The goal of the Wisconsin "Model Academic Standards for Social Studies" is to design a social studies program that develops knowledgeable, active citizens who are able to recognize, analyze, and act on personal and public problems or decisions that affect the well-being of an individual, group, a nation, or the world. Following an…

This book helps students make essential connections between economics and civics/government by asking the philosophical questions of government's role in the economy and the relationship between economic freedom and political freedom. The set of lessons include: (1) "How Has the Constitution Shaped the Economic System in the United States?"; (2)…

This document presents recommendations of the Social Studies Content Team appointed by the State Superintendent of Schools of Maryland to define core learning goals in government, U.S. History, and world History. The learning goals are to serve as the basis of high school assessment. To obtain a high school diploma in Maryland, students will have…

Public schools in Pennsylvania were created to educate children to be useful citizens, loyal to the principles upon which the nation was founded, and aware of their duties as citizens to maintain those ideals. This document includes 4 critical elements of civics and government standards that describe what students should know and be able to…

This teacher resource text and student text are part of a continuing series on current and historical international issues, placing special emphasis on the importance of educating students in their participatory role as citizens. It examines the debate on Russia's identity from a Russian perspective in the areas of economic development, political…

This study tests for correlation between two journal ranking methods--citation rankings and expert opinion surveys. Political science professors from four major universities were asked to rank a list of the 20 most highly cited political science journals. Citation data were taken from the "Social Sciences Citation Index Journal Citation…

Recounts one professor's discouraging experience with the process of submitting articles for publication in prestigious peer reviewed journals. Notes the wide disparity in comments from the reviewers ranging from corrective and helpful to condescending and dismissive. Detailed responses from the editors appear duplicitous and confusing. (MJP)

Reports on a class project that combined an examination of social class and political power with an introduction to sociological research. The project consisted of compiling biographical profiles of cabinet members from the Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton administrations. Introduces students to issues of conceptualization,…

Analyzes some of the mistakes made and the lessons learned doing participant-observation research on six special congressional elections. Briefly describes seven of these lessons including schedule strategically, get multiple perspectives, do not overlook details, be a pack rat, and recognizing that some goals and processes are antithetical. (MJP)

Explicates the mercantilist ideology of the Japanese elite and its impact on Japanese trade policy. Offers a textured portrait of the world view of a particular elite: Japan's technocrats. Reveals a nationalist ideology that is not advertised by its adherents, especially to foreign observers such as in the United States. (MJP)

Describes a project in which students from 11 countries took part in an Arab-Israeli Conflict simulation-- an interactive communication simulation that immersed students in the complex dynamics of international reality. The project is a pilot program from the Region of Peel School Board, Ontario. Example of simulation is appended. (SLM)

Notes the blurring of boundaries between public and private sectors, pointing out that the interaction between governmental and non-profit agencies is increasing in the areas of public policy. Argues that these increasing interactions need to be integrated into the political science curriculum. (GG)

The programs described illustrate innovative ways in which six institutions help students develop a sense of intellectual connection, focus, and achievement through their undergraduate majors. Examples are Hollins College (creating a learning community within the philosophy major); New School for Social Research (students connect learning through…

Advocates inclusion of political philosophy in the education of public administrators. States that U.S. public officials need knowledge gained through a general education rather than through a specialization in administrative science. Emphasizes that administrators must study philosophy if they are to make political decisions in line with the U.S.…

Asserts that teachers and students are ready to go beyond traditional coverage of the interactions of political science and history to applying economic analysis to historical and contemporary social issues. Provides three lesson plans illustrating the use of public choice theory in U.S. history. (CFR)