Describes a redefined introductory course on the principles of sociology based on seven principles of good teaching. Includes transforming the learner from passive to active, teaching the process of inquiry, and helping students realize why they are learning. Urges a student-centered approach to learning with the instructor as a participant…

Presents the 1994 children's trade book recommendations of the Joint Committee of the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council. Discusses the six criteria for book selection. Includes an annotated bibliography of more than 140 books categorized by primary, intermediate, and advanced grade levels. (CFR)

Outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using a single textbook in a college-level economic geography course. Argues that, if a course text is used thoughtfully, the advantages can outweigh the disadvantages. Asserts that students must take greater responsibility for their own learning and develop independent inquiry skills. (CFR)

Describes a women's studies course on images of women in psychology and literature. Includes a syllabus for the course divided into gender and genre, gender and difference in psychoanalytic theory, moral development, growing up female, relationships, and the minority experience. Discusses development of the course, problems encountered, and…

Suggests the need for a law and geography course to prepare future geographers to contribute to implementation of the law. Proposes a course outline, including an introduction, major existing research areas, and exploration of developing new research areas combining law and geography. Stresses the importance of social and environmental data in…

A program for introducing beginning college biology majors to library resources is described. The scientific writing course, ineffective and effective writing assignments, and the response by students are discussed. Seven steps in tracking down a research article are included. (KR)

Outlines methods for teaching social psychology in an interdisciplinary one-semester course. Stresses teaching theoretical perspectives, methods, and concepts. Makes suggestions for classroom application, reviews instructional materials, and suggests students participate in an experiment, survey, or observation study as a basis for discussion.…

This article examines a number of areas for research that would strengthen teacher education for global perspectives, focusing on (1) the critical perspective, (2) teacher reflection, (3) pedagogical content knowledge and beliefs, and (4) cognitive developmental studies of teachers. (SM)

Surveys recent government reports addressing problems of teaching English to the school population of England. States responses to these reports have exposed scholarly community conflicts. Notes the present demand for a return to formal grammar and standard English moving away from the 1970s movement towards the linguistic/vocational model. (NL)

Profiles a successful music course that provided instruction on the electric guitar, drums, and bass guitar, and helped expand the instrumental music program at Evergreen High School in Golden, Colorado. Highlights students' motivation and self-teaching, and the rock band competition that the course spawned. Includes an annotated list of…

Designs and teaches a required course on cultural diversity in U.S. society. Develops effective strategies for counteracting students' intergroup intolerance. Focuses on two common triggers of intolerance and offers strategies for reducing that intolerance. (Author/NL)

Describes teaching about deviance in an introductory sociology course. Uses the "Baby Doe" case as a model. Students role play the courtroom case as a values clarification exercise. Allows students to experience the complexity of such issues firsthand. Finds method is a powerful tool for consciousness raising. (NL)

Presents commentaries concerning German reunification made by prominent German intellectuals. Focuses on social and economic adjustments necessary for successful reunification. Lists topics for classroom discussion and suggests how to examine the implications of reunification from a global perspective. (NL)

Reviews recent literature on urban politics and urban policy. Focuses on issues faced by cities of the 1990s: city planning, growth, politics, problems of housing, homelessness, cost of government, racial, and ethnic conflicts. Suggests that field trips and computer simulations can be used in college courses in urban studies. (CH)

Asserts that before civics/government teachers teach about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, students should be introduced to the religious and philosophical background of religions freedom in the United States. Identifies issues and historical documents that provide the foundation. (CFR)