What are the challenges of teaching Cold War politics to the twenty-first-century student? How might the millennial generation be educated about the political science theories and concepts associated with this period in history? A college student today, who grew up in the post-Cold War era with the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, smart phones,…

In teaching the causes of the Iraq War, the use of "virtual history" can be employed in a conference setting in which different individuals are assigned to different plausible counterfactuals they use to construct virtual histories. The Iraq War lends itself to the virtual history approach because of the availability of many plausible…

In the decade since the attacks of September 11th, the political climate in the United States has become increasingly intolerant of opposing viewpoints. This climate, made nearly ubiquitous by 24-hour news cycles and increased exposure to political media, poses quite a challenge to teachers wishing to broach political topics as part of their…

The many historical writings on political machines and bossism are reviewed in this article. (DE)

Education about national security has always been part of the social studies curriculum in U.S. high schools. But its focus has been simply chronological and episodic with major attention given to war, particularly the decision to enter it and the conduct of U.S. military forces. Little attention has been given to the evolution and structural…

Examines new aspects of the post-Cold War international situation that need to be reflected in the K-12 curriculum: integrating studies of cooperation as well as conflict; emphasizing the importance of economic issues; and noting the changed role of international organization, the increased concern with democracy, and changing concepts of…

Reviews the history of U.S. foreign aid, and contests popular assumptions about the leading role of the United States in contemporary aid efforts. Provides a detailed breakdown of the U.S. foreign affairs budget to support the argument. Links the argument to suggestions for appropriate U.S. policy in this area. (DSK)

This booklet presents a set of secondary-level classroom strategies for examining American history in light of the issues identified by the American Issues Forum. Emphasis is on examination of the role and actions of the President of the United States. These materials, called modules, form Part II of the topic, "A More Perfect Union: The…

Highlights the Cable News Network's (CNN) documentary series "The Cold War." Interviews executive producer Jeremy Issacs and producer Martin Smith about the series and its usefulness for educators. Includes a broadcast schedule for the 24 episodes. Notes that the series is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies. (DSK)

Asserts that teachers and students are ready to go beyond traditional coverage of the interactions of political science and history to applying economic analysis to historical and contemporary social issues. Provides three lesson plans illustrating the use of public choice theory in U.S. history. (CFR)

Outlines several historical cases that can be used to illustrate and teach paradoxical concepts concerning democracy. For example, can an "undemocratic" action be correct (the Louisiana Purchase)? The combination of historical incident and controversy provokes a lively and challenging discussion of democratic principles. (MJP)

Reviews the role of political history throughout 100 years of historiography in the "American Historical Review." Presents 2 choices available to political historians who wish to reclaim their central place in history. Reviews recent research and interpretations of political history. (CFR)

In addition to presenting background information on Mozambique's struggle for independence from Portugal, this module contains compare-and-contrast exercises and enrichment activities. The background discussion includes a historical sketch of political events prior to Mozambique's independence in 1975 and presents excerpts from the writings of two…