Observes that, although textbook reform in occupied Japan originally supported democratic principles of openness and competition, it later became a mechanism for anticommunist censorship. Maintains that interpretations of Japan's military conduct remain highly politicized and controversial. (MJP)

Maintains that social studies education arose out of a concern for an educational system that prepared citizens for a democratic society. Describes the influence of the National Education Association and the American Historical Association on the National Council for the Social Studies. (CFR)

Contends that the issue of diversity and cultural pluralism is generally defined as an educational goal. Presents a lesson using Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron." Includes student objectives, the short story, step-by-step instructional procedures, extension activities, and a list of recommended books on this topic. (CFR)

Examines enrollment trends in Germany and France around 1900 to determine whether democratic values and citizenship education were significant factors in increased enrollment in secondary schools. Maintains that the curriculum offered by elite secondary schools echoed the idealized attributes of the former governing elites. (CFR)

Presents a high school history lesson based on the National Standards for United States History. Considers the effect of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence on free and enslaved African Americans. (CFR)

Discusses reasons for studying history. Suggests that compelling arguments for historical study will affect students' attitudes throughout life. Evaluates common rationales for studying history. Includes history as fun, tradition, great ideas, human folly, escapism, and nationalist legitimation. Urges that students be taught history as facts that…

It is suggested that, in the Netherlands' system of resource allocation for research, there is subtle and powerful pressure for consensus. Changes in science policy orientation since the 1960s are traced, and the current framework for policy formation, planning, and decision making is sketched. Three peer review models are examined. (MSE)

Advocates teaching constitutional history and principles to middle school students in accordance with the 1988 California History-Social Science Framework. Reports findings of a survey of 118 California middle school and high school teachers that revealed a need for improved teacher knowledge about the U.S. Constitution. Recommends steps to ensure…

Contends that pluralistic democracy relies on conflict of ideas and participative decision making. Reports on case studies of two different approaches to teaching world studies. Finds that both approaches encouraged students to participate actively, but others remained silent during the discussion. (CFR)

Argues that it is impossible to teach U.S. history without discussing how law influences economic and social behavior. Examines five ideas associated with political science through six chronological periods of U.S. history. Includes an annotated bibliography linked to the political ideas and historical periods. (CFR)

Describes a typical week for a secondary student participating in the Close Up Foundation's Washington-based field trip. Discusses the formal and informal curriculum and the interaction among students from different parts of the United States. Outlines Close Up programs at the local and state levels and the emphasis on lifelong learning. (CFR)

Asserts that school democratization efforts in Russia have resulted in students and their interests becoming more important than government-appointed school inspectors. Contends that teacher-student relations have become democratized as teachers have abandoned the authoritarian methods of the past. (CFR)

Contends that many Russian schools have begun to use democratization by including more emphasis on aesthetic values, interdisciplinary instruction, and cooperative learning. Includes descriptions of classroom activities exemplifying Russian efforts at educational democratization. (CFR)

Describes the development and structure of the German constitution, known as The Basic Law. Discusses recent changes, particularly in areas of family law and women's rights. Contends that the German parliament is considering expanding provisions related to human rights. (CFR)

Argues that while gender and political research are not necessarily done by individuals with feminist goals, their application in the classroom potentially helps answer the question of how to make democracy more accessible and "safe" for women. Places the specific act of mainstreaming gender into the broader perspective of theory. (MJP)