Problems and considerations in developing interdisciplinary programs in higher education are examined, and the evolution of several new programs linking humanities and teacher education is discussed. Programs at Georgia Southern University, Salem College (North Carolina), and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are highlighted. (MSE)

Philosophical origins and evolution of a Brooklyn College (New York) early childhood/elementary teacher education curriculum that integrates studies in liberal arts/sciences and teacher education are described. The curriculum includes a humanities, social sciences, and mathematics/sciences strand. It was developed in response to local realities…

This article argues that liberal education can not thrive as a backward-looking set of principles, but must adapt to social change if it is to continue to be central to higher education. Educational leaders are urged to reexamine, and structurally reform, undergraduate education to preserve the centrality of general education. (MSE)

This article argues that in an increasingly multicultural society, liberal education is more important than ever, and that ethnic studies are a significant contribution to the college curriculum. Because ethnic studies faculty have been drawn from other disciplines, programs have not become independent academic units, rendering them weak. A deeper…

A study at Britain's University of Brighton assessed the use of the value-added concept to evaluate student performance in an undergraduate program in public administration. Subjects were three cohorts of program graduates (n=31, 36, 45) and three current student cohorts (n=47, 51, 60). The evaluation method attempts to improve on current input…

It is argued that ethics should be taught in general and subject-specific curricula in Australian universities and that recent developments in Australia give ethics-enhanced priority. Current initiatives and specific administrative and instructional issues are discussed. An interdisciplinary approach to applied ethics instruction is advocated over…

Introducing cultural diversity into the core curriculum need not be political. Traditional departmental structures could be reconfigured to incorporate third world studies at the introductory level and within the scope of traditional core courses. Interweaving non-Western studies with existing curricula is preferable to putting them in courses by…

The design and reliability testing of two instruments--the Macro Argumentation Structure (MARS) and the Coalition forming and Dominance (CODOM)--to assess the deliberation process (argumentation and interaction) during curriculum conferences/decision making are reported. The study was conducted at the Department of Education of the University of…

Establishes the need for social work course offerings in rural Victoria, Australia, to improve access to education and social services. In 1989 Phillip Institute of Technology offered its Bachelor of Social Work degree and Graduate Diploma in Community Development in the Central Victorian city of Bendigo. (KS)

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials on critical thinking instruction, focusing on general approaches, and critical thinking approaches linked to developmental education, writing instruction, and other disciplines. (DMM)

Plans of some to reduce the time for completing the traditional undergraduate degree or to redefine it to require fewer credits are examined critically. Reasons for considering time-shortened degrees and responses to the idea are considered. A reexamination of the meaning of the undergraduate degree is recommended. (MSE)

The Association of American Colleges and Universities' national initiative for college curriculum and faculty development, entitled "American Commitments: Diversity, Democracy, and Liberal Learning," is described; and a panel discussion of two central themes, which concern cultural pluralism in higher education, is summarized. (MSE)

Describes the efforts of the General Education Working Group, formed in fall 1992 to set forth the purpose and goals for general education at Portland State University and develop a curricular model designed to achieve those goals. Provides detailed results of the assessment and of the proposed general education program. (34 references) (MAB)

Because of the rapid evolution of electronic publishing and information technology, books will be only one of a wide variety of formats for information exchange. In undergraduate study as in other areas, the future of books is dependent on the continuing habitual tendency and preference of adults to read text. (MSE)

Underscores the need for international education in community colleges, considering the links between American international business competitiveness and community college education. Looks at the role of learning resources centers (LRCs) in program development and support. Considers activities that may be undertaken by LRC staff in international…