Discusses a journalism course that analyzes relationships between mass communication and conflict issues with respect to recurring themes or problems in communicating the issues, the time in which the communication occurred, and the medium of communication. (RL)

Explores the concept of "null curriculum"--what schools do not teach. Attempts to define the term, focusing on possible uses in theory, research, and practice. While hard to define and limited as a research concept, "null curriculum" can inform cosiderations of curriculum goals, content, and selection criteria. Lists eight…

Discusses objectives of "Canada in a North American Perspective," a controversial postsecondary course taught as an Ontario Academic Credit course. Argues examination of Canada's perspective and history as a North American nation can benefit from comparison to the United States. Suggests this continentalist approach need not diminish…

Environmental issues that can be explored in social science courses include problems with potential to cause serious or irreversible change to an ecosystem or biosphere. Areas for discussion include: environmental attitudes, values, and behaviors; the environmental movement; risk perceptions; and the political economy of the environment and…

One's conceptions define what is worth learning about war and peace and why. Educators must make important choices of content. Three conceptions of peace education are discussed: those that focus on information, those that center on issues, and those dealing with attitudes. (RM)

In reader responses to a previous article, it is suggested that cultural content is less important than the method by which material is presented to students; McCarthy argues that students must be free to develop good evaluative thinking. (two references) (LB)

Reports on a study which was conducted to provide a sample of biology teachers an opportunity to describe their experiences and opinions regarding the controversial issue of evolution and creation as it relates to teaching about the origins of life. Provides the objectives, sample selection, an analysis, and a conclusion. (RT)

Describes an undergraduate Psychology of Social Problems course. The course focuses on the psychological aspects of legal abortion for adolescents and women, the consequences of denied abortions on unwanted children, and psychological ramifications of alternatives to abortion. Summarizes student evaluations of the course. (CFR)

Discusses theoretical and practical problems arising from an educational and political commitment to challenging racism through geography teaching. Focuses on student reactions to the anti-racist approach by reviewing the findings of an evaluation of a course taught at University College London. Provides teaching strategies for using this…

Addresses issues that might be raised in the study of art history from a critical theory perspective. Suggests that, in view of contemporary environmental and social concerns, Neolithic art would be of particular interest to students as would the possibility of having a society in which neither sex was dominant. (KM)

Themes that should be included in an elementary and secondary peace studies curriculum are discussed in this newsletter essay. Social studies teachers must use great discretion as to what topics in the peace studies curriculum are taught at what level. The study of nuclear arms should be included in peace studies at the secondary level. Research…

Suggests that, when real issues and problems are used as themes, student motivation and interest are significantly enhanced. Recommends using issue orientation to empower students to become problem solvers. Provides examples of projects used successfully in middle schools on the issue of smokers' versus nonsmokers' rights. (NL)

Claims that most instruction dealing with genetics is limited to sex education and personal hygiene. Suggests that the biology curriculum should begin to deal with other issues related to genetics, including genetic normality, prenatal diagnoses, race, and intelligence. Predicts these topics will begin to appear in British examination programs.…

Asserts that global education has two interrelated dimensions: (1) a substantive, or knowledge of the world and how it works; and (2) a perceptual, or an orientation or world view. Contends that global education can provide a powerful focus for improving educational quality and help students cope with emerging global realities. (CFR)

Provided are 23 course syllabi representing a broad range of courses taught in the fields of history of technology and technological studies. The collection falls into two major categories. The first section outlines courses dealing primarily with the history of technology, including courses dealing with the history of technology in a Western or…