Examines U.S. public perceptions of foreign policy decisions, discussing how they are influenced by mass media, specifically, television. Explains how the general public processes information from the media and states that U.S. ability to practice effective statecraft is dependent upon the provision of education conducive to the development of…

Recognizing that knowledge will enable the world's people to cope with worldwide relationships, Alger criticizes the social sciences for inhibiting needed research that would increase awareness of the linkages between human settlements and worldwide phenomena. Presents a progress report on the effort to identify islands of inquiry into the…

Provides a six day unit of instruction designed to help senior high students understand the civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. Based around provided summaries of famous court cases, the unit includes instructional objectives, suggested teaching procedures, and evaluation aids. (JDH)

This activity involves students in exploring the values and issues surrounding a case study of the 1937 sit-down strike of the United Automobile Workers against General Motors at the Flint, Michigan plant. (JDH)

Reviews facts and statistics regarding the use of emergency powers by the South African government. Details the effects of restrictions on constitutional rights and reveals that two-thirds of all killings which occurred during the state of emergency were done by security forces. (JDH)

This Delaware state content standards booklet for teaching grades K-5 social studies in Delaware public schools begins with a one page chart outlining information for the disciplines of civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. The booklet addresses standards for civics, lists end of cluster expectations for the end of grade three and the…

A study followed up and elaborated upon the college textbook section of Glenn S. Pate's (1987) study of "The Holocaust in American Textbooks." After surveying elementary, high school, and some college textbooks to determine both the extent and the nature of their Holocaust coverage, Pate concluded that across the educational spectrum…

Students at all grade levels in Wisconsin are required to learn about the principles and ideals upon which the United States is founded, and understand the world in which they live. Students at all levels should develop skills and understandings in all five strands found in the Wisconsin standards for social studies. These skills and…

In this lesson plan, the city of Malibu (CA) is at the mercy of the weather phenomenon El Nino. The press secretary for the Mayor of Malibu recognizes an opportunity to turn this potential natural disaster into a re-election campaign. A task force will be assembled to protect the lives and property of the community. Students role play members of…

This report, covering 6,489 faculty in political science and government, is part of an annual national survey of faculty salaries. The survey is in two parts one covering public and one covering private four-year colleges and universities. Data for the l995-96 baseline year and 1998-99 trend year were collected for full-time teaching faculty in 53…

Describes a county citizenship education project in Georgia as an example of the rising number of local curriculum reform programs. Approach used requires change in the multiple components of the school system with higher education resources providing expertise. (CK)

Summarizes the extensive changes that have occurred in recent years on the Internet with regard to access and content. Maintains that the combination of subject coverage and user-friendly technology makes the Internet a valuable teaching resource. Suggests ways to incorporate this into political science instruction. (MJP)

Addresses the way that popular music depicted the anti-war sentiment during the Vietnam war era, as opposed to country western music which defended government action. Advocates supplementing textbook readings with song lyrics, and suggests a slide presentation to help integrate the two media. Lists three tables with songs organized around specific…

Discusses the problems new political administrations encounter trying to staff the executive branch of the U.S. government. Identifies three major problems: (1) not enough time and too many appointments; (2) recruiting talented appointees; and (3) delays in start up. Suggests options for dealing with problems. Expounds on the George Bush…