The world is experiencing a democratic recession, and in the United States, core democratic beliefs are under attack. As a key social organization, academic institutions have a central role in the protection of democracy. Boards, presidents, faculty, and students have the ability--and responsibility--to protect and advance democracy. A course in…

In an effort to promote learning in classrooms, political science instructors are increasingly turning to interactive teaching strategies--experiments, simulations, etc.--that supplement traditional lecture formats. In this article, I advocate the use of student-generated data as a powerful teaching tool that can be used in a variety of ways to…

U.S. higher education institutions spend a large amount of time, money, and energy on technology. Educators face a student population that has never been without the Internet--they are "Born Digital." Students expect that faculty and universities utilize more technology. Higher education is faced with the question whether technology…

In an effort to enhance the quality of education, universities and colleges are developing programs that help faculty and staff internationalize curriculum. These programs will purposefully develop the intercultural perspectives of students. "Curriculum Internationalization and the Future of Education" is a critical scholarly resource…

The link between religion and political tolerance in the United States, which has focused predominantly on Christianity, is replete with unfavorable images. Often, religious adherents (largely Evangelicals or the Christian right) are characterized as uneducated, poor, and white, suggesting that members of these groups may act in an intolerant…

This study examines the pedagogical conditions that contribute to political learning in American National Government courses, using data from classes taught at universities and colleges in Utah. The purpose of this research is to assess the relative effect of course content, classroom climate, textbook, institutional ranking and class size on…

The many ways in which religion and politics relate is discussed. If political science is not interested in religion, religion seems definitely interested in politics. The reasons for and the dangers of this sudden recent interest in politics by religion are pointed out. (RM)

Describes a college course which studies the U.S. House of Representatives. The course examines the origins of the House, life on the hill, rules, committee assignments, leadership, legislators, and the bureaucracy. (RM)

Examines approximately one-third of the more than 100 college-level U.S. government textbooks, separating them into four general categories: traditional, thematic, essentials, and ideological. Evaluates texts on the basis of accuracy, readability, adequacy, coverage of certain topics, treatment of women and minorities, and particular policy areas.…

This paper reviews technology usage in four different methods of teaching U.S. government. The paper reviews effective technology with traditional synchronous lecture; reviews teaching U.S. government using a smart classroom with live Internet feeds; explores full video capability and use of PowerPoint software; examines Web-enhanced U.S.…

In May 2005, university administrators were rudely awakened from their civic slumbers by a "notice of implementation" from the U.S. Department of Education. With little advance comment from the academy, Congress had passed and the President had signed into law a requirement that "each educational institution that receives Federal…

Reviews a series of films entitled "Equal Justice Under Law" and suggests how the films might be used in secondary and college classes. The major objective of the films is to help students understand the role of the early Court in establishing the American system of government. (Author/RM)

Discusses the results of an American government college course redesigned to include class discussions, documentary films, small group simulations, paper assignments, and a grading policy that reinforced reading of the daily newspaper and weekly news magazines. Student surveys revealed a significant increases in daily/weekly "news habits." (RM)

The author of "Democracy for the Few" reacts to a critique of his book. The purpose of his college level American Government textbook was to make an analysis of the American political system, not to provide students with strategies and tactics for changing the system. (Author/RM)

The authors argue that an introductory course in American politics should be just like other college courses: an attempt to convey to students the information and insights produced by scholars who have studied the subject matter. There should be no propaganda or therapy. (Author/RM)