Reports on a survey of 571 college English departments which indicated that almost all use a core of works and have not abandoned traditional texts, that professors view multicultural understanding as a goal but not a primary goal of literature classes, and that such theoretical approaches as the history of ideas and New Criticism do influence…

Traces the evolution of American Indian studies programs at universities since the 1960s. Counters criticisms of methodology and intellectual legitimacy, arguing that such programs are pioneering intercultural education, contributing to the U.S. national literary canon, and defending the distinctiveness and diversity of Indian cultures and people.…

A survey of 54 teachers of undergraduate and graduate psychological testing courses illustrates the teaching of testing in Australia. Tests covered in a course vary extensively. Intelligence testing is the most commonly taught (covered in 89 percent of the courses); most time on testing is spent in first-year postgraduate courses. (SLD)

The Coursework Cluster Analysis Model, a new analytical technique linking college curriculum to student achievement gains, can be used to identify effective general education course sequences for different student ability levels. This can help overcome the fragmentation associated with general education and enhance undergraduate study for a…

A study used the Coursework Cluster Analysis Model to identify college courses associated with gains in student learning, then sought faculty perceptions about methods for teaching and assessing those abilities. Teacher perceptions corroborated the statistical analysis and improved understanding of how student assessment, individual courses, and…

Review of research indicates that, when asked about their perceptions of general education, college students show lack of understanding, clarity, and purpose relative to their general education courses. These findings, and an exploratory study of faculty enactment of educational goals in the classroom, suggest some considerations for college…

A survey of Israeli social work faculty (n=62), social workers (n=70), and third-year students (n=90) found an overall positive orientation toward research. Faculty and practitioners feel students are less favorably disposed to research than students do and are unlikely to incorporate it into curricula. (Author/MSE)

Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) involves students in faculty research projects to enrich the undergraduate experience. The summer program offers stipends to students to work with faculty or graduate students on specific projects. Students are exposed to the processes of research and better able to choose or reject a research career. (MSE)

Claims little information exists in undergraduate education about clinical neuropsychology. Outlines an undergraduate neuropsychology course and proposes ways to integrate the subject into existing undergraduate psychology courses. Suggests developing specialized audio-visual materials for telecourses or existing courses. (NL)

Outlines a newly designed foundations of sociology course at Mount Saint Mary's college (California) that attempts to integrate the course into the College's liberal arts core curriculum. Suggests teaching this integrated, sociohistorical curriculum furthers students understanding and attraction to the discipline. (NL)

Because liberal arts colleges provide valuable undergraduate education in science, mathematics, and engineering, decisions about enhancing their level of research activity must be made carefully, with a clear understanding of what it would entail, what it would cost, and how it could affect existing strengths and contributions. (Author/MSE)

Jewish history and the dynamics of anti-Semitism should be incorporated into social work curricula, and students should explore their own ethnic identities and religious backgrounds. This self-exploration enables them to be open to new information and aware of misinformation. Role playing can help students practice responses to incidents of bias.…

Spurred by public dissatisfaction with the legal profession and expansion of the bar exam's ethics section, law schools are trying to invigorate the field of legal ethics, giving students more exposure to moral and ethical conflicts they are likely to face as professionals. Some legal experts say law schools should do more to integrate ethical…

Explores the changing nature of upper secondary school science subject enrollments over two decades. Discusses the fact that enrollments in chemistry, physics, and biology increased up until 1991 and declined from 1992-1995. (DDR)

Programs that teach scientific ethics must maintain vigilance against scientific misconduct; prepare scientists to deal with ethical ambiguity; and stress the importance of consultation and consensus, adherence to accepted standards of evidence, and commitment to due process using procedures established in advance. (Author/MSE)