Very little research has been conducted on the contribution of political education to learning progress in Germany. Hence, there is a need for intervention studies measuring performance against the theoretical background of a political competence model. This model comprises three constructs: subject knowledge, motivation and attitudes. According…

The stressing of idealism and ritual without dealing with political realities has tended to produce youth that are ethnocentric, closed-minded, and conformist in their approach to public affairs. (Author)

If students are to understand the American Constitution, they must, like the Founders, take political philosophy seriously. Books and essays that college teachers can use to teach about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are discussed. (RM)

Proposes teaching political philosophy utilizing a model of Socratic discussion. Describes the use of Socratic discourse in a course entitled Contemporary Political Thought. Divides the course into three components: "the man on the street" analysis of issues; the use of social science literature; and philosophical readings on the issues.…

This document consists of five units which all view applications of mathematics to American politics. The first three view calculus applications, the last two deal with applications of algebra. The first module is geared to teach a student how to: 1) compute estimates of the value of the parameters in negative exponential models; and draw…

A discussion guide, one in a series on constitutional reform issues developed by The Jefferson Foundation as part of The Jefferson Meeting on the Constitution project, examines electoral college reform. The first section discusses how the electoral college functions and presents a brief history since 1787. The second section outlines four…

This document includes three units on applications of first-order difference equations to American politics. The first module is designed to help the user: 1) develop flexibility in analyzing difference equations in quadratic format; 2) understand how Choundy and Phillips' Theorem can be used to provide information about the time path of a…

Explores the issues involved in teaching a regional U.S. political science course, specifically referring to a course taught on midwestern politics. Covers topics such as defining the region to be studied, course organization, and assignments. Considers using the regional approach in an interdisciplinary course and other options. (CMK)

This second of three units to the 12th-grade first-semester "Comparing Political Experiences" course provides 20 student activities that examine political resources such as wealth, skills, status, information, and ideas. The activities and readings are divided into six sections which stress the alternative patterns of political resources…

Designed to accompany and supplement the notebook "Resources for Teaching Virginia Government," this quarterly newsletter presents ideas, teaching strategies, and materials for government teachers and students. Issue No. 1 includes: (1) "The Gubernatorial Tenure Debate"; (2) "The Robb Years: An Interview with Larry…

This publication contains a collection of readings which discuss political participation in American government and games which students can play to get more involved in the topic. Intended for use on the college level and with advanced courses on the secondary level, the book heightens the mutual educational experience for both teacher and…

This document consists of two modules. The first studies a variety of multicandidate voting systems, including approval, Borda, and cumulative voting, using a model which takes account of a voter's intensity of preference for candidates. The voter's optimal strategy is investigated for each voting system using decision criteria under uncertainty…

Examples of the use of computer simulations in two undergraduate courses, (American Foreign Policy and Introduction to International Politics), and a faculty computer literacy course on simulations and artificial intelligence, are provided in this compilation of various instructional items. A list of computer simulations available for various…

Resource materials, ideas, and teaching methods are provided for students and teachers in this quarterly newsletter that accompanies and supplements "Resources for Teaching Virginia Government." Issue No. 1 includes: (1) "A Clarion Call to Teachers" (S. Fitz-Hugh); (2) "A General Registrar Speaks Out: An Interview with…

Discusses a course on U.S. Congress in which students analyze Congress as an institution, the role of Congress in the political system, and Congressional members. Emphasizes the role Congress should play in the Madisonian policy process. Examines the history of Congress, budgetary politics, foreign policy, and congressional reforms. Includes…