The special papers provide a definition, delineate the scope, present a conceptual framework, and identify the method of inquiry and some techniques used for explaining the body of knowledge for each of six disciplines. The background papers to Project Social Studies are: 1) "Sociology" by Caroline Rose; 2) "The Study of…

The author looks at the interdisciplinary approach to elementary and secondary curricula in Russia. Topics discussed include integration and coordination, the content of subjects and the links between them, ways of achieving interdisciplinarity, and the general pattern of links between subjects. (Author/RM)

Reviews the development of urban history since the 1870s and describes the present variety of urban history studies. Current studies seem to focus on either macromodels and urban systems or on internal networks and densities. (Author/AV)

This article addresses the disciplinary nature and possibilities of American Indian studies. American Indian studies is examined in light of some disciplinary criticism leveled against it. (Author/AM)

The author defines sociolinguistics; reviews its subject matter and goals; traces its growth as a discipline; and summarizes its achievements in areas of sociolinguistic diagnostics, language attitude studies, and polysystemic repertoires. (AV)

The author examines the concept of "subject"--the property of unity, the relationship of parts (sub-subjects) to whole, and to each other, the dimensions of appropriateness and interrelatedness--in an attempt to determine of what subjects consist. (MJB)

A panel discussion on sociology and language which leads one to think that a relationship between linguistics and sociolinguistics could be effected if linguists would consent to move toward a situation in which linguistics and sociolinguistics would establish a definite bond with sociology. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Although feminist inquiry has gained security and respectability, a move away from theory may have emerged from this proven proficiency in theoretical discourse. Feminists must initiate a new, intergenerational dialogue for the 1990s. (MSE)

Some argue that instead of being taught as a discrete skill, critical thinking must be linked to the content and methods of specific academic disciplines; they urge faculty to make students explicitly aware of the language and modes of thinking of their disciplines. (MSE)

The differentiated staffing proposal of the Holmes Group Report is criticized as a cutting up of what should be a connected set of roles and tasks that all good teachers should be able to perform. The need for a different kind of subject matter preparation of teachers is discussed. (Author/MT)

Discusses the complexity of the effort to inject women's studies into the higher education curricula. Drawing from previous research and theory, focuses on the building of an inclusive curriculum, phases of curriculum change, and the feminist critique of the disciplines. Argues that women's studies must emphasize multicultural and multiracial…

Using a comparative case-study method, questionnaires, and structured interviews, the authors investigated how British and American students view the study of literature teaching. The focus is upon the expectations students have of their courses, but their views of literature as a subject are also presented. (Author/CH)

Outlines the histories of the dominant theoretical views of the composing process including the expressive view, the cognitive view, and the social view. Argues that claims for making composition a true academic discipline must be based on a conception of process broader than any of these three views. (SRT)

Discusses conditions in the field of sociology including new opportunities to serve in large governmental programs, criticism of sociology as a science, and sociologists' difficulties in communicating and applying knowledge. Offers suggestions for developing a science of sociology. (LFL)

Reasons why regional geography should play a vital role in the development of U.S. geography are discussed. In addition, problems facing regional geographers are examined. A revival of regional geography can be significantly strengthened if there is more effective communication between regional and scientific geographers. (RM)