This twelfth grade curriculum guide explores the five behavioral sciences: sociology, social psychology, anthropology, economics, and political science. The overall objectives of the units are: 1) to survey these sciences within a complex society; 2) to realize the importance of individual to the total group; 3) to be aware of the major social…

This resource unit, used either at the end of the 8th grade course or as an alternate course during non-election years in grade nine, provides an area study on the Middle East. Since emphasis in each of the five previous units designed for grade nine is on the American economic system and problems, this particular unit offers a contrasting study…

Twelfth grade students have the opportunity to explore the governing process in a one semester elective course presented in this preliminary draft. The objective of the course is to prepare students for full citizenship responsibilities by giving them a realistic understanding of the processes of governing in the United States. Focus is upon…

How a fictitious international corporation is used to train managers in comparative governmental and legal processes is described. Masters of business and public management students are exposed to the simulated operation of an international firm that integrates the economic, market, legal, and political environments of managerial decision making.…

This student text and teacher's guide feature current events and policy issues that are in discussion today. The books offer background on important domestic and foreign policy issues and present arguments from both sides of key issues. The books are divided into three sections. Section 1, "The Federal Government," contains: (1) "The Clinton…

Provides an overview of U.S. politics from 1994 to 1996 for the secondary school student. Emphasizes election results and the conflicts and compromises between Republicans and Democrats in a system of divided government. Includes an extensive list of questions to be used for class discussions or research papers. (MJP)

Analyzes evaluative comments made about the presidents in 40 U.S. government textbooks published over the last 7 years. These comments present an overwhelmingly negative and unrealistic picture of the presidency. Maintains that textbooks overrate the president's autonomous power and undervalue their positive contributions. (MJP)

The Nordic Centre at Fudan University (China) links it with Norwegian universities, and has resulted in: a new Norwegian School of Management program; a Chinese-Norwegian dictionary; short credit courses on Scandinavian affairs for Chinese students; language courses and examinations for Norwegian students of Chinese; establishment of a library on…

Draws an interesting and instructive parallel between the work of film director Alfred Hitchcock, a master craftsman and technician, and the process of academic research. Briefly identifies shared qualities of specific concepts clearly communicated: all of the parts serve the whole, and respect for the audience. (MJP)

Reviews recent theoretical advances in political geography, particularly those that stress the political conflict behind the production of space. Discusses how this has impacted the study of environmental phenomena such as hazards, human-land relationships, development, and international environmental governance. Suggests ways that political…

Outlines the wealth of opportunity provided by electronic media applicable to political science instruction. Reviews CD-ROM text supplements, tutorial packages, and databases. Briefly summarizes online sources and websites including the CIA World Factbook, Congressional Quarterly, United Nations gopher, and Supreme Court rulings. (MJP)

Criticizes the traditional approach to teaching U.S. government as being de-contextualized, piecemeal, incoherent, and ineffective. Summarizes an alternative approach that follows historical development but emphasizes the emerging character of the U.S. political system due to the interaction between values, context, and institutions. Text readings…

Discusses the Close Up Foundation's sponsorship of social studies students' trips to Washington, D.C. Describes one school's experience of planning and financing the trip, as well as its public forums and club for students to gain experience in politics and citizenship. Reports a study of Close Up participants, their political attitude…

Contends that, although civil liberties are part of the higher education and secondary curriculum, the development of constitutional liberty by state supreme courts and state constitutions is almost totally ignored. Reviews 11 college-level textbooks and analyzes their treatment of civil liberties related to state laws and courts. (CFR)

Suggests college teachers examine their nonverbal expressions (eye contact, voice quality, movement, clothing) and align them to complement verbal expressions. Surveys studies that found teaching effectiveness improved when verbal and nonverbal communication styles corresponded. Reveals how students trusted nonverbal expressions to mirror…