Presents the results of a study of an eleventh grade class of gifted students' attitudes toward methods of teaching about contemporary issues. Results showed that small group discussion and the use of political cartoons were most favorably rated. (JDH)

Criticizes college textbooks for adopting a "party line" of laissez-faire economic doctrine which asserts the benefits of free trade. Offers an alternative interpretation of international trade, covering such topics as the effect of unregulated international trade on wage levels, and international lending. (JDH)

Provides excerpts from a forthcoming book on how high school-level history textbooks deal with the development and value of political democracy. Criticisms focus on: (1) these texts' choice of topic (particularly their emphasis on the West), (2) their handling of the political ideas of Ancient Greece, and (3) their representation of the meanings…

Tests the functionalist and class-reproduction explanations of community college expansion against the experiences of four states where community colleges have proliferated and one state where they have failed to develop. Finds that both explanations have missed the key role of autonomous government officials. (FMW)

Examines the arguments of E. D. Hirsch (and others) who argue for a return to basic education. Proposes John Dewey's program of educational reform as a sensible response to the current neoconservative discourse of crisis. (MS)

Examines the policies of presidents Ford, Carter, and Reagan regarding intervention in foreign affairs. States that their policies were formed as a response to the Vietnam War and that they were not especially successful. Illustrates the difficulties involved in maintaining a consistent intervention policy that will satisfy domestic and foreign…

Evaluates U.S. intervention in neighboring countries, classifying actions according to an eightfold taxonomy: acquisition of continental territory, acquisition of overseas territory, establishment of protectorates, acquisition of transit rights to the Pacific, establishment of custom receiverships, protection of U.S. citizens and property,…

Argues that reformers have been handicapped by an inadequate understanding of the politics and organization of schools. Reform strategies that they propose are incongruent with the realities of changing schools. (RB)

Discusses the reasons for the rapid growth of the Korean economy and the social and political implications of this growth. Assesses recent student riots and middle class unrest and offers insights into the political future of the country. (GEA)

Discusses recent government policies that have led to increased problems of public access to information in general, and federal information in particular. Actions taken by the American Library Association are described, and suggestions are made for lobbying efforts by individuals. (CLB)

Examines the Canadian North and the groups of people who live there. Discusses their political structure, changing cultural patterns, economy, native, and non-native relationships. Concludes that the natives of northern Canada want control over development, economic self-sufficiency, and a gradual process of acculturation which will let them…

Reviews the record of the 98th Congress (1983-1984) relating to freedom of information concerns by focusing on legislation proposed during its two sessions. Indicates that, although some significant exemptions from the Freedom of Information Act were considered, generally the proposed legislation supported openness and availability of information.…

Provides a simulation of the United States Constitutional Convention. The simulation involves students in re-creating the conflicts between the colonies, seeking compromise, and comparing the outcome of the simulation with the actual Constitution. (JDH)

Explores ties between contemporary social issues and Supreme Court decisions during four periods. Considers Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), Central School District v. Allen (1968), Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), Wallace v. Jaffree (1985), Aguilar v. Felton (1985), and other decisions. (DMM)

Highlights psychologists' roles and contributions to policy development in the areas of employment, deinstitutionalization, family violence, science and technology, and education. Focuses on psychologists' participation in creating policies that respond to the realities of women's changing social roles. (KH)