Key features of open video repositories (OVRs) are outlined, followed by brief descriptions of specific websites relevant to the social sciences. Although most were created by instructors over the past 10 years to facilitate teaching and learning, significant variation in kind, quality, and number per discipline were discovered. Economics and…

The idea that "film is an extraordinarily powerful teaching tool" (Champoux) is explored in relation to the film "5 Fingers" that presents an account of the true story of the reproduction and sale of top secret documents held by the British Ambassador in Ankara, Turkey to Nazi Germany by Elyesa Bazna, code named Cicero,…

Over the last 20 years, independent filmmakers have produced insightful documentaries of high profile political campaigns with behind-the-scenes footage. These documentaries offer inside looks and unique perspectives on electoral politics. This campaign season, consider "The War Room"; "A Perfect Candidate"; "Journeys With George;" "Chisholm '72";…

Discusses three major problems within the field of political science in Mexico: the dearth of classes offered, lack of consensus on the content of courses, and the very limited role of political theory. Provides charts and statistics on the state of political science in the country. (RW)

Arranged in five chapters, this handbook provides teachers with a variety of short-term modular, and semester-long voter education programs suitable for use at either the elementary or secondary level. The first chapter, an introduction, provides an overview of the status of student voter education programs and recommends possible roles for…

Describes computer program designed to enable students to analyze process of political revolution by generating graphs for comparisons of such factors as violence, economic instability, and political instability. Student activities, abilities, and reactions, and teacher involvement are noted. Sources concerning revolution, the French Revolution,…

Describes a special project designed for use in U.S. government courses. The project exposed students to the international dimensions of the U.S. government. Provides details for conducting the project. Reports that the activities of the project were successful in raising student awareness about the international aspects of U.S. government. (KO)

When social science students try to solve statistics problems, the two major problems that they often face are how to get "the machine" to give them results they want and problem identification. The goal of this project at Michigan State University was to provide a supplementary educational tool for political science classes through the…

Describes an open admissions program, a public university's nontraditional population, and their unique academic needs. Provides a political science briefing book assignment in which students research and write about one country. Claims the book is effective in helping students to organize and focus their thoughts and to improve their research and…

Describes "Saskatchewan Speaks," a volume of public documents and commentary that was compiled for a university course in provincial politics to show the development of the province of Saskatchewan. The need for alternative teaching material is discussed, copyright is addressed, and an index to documents in "Saskatchewan…

Presents a selective chronology of three aspects of German history since World War II: the origins of the postwar division of Germany; the effects of two major policy decisions by West Germany after 1949; and the unification process after 1989. Contends that France and Germany will remain the core nations in the evolution of the European…

Explores the issues involved in teaching a regional U.S. political science course, specifically referring to a course taught on midwestern politics. Covers topics such as defining the region to be studied, course organization, and assignments. Considers using the regional approach in an interdisciplinary course and other options. (CMK)

Addresses the role of technology in higher education outlining the various steps in creating a cyberclass: (1) provide access to Web sites on general research; (2) create a class listserv and a FTP site for students to upload coursework; (3) provide access to the syllabus electronically; and (4) teach an entire course online. (CMK)

Reports on major current research questions addressed by those in biopolitics. Notes how this research material can be introduced into graduate and undergraduate courses. Suggests introducing these materials into courses dealing with political behavior, public policy and public administration, political philosophy, international relations, and…

Discusses an introductory U.S. government course that examines government in a comparative context. Explains that students play the role of U.S. government experts to whom representatives of the republics of the former Soviet Union come for consultation. Reports that students gather information both from textbooks and the popular press. (SG)