Discussion of citation networks as a reflection of the intellectual developments in a scientific field focuses on an analysis of citations in the "Journal of Conflict Resolution." Main path analysis is described; the development of the field of conflict resolution is discussed; and interdisciplinarity is explored. (17 references) (LRW)

Argues that, to make itself more central to studies in its own field, American communication should embrace its traditional, albeit now greatly expanded, subject matter (communication), while at the same time abandoning all institutional vestiges of its narrow and long outmoded approaches to the field. (SR)

Attributes the lack of disciplinary status accorded communication to the lack of ontological status granted the very idea of communication in modernity. Argues that the field should deny modernity's bifurcation by asserting that communication is foundational and attempt to forward a unique communication ontology. (SR)

Uses three quotations from Gregory Bateson to inform the author's comments on the discipline of communication. Argues that communication teachers and scholars must aim for a curriculum and a mode of study, research, and teaching that leads to means of recognizing, addressing, and responding to truly significant questions, rather than disciplinary,…

A study attempted to clarify and extend the Biglan model, which uses faculty and departmental characteristics to classify intellectual disciplines, by applying it to previously unclassified disciplines. The model is found to be valid and useful for studying academic diversity in the higher education system based on current faculty data. (MSE)

Citation analysis of 19 issues of the "Journal of Agricultural Education" (1981-90) revealed the following: (1) mean number of articles cited has increased; (2) journals, books, and reports are most frequent sources of citations; and (3) extensive cross-referencing by authors in the same areas indicates a strong self-identity and…

Examination of seven adult education handbooks reveals that adult education researchers have relied upon empirical analysis to develop the knowledge base and the field as a profession. Professionalization depends on using scientifically developed knowledge to standardize practice and practitioner training. (SK)

Modes of thought (symbolic, imagic, affective), thinking processes (reasoning, intuiting), and habits of mind should be exercised in elementary and middle schools. Interdisciplinary processes of inquiry and organization of curriculum around major ideas and questions are a better way to prepare youth. (SK)

Presents a transcript of a panel discussion at Colgate University in which people in various professions spoke about their writing experiences in school and on the job. Notes that these stories told by professionals about their writing experiences can be seen as part of an institutional history and part of a disciplinary history. (RS)

The California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory was completed by 334 college students. Majors in English, psychology, and nursing scored highest. Nonpractice disciplines (English, history, psychology) generally scored higher than practice disciplines (nursing, education, business). Females scored higher on open-mindedness and maturity. (SK)

Argues that media pedagogics constitutes a discipline of media sciences and of media culture; however, dialog across the boundaries between various fields and branches is problematic. Sketches different phases of a virtual dialog between media pedagogics and media production to illustrate the gap and the importance of bridging it. (DSK)

Linking courses from three disciplines (biology, philosophy, and psychology) around a common theme, five faculty members at Carleton College (Minnesota) planned, implemented, and evaluated a course for first-year students. Analysis of student responses to the course leads to discussion of the effectiveness of such linkages and the importance of…

Discusses the position of Asian America labor history as a field of study that, as yet, does not exist within Asian American studies or labor history, but which has the potential to "decenter nationalist narratives and deflect the institutional imperative." (SLD)

Responds to a critique by M. Murphy in this issue (itself a critique of earlier articles). States that Murphy's arguments are at times "misguided and misdirected." Clarifies arguments in the earlier articles. Examines issues of definition and identity, methodologies, and the power that discourse and language have as media for managing…

The literature of Appalachian Studies is examined in light of Keresztesi's model of the evolution of academic disciplines. Political activism drove the creation of Appalachian Studies in colleges and universities, but the discipline has not yet reached full respectability due to lack of funding, accrediting agencies, graduate programs, textbooks,…