A discussion of undergraduate student essays suggests that students can improve quality by concentrating on the rhetorical effects of their writing. Results of a study conducted across six academic departments indicate that rhetorical organization is significantly influenced by departmental conventions. (29 references) (Author/LB)

Factors that may explain the increase in the prevalence of learning disabilities are explained. One factor is related to the newness of learning disabilities as a discipline, and one is related to social/cultural changes (such as substance abuse, poverty, and lack of social support) that have occurred in U.S. society. (JDD)

Using segregation indexes from economics and sociology and national data, the degree of gender segregation by discipline was assessed among college faculty. Results suggest segregation decreased modestly in the early 1970s but has declined little in recent years. Doctoral degree awards in the mid-1970s and mid-1980s indicate an overall increase.…

Examination of levels of publication productivity in 228 doctoral research departments in 23 disciplines revealed large differences, with the mean departments in the most productive disciplines averaging more than 10 times the number of publications of the mean departments in the least productive disciplines. The differences within disciplines…

Attempts to define a discipline of social studies by identifying a philosophy of social studies. Suggests that such a philosophical structure should attempt to develop a systematic, coherent, definable body of thought organized on the basis of structure and process. Uses epistemology, ontology, and axiology as a framework. (DK)

Discusses the importance of children's books translated from other languages into English and describes a study conducted to identify characteristics of successful translated children's books. Languages, genres, and subject areas are discussed; successful authors, publishers, illustrators, and translators are identified; and a bibliography of 131…

The responses of 10 disciplinary task forces to an Association of American Colleges challenge to improve the college major were examined, using content analysis. Consistent with previous research on academic planning, results showed that the disciplines respond to curricular reform proposals in different but characteristic ways. (Author/MSE)

Provides a brief history of the empiricism-nativism issue, considering present-day intellectual roots of nativist and empiricist inclinations. A schema is proposed for explaining the ontogenetic origin of an innate attribute or principle relevant to language. An attempt is made to explain the origin of primitives as derived by learning. (Contains…

The distinctive cultural characteristics of the different disciplines and implications for higher education research, policy, and practice are examined. It is argued that these differences are often ignored in policy analysis, resulting in inadequate analysis. Discussion focuses on disciplinary activities at three levels: systemwide;…

Examines the roles of subject matter experts (SMEs) and instructional designers and discusses distinctions between the two. Three reasons to distinguish SMEs from instructional designers are explained: the learning process, knowing versus communicating, and allocation of resources. (LRW)

Presents a system-theoretic view of the relationship between the disciplines of communication and information/library studies. Terms most frequently appearing in article titles in five journals for each field are listed in rank order, and six propositions extending systems theory to communication and information are offered. (92 references) (LRW)

Discusses a report by the Task Force on the Political Science Major. Focuses on the tension between the purpose of liberal learning and the nature of political science as a discipline in the modern sense. Questions the possibility of rejecting the goal of civic education while still equipping students to cope. (DK)

Confusion over American Historical Association policy on the composition of conference sessions, as illustrated in a recent incident over a panel's membership, reflects common concern in scholarly circles over women scholars' participation and representation in discussion. At issue are quotas vs. affirmative action principles. (MSE)

Presents results of a name recognition questionnaire testing the historical awareness of psychology majors and faculty members. Reports that students showed a low level of name recognition prior to taking a course in the history of psychology. Concludes that explicit instruction is required to impart knowledge of the history of the discipline. (DK)

Argues that the study of media economics should stand at the core of the field of communication. Describes central concerns to be addressed, such as economic influence and effect, economic structure and conduct, and analysis of performance. (SR)