Courses: This three-part semester-long assignment was designed for an undergraduate course in interracial communication. While interracial communication is the primary focus of this assignment, it could easily be adapted to a variety of courses focused on diversity with the goals of improving communication and connectedness among members of other…

Diversified small groups in the classroom provide a good opportunity for students to share information and ideas with each other. The research on cooperative small groups points out the benefits of these interactions and describes the process as a powerful forum for developing students' critical thinking and higher-order skills: (1) Cooperative…

Thousands of African Americans were banished from their communities by violent mobs in the late nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth. The banishments happened quickly, sometimes overnight. Mobs would often lynch one or more men and then go through town burning down homes and churches and shooting at individuals. The African…

When Morris Dees was a young man in Alabama, the law said that black people couldn't drink from the same water fountain as white people, or sit at the same lunch counter. Back then, the government created and sanctioned divisions between human beings. The Civil Rights Movement changed all of that, of course, and ended state-mandated apartheid in…

Traces the history of the development of cities in South Africa, paying special attention to the development of urban social controls. Three eras are identified: (1) mercantilism, (2) imperialism, and (3) apartheid. Concludes that enormous human costs are entailed by these attempts at social engineering. (JDH)

Highlights findings and observations of a project using drama in the teaching of race relations. Part of a larger project on the problems and effects of teaching about race relations carried on in England from 1972-75. (JMF)

To illustrate how individual stories from "The Martian Chronicles" can be used to teach sociological concepts to secondary students, the story "Ylla," which can be used to teach about race-ethnic relations, is analyzed and discussed. Other issues of "Social Education" featuring science fiction and additional resources…

Argues for the effectiveness of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" as a tool for increasing racial understanding. Suggests that class discussion of the book can make Black students feel as though they have valuable insights to contribute. Concludes that students' emotional reactions to Twain's novel demonstrate the continuing relevance of…

Describes how the "Facing History" social studies curriculum (which moves students from literary and historical examples of genocide back to present-day experiences of intolerance and racism) is taught in an English class at South Boston High School. Describes various activities undertaken in the class related to this curriculum.…

Argues that the celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday provides an opportunity to reaffirm his principles of social justice and positive social change. Outlines a teaching-learning unit (G4-12) based on his writings and speeches. Describes materials needed; teacher preparation; objectives; concepts to be explored; skills to be developed and…

This paper provides teachers with information about the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and makes available instructional procedures and resources for teaching about the Klan. First, some ideas are presented for dealing with the unusual emotional climate that can arise when the KKK is discussed in a classroom. Next, a brief history of the KKK is provided,…

Discusses the planning, goals, and content of a course in interracial communication at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. The laboratory design of the course allows students to learn about their own and others' racial attitudes and behaviors and to practice new interracial communication skills. (JMF)

Offers possibilities for integrating race and gender issues into the fabric of the English language arts classrooms. Presents six brief activities that raise the issues. Presents 20 brief activities to further engage students in race/gender issues. (RS)

Discusses problems with teaching multicultural texts at North Hennepin Community College (a second-tier suburb north of Minneapolis, Minnesota). Notes that many students are naive of (or deny) how class functions in the United States. Discusses assignments that deal with race, class, and gender. (RS)

This resource guide was developed to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday by providing school personnel with background information and hands-on activities for use with students in Grades K-12. The activities in the guide can be implemented throughout the school year to help students become aware of the social, economic, and…