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)

In higher education, there is distinction between what is valued as scholarship and the pragmatic needs of the larger world. In the dominant view of scholarship, research and theory are superior to practice. An alternative view is that, in many fields, knowledge emerges from the complexity and rigors of practice. (Author/MSE)

Latina scholars have been instrumental in the development of ethnic studies and contributed to feminist studies, but it is only recently that Latina feminist scholarship is finding recognition for its own merit. Relations of this active group with white feminists are still not strong. (MSE)

Ethnic studies' interdisciplinary nature and attention to race, ethnicity, gender, and class offer the scholarship and teaching necessary to a field of study appropriate to the liberal arts curriculum. The discipline sheds light on the nature of Western and American experience, and its development can help transform liberal studies. (MSE)

Discusses crises of legitimacy, theory, curricula, and power in the field of communication in the United States. (SR)

Language study is redefining itself and seeking new alliances in academe. This paper surveys recent shifts in the language learning model, reviews the resulting intellectual realignments, and examines the role that foreign languages can play in the internationalization of higher education at all levels. (Contains 20 references.) (LB)

Analysis of journals within the academic disciplines that address pedagogical issues suggests that many articles contain information and ideas useful across discipline boundaries and that content focuses on teaching technique. Recommendations are made to enhance the quality, credibility, and prestige of the periodicals. (MSE)