This paper reports on an exploratory investigation into some of the possible benefits of service participation. Using the national service program AmeriCorps as a case in point, the paper examines how the service experience might affect participants' citizenship development, workplace skills and career plans. Results are drawn from four focus…

The traditional Chinese language held no term corresponding to the western idea of democracy. In the Confucian tradition the emphasis was entirely on people's obligations to society and the country, not on rights. The idea of democracy was brought to China early in the 20th century. Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founder of Chinese "bourgeois…

This paper addresses current concerns about how to improve political and civic engagement through education in U.S. schools and society. Part 1 examines ideas pertaining to "A Persistent Problem of Democracy: Education for Constructive Engagement of Citizens in Common Purposes and Commitments of Civil Society and Constitutional…

The essays in this special issue of The Civic Arts Review address three fundamental issues concerning civic education: clarifying the meaning given to the word citizen; the nature of a liberal democratic political community; and (given diversity and pluralism), how educators can cultivate civic-mindedness and communal responsibility. An…

There has long been a discussion on the place of law in citizenship education, but the implementation of law-related materials into civics education in a manner which examines law's role in the social order has been lacking. While educators and lay persons alike seem to agree that the goal of citizenship education is to provide students with the…

Suggestions for incorporating consumer awareness into the usual civic or government courses are made with reference to values clarification and the needs and experiences of the student. (JH)

Sample lesson plans integrating law related questions into the daily curriculum of all grade levels and using involvment and inquiry oriented methods are presented. (Author/DE)

IN GRADE 9, ANCIENT HISTORY IS STUDIED DURING THE FIRST SEMESTER, FOLLOWED BY MEDIEVAL HISTORY THE SECOND SEMESTER. IT IS HOPED THAT MOST STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE THEIR HISTORY STUDY IN THE 10TH GRADE WITH MODERN HISTORY, BASED UPON THE CULTURAL CONCEPTS PRESENTED IN THE 9TH GRADE. GEOGRAPHY AND CIVICS ARE OFFERED AS ONE-SEMESTER ELECTIVES IN 9TH…

Discusses various dilemmas of teacher-centered curriculum development evident in the work of the Canada Studies Foundation, particularly that arising out of the effort to develop national programs by locally or regionally based teams. (Editor)

While significant progress has occurred during the past five years, it is estimated that no more than ten percent of our nation's educators and students have been exposed to meaningful instruction in law-related education. (author/MJB)

Presents findings of a survey concerned with the civic education preparation of future teachers. Concludes that a large percentage of students in teaching credential programs have insufficient knowledge of subject matter connected with civic education and Constitutionalism. Includes data charts, a sample survey, and suggested actions to remedy the…

To revitalize the civic mission of education, schools must teach the morality of citizenship. Civic morality must be the first priority in the liberal and professional education of teachers and administrators. The core of all curriculum must stress the obligations and rights of democratic citizenship. (VM)

Argues that the public school is a realistic setting for involving students in U.S. style democracy. States that teachers should use the similarities to teach students about representative democracy (school elections) and effective lobbying (petitioning the school board). Concludes that this comparison is an effective way to teach students about…

States that the centrist position, emphasizing citizenship transmission, dominates social studies education. Claims that instruction is unstimulating as a result of its design and that teachers are educationally unprepared to adopt new methods. Advocates preservice teacher exposure to various models to allow an informed choice in teaching style.…

Written by a former teacher of the House of Representative Page School, this article provides a brief history and overview of the Page Program offered by the U.S. House of Representatives. Includes requirements for becoming a page and information on how to apply for the program. (JDH)