For perspective on the interdisciplinary challenge in higher education, it is important to understand the concept and origins of the "discipline." Disciplines are convenient but artificial constructs, and while academia may be divided into them, the world is not. A sense of the balance and connection between them is vital. (MSE)

Argues that, as industrial arts curricula give way to technology education curricula, a corresponding shift is taking place in the intellectual base supporting technology education. Analyzes this shift by making distinctions between knowledge "in" and knowledge "about" a specific discipline. (Editor)

A discussion of philanthropy as a field of study reviews major books and essays on the subject and lists academic centers and programs and national philanthropic organizations. (MSE)

Leisure Studies, an emerging field of study in higher education struggling for academic legitimacy, is examined. An interdisciplinary and metaphysical approach is urged, and a commentary on the state of the field and its research in Canada is provided. (Author/MSE)

Maintains that journalism is a science, and that a properly qualified, responsible journalist is a practicing scientist. Deals with the implications of this conclusion for the training of journalists, for the future quality of journalism generally, and for future relations between scientists and journalists. (SR)

This literature review explores needs assessment in 12 disciplines based on a comprehensive search of 12 databases. Topics discussed include how and why needs assessments are conducted; prioritization of needs; use of selected needs assessment variables across disciplines; implications for performance technology; and future challenges. (Contains…

Definitions of adult education were analyzed in "Adult Education Quarterly" and its predecessors, 1929-1992, and in a professional association's handbook series, 1934-1990. Definitions clustered into three categories representing the field's development: (1) 1929-1945, no single definition, more inclusiveness; (2) 1946-1979, definition sought as…

Argues that the phrase "library science" is an oxymoron and that the term "librarianship" is correct. Suggests that library science and information science are now completely different fields. An information access model is proposed that can be used as a vehicle for unification and integration. (JMV)

Reviews characteristics of international information theories and examines the social implications these characteristics have on information management. Highlights include a historical explanation of the development of information theories, a discussion of the role information science plays in other disciplines and professions, and an examination…

A survey of 154 exemplary technology teachers, 154 math teachers, and 154 science teachers (52% return) showed that math/science teachers do not perceive technology education as a discipline for developing cognitive strategies and did not recognize characteristics of technology education methods, curriculum content, and potential for integration…

A specialist in marketing traces the evolution of the study of consumer behavior as a discipline and distills from it some lessons learned in the process. Topics examined include establishing legitimacy, using scientific procedures, and borrowing from other disciplines. Literature on the philosophy, sociology, and history of science is reviewed.…

Supplies a list of important dates and events in the development of social studies as an educational discipline. Focuses on the social studies prototype and the foundations of the field before the 1916 report by the Committee on the Social Studies. Includes details about significant organizations, individuals, publications, and reports. (DK)

Seventy-six empirical investigations relating to a particular academic domain and involving connected discourse presented in writing or on a computer were reviewed. From the analysis, six premises were proposed as guides for further research and practice in the area of subject-matter knowledge and interest in text processing. (SLD)

Notes that many scholars see Gerald Graff as a revolutionary critic who provides a model for making fundamental changes within the discipline of English. Focuses on the historical marginalization of the fields of composition and rhetoric studies not addressed by Graff in his book "Professing Literature." (RS)

Argues that communication, as an academic discipline and as an ongoing process, can be seen as a bridge between the two hemispheres within the liberal arts brain. Discusses unique changes within communication in the twentieth century. Maintains that communication theory may serve as one new method of connecting the liberal arts. (SR)