Describes the objectives and strategies used by the Clark University Department of Political Science to change their introductory course. Notes the results achieved and some basic problems that arose. (Author/CK)

Suggests how simulation games can help students in college level political science courses understand the role of the mass media in political processes. Uses a Simulation of the Middle East Conflict (SMEC) as an example. (Author/DB)

Analyzes the major patterns of change within historical social and political systems and the cultural conditions which account for variations in the patterns. The purpose is to provide a theoretical framework for analyzing the relationship between ideas or culture and social structure. (KC)

Examines the attitudes of Irish secondary school students toward political parties and the influence of the parties on the students. Results showed high student awareness of party differences, parental disposition to be an important influence, and party attitude to be an important influence on certain issues. (Author/CK)

Describes how six case study institutions were selected by the Political Education Research Unit, outlines some of the questions which the research team attempted to answer, and describes the approaches adopted to these questions. (Author/CK)

Reviews views of Zbigniew Brzezinski, Unites States national security advisor. He sees science and technology as a positive force acting on contemporary change in societies of advanced countries and that exchange of scientific knowledge may enhance cooperation among nations. (CS)

A Canadian political role-playing sequence helps secondary students understand the workings of Parliament and clarify their own values. The issue under debate is abolition or retention of capital punishment. Article describes rationale, teacher's instructions, roles, related legislature, rules of Parliamentary debate, public opinion polls, news…

Authors of "The Irony of Democracy" react to a critique of their book. The critique claims the college level political science text exposes the flaws of democracy, but fails to explain how the system can be reformed. The authors believe a textbook does not have to be a catalyst for change. (Author/RM)

Describes the use of a learning community where 36 first-year students cohabitated in a single hall of student housing and enrolled in the class, "The American Political System", and a first-year seminar. Discusses the course content, the benefits of the community experience, and how to improve the community. (CMK)

Discusses how to use art in introductory political theory courses. Provides examples of incorporating art to teach political theory, such as examining Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Michelangelo's "David" to understand Florentine (Florence, Italy) political theory. (CMK)

Provides background information on the topic of service learning and discusses the two variations of service learning: (1) providing charitable services; and (2) engaging students in political organizing and social advocacy. Focuses on the Westside Outreach Center and the Urban Citizen Project at the University of Colorado (Denver). (CMK)

Discusses the theoretical context for service learning and the differences between service learning and community service. Examines research on effective service learning that emphasizes connections to political science content, are of a longer duration, and provide opportunities for reflection. States that the research on service learning raises…

Provides background information about Mark Boyer, the winner of the fourth Rowman and Littlefield Award for Innovative Teaching in Political Science. States that Boyer has focused on developing active learning approaches for international relations and demonstrates his leadership in the use of technology. (CMK)

Describes a congressional committee simulation used in an introductory U.S. politics course. Explains the simulation enabled students to discover how Congress operates. Discusses the outcomes of the simulation, student responses, and recommendations for using it in upper-level courses. Includes the personality descriptions for the commerce…

Analyzes Reagan's foreign economic policy, and presents reasons for the misinformation surrounding Reaganomics. Outlines the Reagan administration's economic goals, including a discussion of the U.S. trade deficit and attempts to remedy it. Addresses criticisms launched against Reagan's economic policy, and provides cross-country data on budget…