Describes an interdisciplinary course team taught by instructors from the sociology and drama departments. The course used dramatic literature to complement and illustrate sociological works examining such basic concepts as economic dislocation, racism, and deviance. Includes a table of the sociological works and their dramatic counterparts. (MJP)

Identifies cultural universals as general categories of traits that all cultures possess, the delineation of which can distinguish one culture from another. These include, material culture, social organization, and economic organization. Discusses teaching strategies for exploring these phenomena. Includes a sample lesson and related World Wide…

Describes the Critical Issues Forum, a multidisciplinary program designed to encompass computer technology, current global issues, and effective teaching and learning practices. Features open-ended, collaborative activities that deal with current, real-world issues. Discusses analysis of the issues and integrating technology. (JRH)

Sixth-grade teachers from diverse content areas and specialized fields came together as teacher-researchers to infuse principles of literacy/language learning across the curriculum, targeting low-achieving students. Through reflective inquiry, they gained insights into new strategies as they revised their roles from content area teachers to…

Offers three brief articles on three teacher-initiated programs that involve collaboration with colleagues and students: in music/arts production by fourth and fifth graders; an independent study program in which middle school students wrote grant proposals; and an activity in which seventh graders mapped a timeline of Earth history and geologic…

Describes a course on social and personality development in which students wrote term papers about 10 aspects of child and adolescent development depicted in an animated film of their choice. Students had to provide two examples of each aspect from the films. Student response to the assignment was generally favorable. (MJP)

Medical school surveys in 1994-95 and 1995-96 (n=104 schools) found that PhDs accounted for 25-30% of medical school enrollments; in some institutions, it was about half. Trend is toward interdisciplinary rather than departmental degrees. Number of student supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants was nearly twice that for…

Describes the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary field course in Costa Rica focused on sustainable development. The semester-long curriculum integrated sociology, political economy, and agricultural ecology. The curriculum was empirically based and involved faculty members and students working collaboratively on different…

Provides an overview of administrative issues in supporting interdisciplinary library use at large universities. Topics include information resources; cataloging and classification; library services to users, including library use education and reference services; library organization; the campus context; and the politics of interdisciplinarity.…

Reports on the procedures, standards, and topics involved in the 1997 National History Day. National History Day is a year-long contest where students research primary sources and prepare papers, projects, performances, and media based on a historical theme. The 1997 theme is "Triumph and Tragedy in History." (MJP)

Argues that use of theme-based curricula for preschool children is developmentally appropriate, provides an integrated approach to teaching and learning, enhances learning, and yields high levels of achievement. Provides supporting data from brain research and learning psychology. Includes a sample thematic unit and guidance for creating thematic…

Considers a number of questions connected to the world of visual art that artists, art educators, and writers about art view as essential. These questions cover broad areas such as definitions and purposes, as well as, more specific concerns such as women artists and the art market. (MJP)

Predicts that the paradigms of chaos theory will rapidly move into the social sciences, resulting in major changes in educational research and the study of the curriculum. Discusses the need for new metaphors and paradigms in the social sciences. Briefly characterizes previous educational principles and approaches. (MJP)

Argues that the joy and curiosity of children regarding music and books can complement each other in the learning environment. Discusses what kinds of books can supplement music education according to interest and cognitive development. Includes a 34-item bibliography of selected music-related books. (MJP)

Observes that children's interests, especially their fascination with personal changes in height, weight, and abilities, can be used to help teach concepts of time and change. Illustrates how family and community contexts can be incorporated into this teaching. Includes suggested learning activities. (MJP)