Gives upper level chemistry students a better understanding of the application of lasers in the field of spectroscopy. Provides three experiments to demonstrate the thermal lens effect: determination of beam profile, cell position optimization, and pKa determination. (MVL)

Reports on major current research questions addressed by those in biopolitics. Notes how this research material can be introduced into graduate and undergraduate courses. Suggests introducing these materials into courses dealing with political behavior, public policy and public administration, political philosophy, international relations, and…

Introduces two courses for developing relevant computer use in a civil engineering department. The sophomore course introduces students to a set of problem-formulation methods and computer-based problem-solving tools. The senior course introduces students to representative, professional quality computer-aided engineering tools. Discusses impact of…

Proposes the use of works of fiction in introductory level public administration courses as a means of exploring questions concerning the bureaucratic state. "Walden Two,""Looking Backward,""The Trial, "Brave New World," and "1984" are discussed as examples of fiction which can be used. (KO)

Four goals for a Second Wave of general education reform should be: broaden existing reforms and embed them more firmly in the life of the college; engage a larger number of colleges; attract new individuals to the movement; and confront more candidly the barriers to devising, approving, and implementing reforms. (MLW)

Describes theory and principles behind biosensors that incorporate biological components as part of a sensor or probe. Projects major applications in medicine and veterinary medicine, biotechnology, food and agriculture, environmental studies, and the military. Surveys current use of biosensors. (ML)

Data from the 1979 follow-up of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 suggested that early career experiences of undergraduate humanities majors differed little from contemporaries in other liberal arts fields, but contrasted with those in which job-major fit was better or pay higher. (Author/MLW)

The text of a report released by the American Council of Learned Societies is presented, covering: the contemporary view of the humanities, specialization, ideology and objectivity, method and substance, core curriculum, enrollment, teaching, responsibility, interdisciplinary centers, and recommendations. (MLW)

The following five common myths about college education are examined: (1) that institutional reputation reflects educational quality; (2) that traditional teaching methods are proven effective; (3) that good teachers are good researchers; (4) that faculty influence students only in class; and (5) that student academic and nonacademic experiences…

An examination of trends in undergraduate liberal arts degrees and curricula reports two findings: (1) renewed interest in the liberal arts degree has occurred primarily outside liberal arts colleges, within universities; and (2) the struggle for institutional survival has caused some colleges to scale back or abandon their original missions. (MSE)

Describes the Internet component of an undergraduate course at St. Xavier University (Illinois) in which a librarian helps mass communications students survey state-of-the-art technologies and predict future possibilities. Active learning techniques are discussed and examples of class exercises and the final assignment are included. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the evaluation of SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics), a project that uses hypermedia to provide the resources an undergraduate student needs to study physics courses via a computer. Findings show that SToMP allows students to have individualized self-paced learning environments and offers better tutor-student contact. (JMV)

Discusses racism on today's college campuses, and explores the responsibility of the school, its faculty, and its student body in allowing intolerance for minorities to exist. Reasons for this trend are examined, and some thoughts for achieving a greater sense of community on college campuses are discussed. (GR)

A university administrator and the cochair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness discuss how sports and academics should be integrated at the college level. The first looks at issues of academic standards and athletes and the role of the Knight Foundation Commission. The second offers the perspective of a member of the Knight Foundation…

Faculty ask undergraduate students to write self-evaluations in varied settings and contexts, from reflections on a brief learning experience to descriptions of learning over a course, courses, or an entire college experience. Feedback and degree of structure of the writing assignment are important considerations. (MSE)