How does community-based learning (CBL) influence student attitudes toward civic participation? One of CBL's primary aims is to improve college student civic participation. As yet, however, little is known about the educational effects of CBL classes on student community and political participation. Using a quasi pre--post experiment with…

As state capitals and city halls influence our daily lives, how can students become active participants in the affairs of their communities (Saffell and Basehart 2009)? For students to explore this question and local policy making in general, I developed a city council simulation for a state and local government course. This article describes the…

During my 45 years as an academic, I have followed the admonition sometimes attributed to the legendary Jedi warrior Obi-Wan Kenobe that political scientists should "use [their] power for good and not for evil." In this spirit, I have devoted substantial portions of my career to public service by providing strategic advice and campaign management…

A proposed series of seminars would study the local community, its concrete issues and upcoming choices concerning these issues and would get the results into the hands of as many citizens as possible. (Author/KM)

Explores different ways of perceiving phenomena in micro-spaces that are essential to the understanding of reality. Specifically, analyzes the various manifestations of power within micro and macro spaces. Also discusses micro-macro relationships from a holistic perspective, and looks at problems of grass roots communities in their search for…

Outlines the possible contributions of a socialist country, using Hungary as an example, to give a fresh perspective on international relations. Examines relations between the state (central government) and the local community. Concludes that the paradigm of international relations can be realized only on more democratic and decentralized…

Argues that social transformation at the macro-level (national and global) is the result of micro-processes, or social movements organized around local issues. Describes the global mobilization processes that have a local focus but nevertheless transcend the nation-state and modify the workings of the world-system. (BSR)

A series of questions for high school students to use in interviewing or researching county and state governments are presented. Questions concerning county government are grouped into five categories: governing, administrative agencies, fiscal affairs, planning and zoning, and issues. Students investigate salaries, powers, and duties of…

High school students examine the structure, function, services, finances, politics, and budgeting of county governments provided in this unit containing five lesson plans. Students interview all available county officials to obtain the widest viewpoint possible on the structure and function of county government, then rank the functions as most and…

Recognizing that knowledge will enable the world's people to cope with worldwide relationships, Alger criticizes the social sciences for inhibiting needed research that would increase awareness of the linkages between human settlements and worldwide phenomena. Presents a progress report on the effort to identify islands of inquiry into the…

In this lesson plan, the city of Malibu (CA) is at the mercy of the weather phenomenon El Nino. The press secretary for the Mayor of Malibu recognizes an opportunity to turn this potential natural disaster into a re-election campaign. A task force will be assembled to protect the lives and property of the community. Students role play members of…

Appropriate for high school students, four units focus on the role, problems, and functions of city government. Designed to be covered in 5 to 6 weeks, the units involve students in interviewing city council members, listing community needs, inviting local officials as guest speakers, and examining problems resulting from the structure, limited…

A CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN AUGUST 1963 TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF JOINT SOCIAL INQUIRY BY THE THREE REPRESENTED DISCIPLINES OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, SOCIOLOGY, AND EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION. THIS BOOK CONTAINS THE PROCEEDINGS AND RESULTS OF THE CONFERENCE. DISCUSSIONS WERE CENTERED ABOUT FOUR MAJOR SUBJECTS--(1) MAIN TRENDS IN COMMUNITY POWER…

This resource unit, developed by University of Minnesota's Project Social Studies as part of a course on Our Political System, introduces eighth graders to decision making at the local level. This unit, much shorter than the others in the course, attempts to have pupils use concepts learned earlier to analyze one or more crucial problems in their…

Presents five projects on student voting rights recommended for college students in U.S. government and constitutional law courses. Projects include reading the state's residency law, investigating state and local interpretation of student voting rights, researching the constitutional issues involved in voting rights, and surveying students as to…