The exceptionalism of abortion in public health education, due to social stigma, politicization, and lack of training, contributes to misinformation, policies unjustified by rigorous science, lack of access to person-centered health care, and systemic pregnancy-related inequities. Now that abortion access has vanished for large portions of the…

Currently, a knowledge gap exists at the intersection of immigration, citizenship, and education. We have little knowledge of how teachers teach about citizenship when they anticipate that some of their students are undocumented. Conceptually, we distinguish between formal and cultural citizenship and draw from immigrant political incorporation…

For social work educators, teaching social policy in the current political climate in the United States may seem daunting and energizing at the same time. Students are often acutely aware of the political and policy-related controversies raging in Washington, D.C. and local governments, and yet their position on these issues may be unexplored or…

Heavier than the books Mariano Cardoso had to carry to class at Capital Community College in Hartford, Connecticut, was the weight of the deportation order he lived with for nearly three years. Recently, the 23-year-old not only graduated with an associate degree in liberal arts, but he had the order of removal lifted thanks to a hard-fought,…

Students are well served by course simulations that employ active learning styles and student-driven interaction. For debate on political issues, particular public policies are quite effective in stimulating that discussion. We developed an in-class simulation of political debate on the issue of Social Security. We describe the simulation itself,…

Explores psychological reasons why educators and parents resist dealing with the issue of nuclear war. Describing individual resistance (avoidance) and collective resistance (commitment to a nation's economic and political assumptions), the author discusses implications for nuclear education. (SK)

From a political standpoint, the battle over sexuality education is not simply a dispute over the most effective means to promote the sexual and reproductive health of youth; but rather, a clash over the shape and direction of society itself. (McKay, 1999). This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings of the debate over the content and scope…

Explores the controversial issue of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) discussing the Act and the scope of the extinction problem. Reviews the arguments for and against the ESA, addresses the tactics that have been used in the political struggle over the ESA, and highlights the future of the ESA. Includes teaching activities. (CMK)

Discusses the use of classroom debate as a teaching resource which generates argumentation and, hence, new ideas. Advocates the use of debate to increase student involvement and commitment to a topic. Describes case construction, debate protocol, and student evaluation procedures. (GEA)

Presents the results of surveys that use new technologies and procedures to provide a more accurate picture of how people feel about racially charged issues. The results suggest deep divisions and surprising agreement on many of these issues. Argues that, distrust and dislike of affirmative action is widespread even among liberals. (MJP)

Provides an overview and background information on the debate over gun control, as well as several teaching ideas. Handouts include a list of related topics drawn from various disciplines (economics, U.S. history), seven arguments for and against gun control, and a set of policy evaluation guidelines. (MJP)

Covers the objectives, subject matter, and requirements of a one-semester course based on ethics and national security policy taught within the School of Public Affairs at the University of Maryland at College Park. The course is designed to give students an opportunity to develop skill in the analysis of moral and ethical issues. (JDH)

Traces the application of the constitutional protection from "unreasonable searches and seizures" as it has evolved in response to public attitudes and changes in technology. Includes a synopsis of relevant cases and two lesson plans. The cases concern a police search through trash bags and drug testing for athletes. (MJP)

Two papers and four discussion highlights of a conference examining the impact of President Reagan's New Federalism on citizenship responsibilities are presented. The first of two background papers considers the historical context of citizenship and the New Federalism. Separate sections of the paper outline the notion of "the common…

Provides a description of an upper division college course on nuclear war. The course, which used an interdisciplinary approach and many resource speakers, was divided into three components: the consequences of World War III, the causes of World War III, and the prevention of World War III. Includes a detailed course outline along with required…