The main developments in this broad curriculum area are traced decade by decade with key signpost successes highlighted, along with examples of retrenchment and opposition to the march of progress. The drivers for change and regression were often central government initiatives but, all along, the activity of progressive educationists/academics and…

Discusses the Hessian General Guidelines for Social Education and the Guidelines for Political Education of North Rhine-Westphalia which have led to curricular innovations since the mid-1970s. Also discusses advantages and limitations of integration of history, politics, and geography or history, politics, and social sciences. (KC)

This instructional unit combines a study of the Soviet leader V. I. Lenin with a study of libraries. Lenin was selected as the focus because of his support of books and libraries and because he oversaw a revolution that altered the political and social structure of Russia and the balance of power throughout the world. Included are lesson plan…

Contends that students should have a basic acquaintance with and appreciation for their religious heritage. Teachers must not teach religion, but can teach about religion through studies of religion in society, comparative world religions, or religious philosophy. Suggestions for topics in sociology, anthropology, political science, and history…

Presents the case for adding more political science, economics, and history coursework to existing social science requirements for teacher preparation. Provides examples of how each of the three disciplines can contribute to teaching and concludes with five recommendations for implementing reform. JDH)

An outline of a unit used to teach the political science concept of model-building to both average and above-average high school students is provided. (DE)

Many educators in high schools and colleges have taught about European history and politics in the context of the Cold War and the division of Europe into two blocs. The revolutionary changes in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union have made obsolete the superpower spheres of influence that divided Europe. This curriculum project contributes…

This project was designed to improve political science instruction for high school students in the United States. Its primary purpose was to design, develop, test, and disseminate an alternative program for the U.S. government course for grade 12 that sought to increase choices for teachers who wanted to improve basic citizenship competencies of…

A discussion of the 1988 conference of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) along with a report on the meaning of the IPSA for the Dutch National Institute for Curriculum Development (SLO) are presented in this document. Part 1 includes: general information on the aims, structure, and activities of the IPSA; a description of the…

The issues that ignited the Solidarity movement in August 1980 had been fermenting for years during the Edward Gierek regime (1970-1980). This curriculum project presents students with an experiential exercise to provoke thinking about the economic shortcomings of the communist countries of the former Soviet bloc. The project also presents the…

Inquiry approach is applied to a revised social studies curriculum in which grades are assigned on the point system; political science, science, and anthropology are added to course content; and, new texts and extensive audiovisual aids are utilized. (DS)

Three ways to develop curriculum materials dealing with controversial political issues are described. Currently the two most popular approaches are the general theoretical discussion of important concepts and case studies. Whereas the theoretical approach may be too abstract and the case study approach too brief, a third approach combines the…

Sets forth principles for reforming American education to place greater stress on democratic values. Explains why such reform could reinstate belief in democracy as the worthiest form of government, and one whose survival is far from assured. Argues for the return of history, geography, and the humanities to the center of the curriculum. (KH)

This study unit for grade 10 world history classes helps students understand the economic, social, and political causes and effects of revolution, using the Hungarian Revolutions of 1848 and 1989 as examples. The unit cites an educational goal; lists objectives; provides a detailed procedure for classroom implementation; describes standards; notes…

The theory and practice of political science and social studies instruction should be reformulated and reassessed in the light of political socialization studies, particularly with respect to designing curricula and selecting textbooks, planning instructional strategies, and structuring school climates and political systems. (RM)