A discussion of language curriculum design for promoting learner autonomy looks at the objectives of such a curriculum, the learning implied by those objectives, and the function and relevance of the learnings. (Author/MSE)

Includes three papers from a panel on the teaching of medieval legal history held at 1985 American Society for Legal History: (1) "Medieval Legal History in the Core Curriculum" (J. Muldoon; D. Humphries); (2) "Teaching Early Medieval Law: A Comparative Approach" (J.A. Brundage); and (3) "Medieval Law and Society: An…

Describes how the Ohio Department of Education developed its art curriculum, the Balanced Comprehensive Art Curriculum (BCAC). Going beyond the traditional studio art approach, the program requires students to respond and express themselves in three areas: personal development, artistic heritage, and art in society. (KM)

Explains how the feminist critique of education encompasses gender attitudes, sexist language, and the power structure. Illustrates the approaches of liberal, radical, and socialist feminism through a description of the design of a philosophy syllabus. (SK)

Discusses the varying definitions of a practical secondary school curriculum and those assumptions about practicality that have led to errors in educational planning. Describes the curricular crisis in many developing countries in terms of confusion surrounding the purposes of vocationalization. Notes that educational planners should not duplicate…

Analyzes trends in the development of educational programs by professional arts organizations. Suggests a framework for the development of the most beneficial programs. Points out that experience has a long term impact only if explored in the classroom. Advocates regional planning and discusses sources of funding for arts education programs. (KO)

Explains cultural literacy as defined by E. D. Hirsch and outlines the positions of those who criticize Hirsch's position. (NH)

Discusses the problems, methodology, and positive results of an 8-week course in cultural literacy for 34 ninth grade students at Brooklyn's John Dewey High School. Provides sample materials in 4 appendixes. (NH)

Describes a survey that asked alumni of the Kent State University School of Library Science to rate 53 identified library science competencies needed by new graduates. Competency ratings overall and by type of librarian are presented, and the implications for curriculum design are discussed. A list of the 53 competencies rated is appended. (22…

Describes a law-related training program at Eastern Kentucky University that focuses on changing elementary student teachers' perceptions of social studies. Identifies six factors upon which the program is based. Results of this program indicate that links among all participants in the student teaching experience should be strengthened. (KO)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history at the elementary level. Suggests that a concept-based approach could expand the role of children's literature in the elementary classroom and bring history to the center of the curriculum. Lists five points to consider when selecting literature for a history unit. (KO)

The advantages of using themes as the foundation of a language arts program for hearing-impaired students are outlined. Methods for developing new themes, recycling old themes, having children choose their study materials, and structuring classroom activities are presented. Examples from an insect theme illustrate the approach. (JDD)

Provides a set of teaching activities for a mini-unit on pirates. Urges the use of such activities as a means of stimulating student interest in determining the difference between fact and myth. Presents an interdisciplinary approach which reinforces skills ranging from geography to creative writing. (KO)

This essay explores the relationship between curriculum theory and classroom practice in order to show why a theory-practice gap exists. The idiosyncratic nature of organizations and individuals alike is cited as the weak link in control-oriented curriculum theory, while emancipation-oriented theory underestimates the need for order and control.…

A 12-step curriculum model for training inservice special education specialists who must also meet the needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse student population is proposed. The model follows the guidelines of Bloom's taxonomy for awareness, knowledge, and application. Suggestions for adaptation and implementation are also made. (MSE)