Provides an overview and background information on the debate over gun control, as well as several teaching ideas. Handouts include a list of related topics drawn from various disciplines (economics, U.S. history), seven arguments for and against gun control, and a set of policy evaluation guidelines. (MJP)

Examines factors contributing to the Puerto Rican conflict between Spanish and English. These include American heavy-handedness, party politics, socioeconomic tensions and the educational bureaucracy. The article notes how language planning could defuse the conflict and specifies concrete planning roles for English language professionals. (25…

Outlines a comprehensive political science final examination that covers the wide range of material found in introductory courses. The final examination consists of a single question that asks students to propose a solution to a major social problem. Their answer must incorporate political ideology, economic impact, and media representation. (MJP)

In this interview social scientist and professor, Seymour Martin Lipset discusses those aspects of U.S. culture and character that make it unique. Considers a broad range of influences and phenomena, including divine providence, social stratification, the absence of radicalism, and shifting ideological positions. (MJP)

Discusses the presence and significance of linguistics in Italian departments at universities in Australia and worldwide against the background of multiculturalism, the politicization of the Italian population in Australia, and the emergence of Italy as a major economic and political power. Argues that the boundary lines between linguistics and…

Provides an overview of the mission and activities of Kids Voting USA. The nonprofit organization promotes student awareness of the importance of voting through civic education programs. Kids Voting USA has projects in 40 states involving debates, craft activities, information gathering, and mock elections. (MJP)

Presents a detailed account of many of the issues relating to Chinese "secret societies" and the use of triad language. The article emphasizes the pressing need to update and extend intelligent research in this area, particularly with regard to current practices of triad societies and their relationship to organized crime, in Hong Kong…

Offers a brief history of library youth services and the political strategies behind them. Topics include the role of women, outreach programs of public libraries, tax support, library development after World War II, federal legislation and funding, National Library Week, school libraries, parent involvement, collaborative partnerships, and…

Provides a fascinating look at the ideological and cultural schisms that developed between the communist party and local trade unions in Schenectady, New York. By the 1950s trade unions had become more conservative while the communist party championed the rights of women and blacks. This split debilitated the communist party. (MJP)

Proposes constructive ways for discussing controversial issues in the social studies classroom. Develops an educational goal and a rationale for controversial issues discussions. Explicates six strategies for addressing controversial values issues, and discusses the problem of whether the teacher should disclose their position. (SLM)

Lists nine ERIC documents and journal articles selected specifically for secondary and college-level history teachers. Documents cover U.S. history and government, intellectual history, political issues, and women's studies. Several also provide teaching methods or lesson plans. (LS)

Describes to experience of one of professor D. Nakanishi's graduate students, who with others, lobbied the California State Legislature on Nakanishi's tenure denial at the University of California Los Angeles. Describes Nakanishi as a teacher and mentor and links the tenure struggle to the Asian-American community's political development. (JB)

Argues that multicultural education curricula neither address eliminating racism and its vestiges directly nor provide strategies for empowering minorities to counteract these phenomena. The multicultural education movement has brought some gains and may offer some hope if it manages to become linked to larger movements toward social change. (SLD)

Addresses the relationship between cities and technology. Reviews various interpretations of scholars writing about consequences of urban technology and infrastructures. Notes current scholarship concentrates on segments. Contends the past can shape urban future and historians need a sense of the whole. (NL)

Identifies the following nuts-and-bolts issues that must be addressed when establishing school-linked service programs: (1) planning; (2) targeting; (3) governance; (4) information systems; and (5) staffing. Political and policy issues are extremely important in seeking partnerships among independent agencies in an intergovernmental setting. (SLD)