Part of media education is showing students other ways of being, knowing, and making change away from social media. Such experiences can allow youth to reflect not only on the benefits and drawbacks of social media, but how they change the flow of our lives. They are then better positioned to choose when to use, or not use social media. Educators…

The social landscape of the United States can be mapped by using a series of cultural fault lines. This topography portrays conditions that descriptions of the surface fail to illuminate. Many of these schisms are the by-product of ideological positions that diminish personal responsibility and thoughtful civic discourse. If left unattended, these…

Andean society is polarized into two key segments: the national Spanish-speaking culture and the native Quechua-speaking culture. Each group ignores or reconstructs history in order to perpetuate its deep-seated prejudices. A group called "The Shining Path" is trying to transform both cultures through violent revolution. (RM)

The unrepresentativeness of school policy discussions, religious fundamentalism, and the local opinion that schools should uphold and inculcate traditional values of home and community are emphasized as the reasons for the West Virginia textbook controversy. (DE)

Discusses episodes from the history of the Sioux Indians in North and South Dakota and suggests ways in which this information can be incorporated into social studies classroom activities. Information is taken from primary source material in the Educational Division of the National Archives. (Author/DB)

Presents a policy statement from the National Council for the Social Studies for the quincentenary of Columbus's first new world voyage. Recommends that teachers help students comprehend the contemporary relevance of 1492 and provide basic, accurate knowledge about Columbus's voyages, their historical setting, and unfolding effects. Suggests areas…

Examines the increase in immigration and foreign nationals in European countries since the 1950s. Points out that liberal immigration laws made Germany the most popular haven for refugees and others. Contends that Germans will have to adjust to a multicultural Germany within a multicultural Europe. (CFR)

Examines the current relationship between religious liberty and U.S. democracy. Presents a proposal to reforge the U.S. public philosophy according to the notion of chartered pluralism that celebrates the diversity embodied in the First Amendment. Ties this to the conflict between communitarianism and libertarianism. (DB)

Presents historical background material on the ethnic struggles in the former Yugoslavia, particularly Bosnia-Herzegovina. Offers teaching suggestions including a paired writing activity and follow-up discussion questions. Includes a chronological table of events from the 6th century A.D. to 1994. (CFR)

Contends that a debate is taking place about the comparative meaning and merits of multicultural and antiracist education. Concludes that research into the effects of antiracist teaching and multicultural education suggests that, although positive effects are weak, antiracist teaching should continue. (CFR)

Maintains that, 50 years after World War II, few people are aware that Jews were not the only Nazi victims. Describes Nazi persecution against Gypsies, homosexuals, blacks, political dissenters, and other groups. Contends that every new generation of students should learn about the devastating effects of prejudice. (CFR)