"Communication and Education: Promoting Peace and Democracy in Times of Crisis and Conflict" explores the complexities of addressing divisive societal challenges, reducing conflicts, and building and sustaining peace and democracy around the world. Contributions by an international panel of experts provide evidence-based practices,…

Economic elitism cripples democracy. Political rights without the material conditions necessary for citizens to exercise their rights are meaningless. Education should empower students to recognize that economic rights are linked with political rights and both are grounded in basic humanity. (MD)

Discusses a study of the voting attitudes of students at several southwestern New Mexico high schools. Reports that most respondents had not voted on an issue of particular importance to themselves while in school. Indicates that most expected to vote in the next presidential election, but few were able to define democracy. (SG)

Maintains that the effects of the French Revolution continue today. Presents scholarly views on the significance of the revolution. Challenges the view that the French Revolution led to the violent totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century. Traces the history of the revolution and outlines its legacy. (RW)

This lesson plan begins with an overview of the age of enlightenment and those ideas that influenced the founders of the United States. The lesson plan provides information sheets about five enlightenment thinkers: John Locke (1632-1704), Mary Wolstonecraft (1759-1898), Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755), Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1788), and John…

This paper identifies project-based curriculum elements to increase postsecondary students' sense of political efficacy and their political interest, knowledge, and participation. It evaluates factors correlated with low levels of voting and the implementation of registration activities as remedies; it then introduces curriculum elements based on…

This curriculum project provides insight into the transformation processes in which the nations of Hungary and Poland have been participating, from approximately 1979-2002. A major focus of the project is to organize a set of information that teachers and students can analyze and understand the Hungarian and Polish quality of life during the…

These materials are designed to help students bridge the gaps in the news and their textbooks about the country of Haiti and to provide suggestions for further research. The following framework is suggested for studying Haiti today: (1) Haiti's current crisis is best understood in historical perspective; (2) the U.S. government has heavily…

The ethical and educational dimensions of the quest for multicultural and bilingual education are explored, introducing the variety and complexity of these problems and ways of thinking about them. The application of liberal, democratic, and communitarian theories of political morality is discussed as examples of alternative approaches to these…

Designed to initiate discussion of foreign policy decisions, this book contains an analysis of eight foreign policy issues confronting the United States in 1986. Each unit provides the background and guidelines to provide perspective to assist in understanding foreign policy crises. The units included in this issue are: (1) "How Foreign Policy Is…

This bibliography includes articles and books that discuss the theory behind study circles, describe successful study circle programs, and explain how to develop reading materials for study circles. Some of the entries discuss related subjects such as how people learn in groups, democracy, public opinion, and issue forums. Researchers, adult…

Describes a course on the tension between individual rights and the powers of government. Explores the differences between the Anti-Federalists and Federalists conceptions of rights and the role of government. Discusses contemporary problems of rights as limits to democratic outcomes. Questions the traditional interpretations of the U.S.…

Posits a skeptical critique of the early claims of increased and efficient citizen participation in government due to information technology. Recent experiments have been costly and only marginally successful. Further research suggests that advanced information technology will have little effect on voter apathy. (MJP)

Presents brief excerpts from the presidential papers of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The excerpts address such matters as voting rights, limited government, political appointments, national security, and the balance of power. (MJP)

Provides historical background to the recent democracy movement in China and its outcomes. Examines the extent of human rights violations and whether democracy can take hold in China. Highlights implications of government repression for international relations. Argues Chinese democracy will require restoration of political pluralism and civil…