Reports on a survey of 32 colleges and universities on changes in undergraduate comparative economic programs since the collapse of the Soviet Union and centralized socialism. Finds that most institutions maintained the course with significant modifications in course content and approach. (CFR)

Reports on a comparative study of the undergraduate sociology curriculum in 36 U.S. and 38 English Canadian institutions. Finds that Canadian schools more closely resemble the European sociology curriculum by emphasizing sociological theory. Contends that U.S. schools emphasize research methods in the context of a liberal arts program. (CFR)

Asserts that genograms, a diagram providing basic demographic information about family history, can help engage college students in several sociological issues. Describes a two-step process in which students construct their own genograms and exchange them with a partner for analysis. Concludes with recommendations for grading the genograms. (CFR)

Scholarly interest in Jewish studies, discouraged during Communist rule, is experiencing a renaissance in Poland. However, because the Jewish community is largely gone from Poland, much of the research must be conducted outside the country. It is felt that earlier censorship has stimulated interest in Jewish studies. Polish scholars feel their…

Describes how a teacher in a program for mildly learning-disabled special education students in a large high school has incorporated into classroom discourse difficult and controversial issues surrounding gender and power. Describes the use of journal writing to improve gender-based interaction, writing focused on male-female relationships, and…

Maintains that undergraduate psychology curricula almost always include one or more required experimental courses. Describes the use of the human subjects review process as a method of stimulating critical thinking. Discusses questions posed by the review process and classroom applications of the approach. (CFR)

Discusses problems inherent in the content of modern language syllabuses. True communication occurs when the focus of classroom activities is on the message. The success of the lesson derives from the quality of the presentation and, crucially, the vocabulary list and the pupils' prior knowledge of the concepts underlying the content. (six…

Presents a case study of the bilingual section established in a modular business studies course taught in Spanish and designed to integrate the themes of "business" and "information studies" within a single subject. The teachers were expert in the subject studied and the language concerned, and the students had an adequate…

Presents the results of research designed to explore the possibilities of expanding the number of students in Arabic studies departments and to develop recommendations for admissions policies and course structures. There is a need for cooperation among Arabic departments on innovation in language teaching and for an improved image of Arabic…

Four primary factors are relevant to social and cultural diversity in the college classroom: students, teachers, course content, and teaching methods. Faculty can use understanding of these factors and their interrelationships to facilitate learning in an increasingly multicultural environment. (MSE)

Discusses the portrayal of women in Canadian history textbooks. Analyzes the extent of sex stereotyping in the books from the 1960s to the present. Suggests that the best way to address the problem is to meet it head on. Notes the failure of a Newfoundland teachers' group to win incorporation of a gender roles course into the curriculum. (SG)

This study investigated on-going program evaluation techniques designed to assess 22 special education preservice students' perceptions of the efficacy of a direct instruction course. Based on formative and summative evaluations, the study revealed a high level of satisfaction with direct instruction components that increased after field-based…

Discussion of graduate programs in educational computing highlights six models of educational computing programs: (1) the computer science model, which stresses programing; (2) the educational psychology model; (3) the programed instruction model; (4) the instructional design model; (5) the information center model; and (6) the audiovisual…

Describes complexities experienced in revising an introductory course in western civilization at the University of Kansas. Observes an important component was the inclusion of primary sources on the reading list. Discusses text selection and explains the efforts to achieve a historical balance and cover issues such as racism, sexism, and…

Employs weather forecasting contests as a strategy for teaching about the weather, climate, and atmosphere. States that competency in understanding concepts and the ability to develop logical constructs about atmospheric processes are enhanced. Includes suggestions for teaching weather forecasting at all grade levels, and describes a contest at…