Discusses the debate between proponents of western civilization and of world or global history. Proposes using disputed theoretical ground as a common resource. Explores the origins of global consciousness in western civilization. Examines the contributions of nonwestern civilizations to the development of global history. Urges consideration of…

The full data set on which the "U.S. News and World Report" rankings of doctoral programs were based is presented and discussed. Rankings are for economics, English, history, political science, psychology, and sociology programs. Discussion addresses the methodology used and makes comparisons with National Academy of Sciences 1982…

Ten higher education professionals and one college senior comment on the "U.S. News and World Report" rankings of doctoral programs in six liberal arts disciplines. The authors' response to one set of comments and the comments of an executive editor from the magazine are also included. (MSE)

Describes the life and beliefs of Jacob C. Meyer, a history teacher of the author. Suggests that although Meyer's lack of publication dooms him to be forgotten, he is in other ways a memorable person. Includes Meyer's education, experience as a conscientious objector during World War I, and efforts at reforming the Mennonite Church. (DK)

Maintains that U.S. education should not be studied as a single entity. Interviews 44 students to understand how their learning experiences vary across the subjects of mathematics, science, English, and history. Finds that, although instruction revolves around the textbook, it is used differently in each subject. Discusses these patterns of use,…

Analyzes primary document from German Holocaust period in which German bureaucrats described in euphemistic terms the murder of the Jews. Illustrates how the document can be used as a teaching aid by having students replace the euphemisms using words with their intended meaning, and reading it aloud in class. References include sources of…

Suggests that defining critical thinking as assessing authenticity, accuracy, and worth of knowledge claims and arguments also describes the historian's role. Recommends teaching students history in such a way as to necessitate higher level thinking skills. Argues that the writing process helps because it requires evaluation of existing data and…

Presents a speech by the president of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), given at the organization's annual meeting. Discusses the national standards movement and contends that the NCSS standards integrate knowledge from the full spectrum of the social sciences and the humanities. (CFR)

Contends that public monuments and memorials provide excellent opportunities to teach historical geography and community studies. Illustrates this view with examples of monuments and memorials in the United States and other nations. Provides teaching strategies and a four-step process to use memorials and monuments in the classroom. (CFR)

Discusses the history, development, and addition of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. Describes the role of delegates from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in this process. Includes a bibliography and suggestions for planning student assignments and activities on this topic. (CFR)

Contends that historical fiction can generate lively discussions among students about relevant social science concepts and contemporary social problems. Discusses why literature is a preferable alternative to many history and social studies textbooks. Presents a literature-based unit for eighth-grade U.S. history. (CFR)

Asserts that, although middle school students have rudimentary map skills, they typically dismiss old maps as worthless. Describes the use of outdated and inaccurate maps as instructional resources in social studies courses. Concludes that the approach was valuable and helped students learn about the concept of change over time. (CFR)

Asserts that social studies teacher educators must help their students question the nature of knowledge in the social studies curriculum. Discusses epistemological implications of the social studies curriculum. (CFR)

A professor of American Indian law describes an interdisciplinary curriculum approach that combines legal and historical perspectives, focusing on issues of tribal sovereignty, tribal experience, and tribal persistence and continuity despite formidable legal and historical obstacles. Course content, strategy, objectives, and the law-history…

Asserts that the rapid growth of the limited-English-proficient (LEP) student population has been a great challenge to social studies teachers. Proposes five reading and writing activities that actively involve LEP students in meaningful instructional tasks and encourage higher level thinking skills. (CFR)