This theoretical discussion explores pedagogical assumptions of political education in West Germany. Three major methodological orientations are discussed: the normative-ontological, empirical-analytical, and dialectical-historical. The author recounts the aims, methods, and basic presuppositions of each of these approaches. Topics discussed…

This kit presents a comprehensive introduction for students to arms control and disarmament issues. Included are copies of published and unpublished articles for each topic. Section I provides a self-survey to enable students to assess their own attitudes, values, and knowledge. The survey poses questions for which students select one of several…

Covers the objectives, subject matter, and requirements of a one-semester course based on ethics and national security policy taught within the School of Public Affairs at the University of Maryland at College Park. The course is designed to give students an opportunity to develop skill in the analysis of moral and ethical issues. (JDH)

This book takes a look at what U.S. high school seniors know about government and politics and how they learn about it. Secondary school civics courses enhance students' civic knowledge. The book is based on the 1988 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the most extensive assessment to date of civic knowledge among youth. The depth…

In this high school U.S. government and U.S. history curriculum unit, students examine in depth the annexation of the Philippines. Detailed activities are provided to teach students about U.S. foreign policy, the growth of the United States as a world power, and expansion and colonization in the Pacific Ocean. The materials include informational…

Presents a thoughtful and balanced analysis of the effects of public opinion polling on elections and the political power structure. Generally refutes the revisionist criticism that polling acts as a preemptive strike curtailing political expression in favor of the power elite. Considers issues related to the tyranny of the majority. (MJP)

Criticizes the national civics standards for emphasizing shared political values over political participation, oversimplifying the relationships among U.S. political values, and relying upon elite statements to identify those values. Characterizes the proposed standards as a symbolic ritual for reinforcing cultural hegemony. (MJP)

Presents the results of an exercise investigating the representation of women in national and regional newspapers. Discovers that stories about women consistently focus on victimization and gender oddities. They also routinely include personal information excluded in stories about men (physical descriptions and familial status). Includes…

Maintains that a required course in public policy analysis can serve as a natural capstone experience for undergraduate curricula in public administration. By teaching analysis, rather than teaching about analysis, undergraduate programs can integrate other elements of the curriculum and prepare students to understand the policy process more…

Considers the applications and limitations of supplementing political science instruction with USENET discussion groups. Maintains that the engaging and topical nature of the discussion groups can enhance traditional course materials. Notes, however, that USENET comments often are not indicative of the general public. Briefly discusses reference…

Maintains that the escalating costs of international commitments (primarily the Vietnam War) and domestic programs resulted in a chronic balance-of-payments deficit that signaled the end of "growth liberalism." Provides an in-depth look at Lyndon Johnson's efforts to address this crisis amidst growing political opposition. (MJP)

Provides some background on Frank Abbott Magruder and compares the 1917 and 1993 editions of his landmark textbook, "American Government." Although the text has gone through 76 editions it remains true to Magruder's original intention to portray the fluid and dynamic nature of U.S. democracy. (MJP)

Observes the ideological evolution of the Likud party in Israel. For years the Likud labored in the shadow of the predominant socialist party structure, emerging in 1977 as a major political force. Although united in their core belief of sovereignty for Jewish settlements, the party recently has suffered political fragmentation. (MJP)

Offers a comparative case study that deals with the impact of party politics on the representation of women. Specifically examines political parties and their legislative agendas developed in Great Britain and West Germany during the 1980s. Demonstrates how a careful teacher can synthesize feminist and non-feminist approaches to material. (MJP)

Explores the constitutional amendments and federal laws that extended the right to vote to most citizens. Discusses the historical circumstances and social issues that surrounded passage of the 15th Amendment (elimination of racial barriers), 19th Amendment (women's right to vote), and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (MJP)