This paper argues that the standard approach to teaching the history of political thought does not serve the ultimate goals of political theory education, and that alternative approaches are needed to make the history of thought appropriate for undergraduates. A history of political thought for life ought to enhance a person's capacity to act as a…

So that the same mistakes would never again be repeated, the Army War College prepared a clear and understandable analysis of America's strategic failure in Vietnam. One of the most positive aspects of the analysis was the rediscovery of the importance of traditional military history and classical military theory. (RM)

An ambitious effort to produce a comprehensive historical account of the war in Vietnam is underway within the United States government. The publications that have been completed to date and those to be issued later are discussed. A bibliography of the publications is also provided. (RM)

This guide is designed to introduce high school teachers of American history to the most recent scholarship dealing with the origins of the U.S. Constitution. Surveys of recent scholarship on constitutional origins are organized by the following topics: historiography of the Convention, the Anti-federalists, The Federalist Papers, ratification of…

The Vietnam War appeared to give rise to the "imperial presidency," and then, when the war became protracted and divisive to contribute to the Congressional reassertion of power. But Vietnam really only intensified and accelerated a movement that, in one way or another, would have taken place anyway. (RM)

Explores the history of social studies instruction. Reports findings of an analysis of 1,217 lessons contained in 5 social studies textbooks. Concludes that geography, history, and anthropology receive the greatest coverage in the books, whereas sociology and political science are stressed least. Identifies differences among the five books.…

Since the end of the Vietnam War there has been a flood of new historical information vastly revising much of what anyone--left, right, or center--knew. Teachers must take this into account when teaching about Vietnam. All major competing perceptions of the Vietnam war should be analyzed objectively. (RM)

Offers an interpretation of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequality" and provides examples of classroom exercises designed to make Rousseau's ideas and writings accessible to undergraduates. Stresses Rousseau's philosophy on natural man, language, ethics, and society. Includes interpretive…

Education about national security has always been part of the social studies curriculum in U.S. high schools. But its focus has been simply chronological and episodic with major attention given to war, particularly the decision to enter it and the conduct of U.S. military forces. Little attention has been given to the evolution and structural…

Says political writings such as "The Federalist" have generated multiple interpretations and the framers assumptions must be deduced. Provides a typology for such interpretations based on the terms, antidemocratic, liberal, republican, and constitutionalist. Recommends students be taught about the lack of consensus among scholars and key…

Peculiar problems and opportunities that arise in teaching about the Vietnam War to a generation that has little historical memory of the events and virtually no emotional investment in the issues are discussed. (RM)

Vietnam War film can provoke responses among students, and it is easy for them and the teacher to move on to the subjective, and unsubstantiated, conclusion that emotive images had an unprecedented effect on U.S. public opinion, and, hence, on the shaping of war policy. The government press-problem is discussed. (RM)

This K-12 framework focuses on educating students in developing competence in addressing the challenges of citizenship in a complex society. The framework addresses what students in Missouri are expected to know and be able to do in the social studies areas when they leave school. The main purpose of the handbook is to serve as a tool for teachers…

Compares Robert Palmer's interpretation of the French Revolution with the Marxist and revisionist views. Stresses Palmer's theory that the French Revolution belongs to the same spiritual family as the American. Reports that Palmer saw the French Revolution as the climactic event in a series of similar upheavals that integrated liberal democracy…

This book presents a variety of social studies activities for elementary students. The activities are divided into broad social science disciplines but can be adapted to an interdisciplinary format. The activities are wide-ranging in ability level and complexity but can be modified to fit any teaching need. Each activity follows the same format…