Discusses the need to introduce pluralist theory in addition to teaching the formal institutional arrangements of government in high school political science courses. An awareness of cultural pluralism allows students to examine the powerful role of interest or pressure groups. (Author/KC)

Describes an undergraduate course on democratic theory where that theory was modeled and incorporated into the course design. Students choose the curriculum, means of instruction, and methods of evaluation. The positive results demonstrate that most students are capable of assuming more responsibility for their own education. (MJP)

Describes a political science class that focused on the interconnections between the Iran-Contra political scandal and United States Latin American policies. The class considered relevant aspects of that foreign policy as well as presidential leadership styles, congressional inquiries, bureaucratic politics, and public opinion. Briefly reviews the…

Strategies for researching policy change in higher education from a political point of view are discussed, based on three assumptions: politics is not only power but also research for solutions to collective problems; explanation of policy change calls for configurative models to enlighten relationships between structural and individual factors;…

Focuses on an undergraduate course, "Outside Politics: How Minorities Play the Political Game". Describes how to create a foundation for active and collaborative learning and to promote critical thinking, discussion, and writing through reading assignments. Discusses the use of debates and role playing, autobiographies and videos, and…

Explores student attitudes toward technology in the classroom, based on data collected from introductory U.S. government courses that incorporated instructional technologies. Discusses the benefits and disadvantages of utilizing instructional technology in the classroom and the perspective of students. Includes references. (CMK)

Focuses on the use of a service learning project within the course, "The Politics of International Relations", in which the students worked with a refugee resettlement in a nongovernmental organization. Discusses the concepts that the service experience enabled the students to grasp, how the project encouraged global citizenship, and an assessment…

Discusses faculty seminars on the philosophical roots of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Explores the argument between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists over respective views on the Bill of Rights. Traces the historical and philosophical origins of Republicanism. Provides an outline of themes and readings for each seminar. (RW)

Discusses a faculty seminar on landmark cases in the judicial interpretation of civil rights in the United States. States that the seminar is designed as a faculty development project to enhance the teaching of the Bill of Rights. Identifies the nature of the judicial process. Includes seminar syllabus and suggested readings. (RW)

Traces U.S.-USSR relations throughout Ronald Reagan's administration. Analyzes the shifts in Reagan's policies toward the Soviet Union. Examines the reasons why Reagan changed his views on the Soviet Union, and discusses the political Right's response to Reagan's changed position. (RW)

Suggests using simulation technique in the classroom to illustrate decision making, the perspectives of those in power, and the processes and institutions of government. Uses the simulation of a nuclear emergency alert to identify the issues and problems of nuclear confrontation. Provides instructions and an outline for the class. (NL)

Responds to claims that teachers are inadequately prepared to teach advanced placement courses in U.S. government and politics. Contends that political scientists can assist secondary teachers by offering summer workshops. Defends the curriculum as an accurate reflection of a college-level course in introductory politics. (NL)

Illustrates a method for demonstrating historical chronology using popular songs that comment on a variety of social, political, and economic concerns. Provides an audio time line which uses U.S. recordings from 1955 to 1987 as musical time markers, highlighting such issues as racial discrimination, urban decay, political chicanery and women's…

Describes a computer simulation for teaching diplomacy that has been used at the University of New Orleans (Louisiana). The program enables students to examine the interaction of war with diplomacy by addressing the subject both historically and socio-psychologically. Discusses the results and makes recommendations for modifications. (KO)

Describes an experimental course involving teacher debate designed to utilize controversy while avoiding unfair teacher influence. Outlines the course format and analyzes it from the teacher and student perspective. Makes observations concerning difficulties experienced and offers suggestions for those readers wishing to replicate the procedure.…