Leo Strauss' views of the function of political philosophy as expressed in his book "Natural Right and History" are discussed. It is the function of political philosophy to distinguish good action from bad and promote the one and avert the other. (RM)

Discusses recent trends in the development of American political theory and reviews four themes found in current anthologies and monographs which can be used to supplement college political theory courses. The themes include the founding of America, the Lincoln literature, religion, and the neoconservative phenomenon. (AM)

The author discusses how he taught the difficult abstract ideas of formal political theory to his students with a minimum of discomfort. (Author/RM)

Reviews STUDIES IN PLATONIC POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (Strauss, 1984). Describes Platonic political philosophizing and argues that it is indispensable for the teaching of political science. (JDH)

Leo Strauss' views concerning the way to teach political philosophy are discussed. The essay begins with a summary of Strauss' general conception of classical political philosophy. The remainder of the essay discusses the content of Strauss' book "What is Political Philosophy?" (RM)

Describes the advantages of using symbolic logic in political analyses. It can be used (1) as a tool in conceptual refinement, (2) to determine if arguments are consistent and valid, and (3) as a tool for theory development. (SR)

Presents a dramaturgical dialog used by the authors to introduce two competing paradigms in the politics of national development, modernity theory, and dependency theory. The imaginary participants are Alex Inkeles and Immanuel Wallerstein. The dialogs have advantages as teaching strategies. (SR)

Describes a college course which examines fundamental issues concerning governmental regulation. Topics covered include: the development of regulatory agencies, their functions, both intended and unintended impact, and suggested reform of federal regulation. (RM)

Describes the use of a multiple choice quiz called a majority vote quiz (MVQ) in which the students' answers are determined by a majority vote of the students. (Author/JR)

Describes the grading system and examination practices of the British polytechnic schools. Explains the role of the external examiner and the board of examiners. Compares the benefits and drawbacks of this system with grading practices common in United States higher education. (JDH)

Reviews Russel Kirk's THE PORTABLE CONSERVATIVE READER and George Will's STATECRAFT AS SOULCRAFT. Maintains that Americans tend to misunderstand the philosophy of traditional conservatives, confusing their stance on issues such as authority, tradition, and laissez faire government. (JDH)

Shows how the "nominal group technique" can be applied in the initial meetings of discussion groups in university courses to clarify group norms and climate and to exemplify productive discussion behaviors. (Author/RM)

Describes books and periodicals that contain public and private laws, presidential proclamations, executive orders, joint and concurrent regulations, etc. or interpretations of laws such as Supreme Court decisions and federal district court and appellate court decisions. The descriptions include information such as title, numbering system,…

Suggests that having political science college students perform in class Machiavelli's play "Mandragola" is an excellent way to expand student's appreciation of Machiavelli. Article provides a synopsis of the play, discusses Machiavelli's intent, examines the meaning of the play, and presents classroom logistics. (RM)

The tounge-in-cheek article describes a proposal to label college courses in such a way that prospective students can determine their nature and content. (JR)