Proponents of the liberal arts continue to disagree over maintaining the traditional college curriculum versus diversifying it to give a greater role to ethnic and women's studies and to the ideas of non-Western cultures. (MSE)

Presents several arguments and strategies for using films about war and peace in introductory sociology and social problems courses. Addresses the practical problems of cost, scheduling, and locating appropriate resources. An appendix provides an annotated list of effective films, videos, and slide shows. (Author/BSR)

Discusses how the intersection of biography and history serves as an appropriate vantage point for understanding human lives. Explains how a course which embodied this idea was developed and implemented focusing on the 1935 Vassar class. Examines oral histories as a central feature in designing and conducting the course. (GEA)

Describes the Great American History Machine (GAHM) software, stating that it is a powerful tool for interactively accessing and exploring county-level census and election data. Outlines a course at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh) in which GAHM was used and concludes that the software enables students to approach historical problems…

The article describes curriculum development of a course for college students of lower ability and potentially lower motivation. The discussion addresses content, sequencing, and assessment. (PK)

A study examined patterns of content in course outlines used to teach social work practice. Findings concerning teaching units typically covered, textbooks used as required reading, and the type of assignments given reveal several new directions, which are interpreted in light of Council on Social Work Education policy. (MSE)

Advocates the supplemental use of trade books with textbooks in introductory economics courses. States that students will learn how economists approach economic issues in the real world, building upon the organized textbook presentation of material. Acknowledging that textbooks are essential to instruction, Hansen lists several appropriate works…

Describes a feature writing course at the University of Texas which concentrates on Hispanic themes and issues by assigning students to cover the Latino community in Austin, Texas. Notes that the course not only teaches students to examine unfamiliar locations, but also introduces them to the newsworthiness of minority populations. (MM)

Geriatric content in a medical school curriculum was assayed by surveying faculty course directors and students about course content, by conducting an independent review of course content, and by analyzing the content of course examinations. The students' assessments of geriatric content were found to be not valid. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the use of Kranzberg's Laws in a history of technology course at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Lists the Laws and describes how certain reference materials are used in the course. (TW)

A brief review of the changes in required physical education curricula and the profession between the late nineteenth century and the present leads to the argument that the field must re-emphasize a sound understanding of its philosophic base if it is to win true professional status. (CB)

Five studies conducted in high school mathematics and science classes from 1984 to 1986 are reviewed to better understand teaching and learning processes associated with high-level cognitive learning. Factors that influence the ability to cover the curriculum in the planned time are identified and discussed. (Author/MT)

Instead of freeing teachers to teach, schools' bureaucratic organization may have inadvertently produced ritualized, mechanistic teaching that elicits only minimal compliance from students. Defensive teaching strategies, including fragmentation (teaching by lists), mystifying information, omitting controversial topics, and simplifying material,…

Defends the incorporation of renowned French women writers into the French literature curriculum and suggests an implementation proposal for high school or college courses. A sample guide for ideas and techniques to stimulate thought, questions, and interpretations is also suggested. (Author/CB)

It is proposed that simulations outside an overtly legal context are valuable for law students, permitting them to understand the extent to which their everyday social behavior constitutes desirable professional behavior. Eight specific simulation topics are suggested. (MSE)