The brief article, intended for use as thought provoking instructional material for secondary students, focuses on the concept of political legitimacy and how it relates to revolution. The objective is to help students recognize that to be legitimate is to have society's approval. For example, the government of each nation within its own political…

Students can learn to grapple with real political problems by doing policy analysis, studies designed to produce well-supported recommendations for action dealing with particular problems. Instead of asking what is being done about particular issues, they could ask what should be done. These questions could be examined in a systematic and analytic…

SYSTEM IMPERILED, a game simulating the basic features of the "balance of power, focuses on the power relationships among states in an international system. Primary activities of the game are the exchange of power units, formation of alliances, and making war and peace. Role-playing is not specifically built into the game, although it may be…

Forty-seven elective secondary level social studies courses are described in this catalog. The underlying overall philosophy of the program is to recognize the basic worth of the individual and to help each student reach his potential. Four kinds of affective and cognitive objectives essential to continuing growth are emphasized: inquiry skills,…

The rationale, structure, and content of the American Political Science Association's "Comparing Political Experiences" course is outlined. (DE)

Questions the proper position for a teacher of political science regarding partisan controversy over issues such as ERA, the womens' movement, racism, and affirmative action. Examines writings on partisanship by social scientists David Easton, Max Weber, and John Stuart Mill. (Author/DB)

Describes two projects which involve college students in political science courses on American politics in doing research and giving class reports on proposals for reforming the electoral college and the electoral process. Findings indicate that students participating in the projects become more aware of political realities and learn how to use…

Assesses an effort by a university department of political science to involve graduate students in a seminar on teaching and to provide students experience in teaching undergraduates. Objectives of the seminar were to (1) examine some issues of teaching political science; (2) critique some perspectives on learning; and (3) design a teaching…

Describes a simulation designed to teach college students in an undergraduate political science course about foreign policy decision-making, conflict, and conflict resolution. An evaluation of role simulation as a teaching technique is included. (Author/DB)

Investigates high school student exposure to education about state government by examining student enrollment, course offerings, textbooks, and curriculum guides. Concludes that there is a need for more extensive treatment of state government politics and political behavior, and less coverage of details of institutional structures. (Author/DB)

Discusses college students' general disregard for factual information when writing political science examinations. Concludes that students should be taught to support answers with factual information. Suggests ways to construct examinations which require factual knowledge. (Author/DB)

A survey of foreign students attending American colleges indicated that they favor taking noncompulsory American government courses; they would prefer a more comparative approach including topics such as foreign policy; and they have difficulty with reading and writing assignments because many of them are science majors. (AV)

Describes content and activities of a "student legislative practicum" designed to prepare students from North Carolina State University for participation in the annual legislative session of the North Carolina Student Legislature (NCSL). The practicum employed the NCSL experience as a vehicle for understanding the legislative process more fully.…

Reviews the causes and correlates of political normlessness in Argentina from 1955-73. Findings indicate that political normlessness was related to antipathy toward the economic and political status quo, support for opposition political movements, and a general perception of political powerlessness and incompetence. Additional cross cultural…

Cites the results of a study which compared political science course offerings at various years to determine political changes. Results show that there are more courses being offered; a larger number of courses involve comparative politics; and there is more effort to respond to the employment needs of future political science graduates. (JR)