This article presents an economic perspective of the institution of slavery in the context of world and American history. Slavery has existed on all continents and in many societies. Its existence has long been controversial and, in the case of the United States, ended only as the result of a long and destructive war. Slavery as an institution was…

Since the founding of this nation, Americans have lived by the belief that wars have laws. Even in the most morally-challenging times, the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL)--which provide basic protections for the vulnerable, such as civilians, prisoners of war, and sick and injured combatants--have been championed by leaders like…

Describes recent cases of high school book banning illustrating patterns of censorship in the United States. The author examines reasons for book banning, the motivations behind this kind of censorship, and the ideological orientation of groups responsible for it. A bibliography of information on censorship is included. (AM)

Compares Kohlberg's and Dewey's views on moral education with regard to implications for elementary social studies classes, moral instruction of children, curriculum development, and community life of the school. Concludes that Dewey's approach to moral education is more comprehensive than Kohlberg's. (Author/DB)

Contains a French folk tale and discussion questions that give elementary level students the opportunity to discuss cheating and human behavior. Children read about three clever boys who outwit an unscrupulous innkeeper. They discuss the behavior of the protagonists and argue for or against the brothers' trick. (AM)

Activity requires secondary students to make an entrepreneurial decision concerning a conflict between long-term and short-term results. Students read a dilemma story involving an automobile manufacturer. They must write down positive and negative consequences for alternative decisions on a "Human Consequences Matrix" and an "Economic Consequences…

Questions how various actors in the World War II holocaust were able to face their consciences. Examples are presented of railroad workers, German judges, industrial bosses, and other bureaucrats who unhesitatingly carried out some role in the holocaust. Excerpts from diaries of Jews are presented. (Author/DB)

Focuses on the nature and extent of censorship of social studies materials in the United States. Specific topics addressed are persons and organizations censoring, status of the rights of teachers, and what educators, schools, and professional organizations such as the National Council for the Social Studies can do to help teachers deal with…

Considers the emerging global economy. Discusses the meaning of wealth, not in terms of materials, but in relation to the knowledge and ethical behavior that are forces for economic growth. Suggests ways to help students connect character content to social studies, including lists of discussion questions. (CMK)

Examines the World Wide Web as a curriculum resource and teaching tool. Finds much to recommend in the system's access to electronic databases, publications, listservs, newsgroups, and e-mail. Abuses and deficiencies include misinformation, lack of access to computers, and very few tools for assessment. (MJP)

Delineates the difficulties of teaching about genocide. Suggests literature helps students understand atrocities as real events affecting individuals. Claims literature reflects deep historical truths, whereas history provides the perspective for placing individual tragedy in larger context. Includes suggestions for recommended reading for…

Assesses the progress and the challenges that education must meet in identifying world policy for proliferation management. Gives a historical perspective on attempts to control proliferation. Includes maps, charts, a historical chronology of these efforts, and a list of proliferation management issues. (NL)

Presents a section of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's, "Atoms for Peace," 1953 address to the United Nations General Assembly. Suggests using the document for classroom discussions of nuclear proliferation, emphasizing that using primary sources develops research skills, activates classroom discussions, citizenship, and creative…

Argues that nuclear weapons are affecting the environment through their production, testing, transport, and storage. Warns that the effect on the world's ecosystem could be irreversible. Provides data and maps on testing, deployment, and future possible effects, such as a nuclear winter. Discusses the challenge to future generations. (NL)

Explores the issue of nuclear proliferation, noting that the countries with nuclear capability now include Israel, South Africa, India, and Pakistan. Describes the role and problems of the United States in halting nuclearization. Supplies charts, maps, and information concerning the state of nuclear capability in each country. (NL)