The author discusses with Charlotte Crabtree, principal author of the California History Social Science Framework, the place of history within the curriculum in the context of recent social studies curriculum reforms. Delineates how multiculturalism, religion, and history are treated in the framework. Describes the textbook selection process and…

Posits that the 1990 publication of the New Revised Standard Version of the BIBLE offers a teaching opportunity for public schools, especially in social studies and literature. Points out that new knowledge about ancient texts generated by biblical scholarship and changes in the English language necessitated creating a new standard text. (CH)

Discusses two religion and public instruction seminar series for teachers and administrators. Reports that one series addresses U.S. religious pluralism, the relationship of religion to moral education, textbook controversies, and teaching about religion. Indicates that the second series deals with religion's role in history and literature, the…

Ponders where religion fits into public education and whether religious corporations should be kept out of public schools. Concludes that the moral principles found in religion should be taught through exploration of world religions only if the instruction is informed and adheres to ultimate principles and values by which to live. (CMK)

Discusses the standards described in the U.S. book "National Standards for World History." Summarizes the book's content and gives examples of specific topics for different grade levels. Believes that world history teachers in Canada should read this book even though it excludes information on the South Pacific, Australia, and Canada.…

Implores educators to help people discern between real and false paths to God as advertised in contemporary culture and mass media, and to communicate the Christian message in ways that uncover the transcendent meaning hidden in popular culture. (VWC)

Offers background information on the formation of comparative religion. Demonstrates that the world religion approach is inadequate by examining case studies of Mithraism, Santeria, Mormonism, and Baha'i to illustrate the shortcomings of this approach. Advocates the use of an ethnic versus evangelical religion approach to teaching global…

Observes that contemporary Protestant denominations suffer from poor religious education of their members. Suggests that educators should look to John Wesley for guidance. Discusses Wesley's development of educational methods and materials in 18th-century England. Argues that religious education must enhance cognitive knowledge and encourage…

This curriculum unit was developed by a participant in the 1993 Fulbright-Hays Program "India: Continuity and Change." The unit attempts to place India in the "picture frame" of the ancient world as a part of a whole, not as a separate entity. Reading materials enable students to draw broader general conclusions based on the…

This booklet contains a collection of answers to the most frequently-asked questions on subjects related to the first Thanksgiving, with answers prepared by Plimoth Plantation Museum staff. The book is intended to serve as a guide for re-creating the original 17th century event. The contents include: (1) "The American Thanksgiving: The…

Using the country of Pakistan, this project is designed to reinforce student knowledge about the five themes of geography and to develop creative ways of transferring written information into maps, charts, and timelines. The five themes are location, place, human-environmental relations, movement, and regions. Students are asked to present…

This bibliographic essay describes and discusses important books in a variety of thematic areas associated with the New Age Movement, which is a distinctive communicative phenomenon characterized by unconventional beliefs and activities. The essay argues that the single subject pervading the peculiar phenomena and puzzling thoughtful critics is…

This paper argues that religion should be taught as a separate class in the public schools. Reasons for teaching religion include: (1) religious believes affect human behavior in strong observable ways; (2) churches abound in number throughout the United States; (3) different religions tend to teach a somewhat common core of values while values…

This guide completes a 6-year American Textbook Council project on religion in the schools. An inquiry into textbook content expanded into this exposition on religion, curriculum, and character education. The guide explores the sources of moral instruction in an era when spirituality comes in many forms, and cracks in public culture are apparent.…

This curriculum packet on politics and international relations in India contains an essay, three lessons and a variety of charts, maps, and additional readings to support the unit. The essay is entitled "India 1994: The Peacock and the Vulture." The lessons include: (1) "The Kashmir Dispute"; (2) "India: Domestic Order and…