (who authored a bill during the 1981 legislative session mandating balanced treatment for creation-science wherever evolution-science is taught to public school children), takes a step toward answering the question: Should the scientific evidences for creation be given equal time…

This article explores theoretical and practical issues related to education for peace and justice. It briefly presents educational theories of Plato, Aristotle, John Dewey, and Paulo Freire, recent papal and conciliar teachings, and the work of prominent religious educators. The power of education for aiding in justice and peace education is shown…

Explains the technique "editorial step-asides," which is designed to help students learn the difference between fact and opinion in a teacher's lecture. (FL)

Political resistance to apartheid is sweeping South Africa and is being met with brutal government repression. This brief survey of human rights violations demonstrates that the white minority and government continue their commitment to apartheid. (RM)

This social studies unit of study will help high school students learn about the geography of South Africa. Such a geographic background is necessary if students are to learn about apartheid, South Africa's system of racial domination. (RM)

Human rights issues need to be taught in the context of Western civilization values, using literature and history sources, and not as separate courses based on newsworthy events. Students need to appreciate the desirability of democratic governments and the complexities of introducing democracy to nations lacking political and legal traditions. (9…

In the last decade, human rights has become a highly visible isssue in United States foreign policy. Schools can't sidestep this controversy, since human rights concerns are an inextricable part of U.S. political heritage. Schools can use a number of teaching approaches to help students understand the complexities and contradictions involved. (2…

Places the new right's censorship activities into a larger political and social context. Highlights the differences between feminist and antiracist concerns about textbook content and right wing book banning. Suggests ways to defend academic freedom. (SK)