Recommends organizing U.S. history courses around central ideas rather than chronological periods. Argues that this method affords a better grasp of the principal developments in the nation's history by treating issues in depth. Lists eight broad themes around which a U.S. history course can be constructed. (MJP)

Contends that many students enter sociology with an exaggerated belief in their own uniqueness. Presents a description of a course activity in which students see how social forces affect their choices and chances, thereby seeing the sociological perspective on social problems. (CFR)

Asserts that the Cold War era has little historical meaning for today's students. Maintains that the use of feature-length films on videocassettes can be used effectively with appropriate reading and writing exercises. Provides a filmography focusing on social issues and a lesson plan. (CFR)

A theoretical framework and suggestions for teaching about the future at the secondary level are presented. Seven chapters comprise the document. Chapter I examines the nature of and approach to futurism and explores ideas of European and American futurists. Chapter II presents a rationale, characteristics of futures education, outlines of courses…

An annotated listing of over 500 major fiction books and basal readers provides suggestions for their use in library instruction, independent reading, class and small group discussion, and correlation with unit work and basal reader programs. The books are listed according to primary, intermediate, and advanced reading levels and books to be read…

Those who try to deal with violence in U.S. communities and schools have tended to concentrate on suppression of violence, rather than real prevention, particularly as violence is associated with youth gangs. This discussion focuses on multiculturalism as a policy for reducing gang violence, rather than strategies that have been used to deal with…

The aims, content, and organization of social and political education, which became a compulsory subject in the Netherlands in 1968, are examined. Part 1 discusses the methods and models used by the National Institute of Curriculum Development since it was established in 1975. One of its projects is to develop a common core curriculum for social…

This paper proposes a teaching model for the implementation of a Science-Technology-Society (STS) curriculum. The topics of technologic literacy, STS goals, and STS instruction are included. The historical and contemporary perspective of technology is addressed. The Graham model of STS instruction is compared with the Oregon instructional model.…

A SERIES OF REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR THE 1965 CONFERENCE DEFINE THE VARIOUS SOCIOCULTURAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, LINGUISTIC, AND PEDAGOGICAL BARRIERS TO ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG SPANISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN IN THE SOUTHWEST AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS TO BREAK DOWN THESE BARRIERS. INDIVIDUAL REPORTS DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS OF PRESERVING ETHNIC IDENTITY,…

Dedicated to aiding teachers and curriculum developers in making social studies curricula responsive to maintaining the dignity and worth of students, this resource book is the product of the National Council for the Social Studies' Sexism and Social Justice Committee. The book is for social studies teachers who want to avoid sexism in their…

The report summarizes the background, objectives, developmental work, conclusions, and recommendations of Cardozo High School's urban problems program. A one semester elective civics course for seniors was developed. The objectives of the course are: 1) to develop knowledge and practical skills (comparative shopping, budgeting, housing) to cope…

This is a teacher's guide and end of year summary for an eleventh grade course on area studies. The course is part of an articulated curriculum for grades K-12. The guide contains goals for the course which are related to values, skills, and concepts and generalizations. The focus of the course is on problems of four selected areas: Western…

Maintains that most high school social studies instruction emphasizes coverage and memorization of fragmented information. Presents a definition of in-depth study and describes its implementation in an issues-centered classroom. Provides suggestions and caveats for instituting issues-oriented instruction. (CFR)

Distinguishes weak forms of critical thinking (restricted to logical thinking) from strong forms of critical pedagogy (incorporating a moral component into critical thinking). Sees evidence of weak forms in the 1987 California History-Social Science Framework. Contends that social studies must be interdisciplinary, global in perspective,…

Presents seven brief papers reflecting workshops given at the 1994 Meeting of the Association of American Geographers. Each workshop presented a teaching module concerning issues in medical geography. Methodological issues included interpretations of vital statistics and epidemiological diffusion. Theoretical issues included womens' health data…