Discusses the driving force behind interdisciplinary research organizations such as intellectual and socioeconomic needs, skepticism of the organizations and questions of research quality. Elements of successful organizations including three approaches on tenure-promotion decisions are described. (YP)

Efforts by Siena College's faculty to integrate women's, minority, and other social perspectives into the curriculum are illustrated in courses offered in political science, religious studies, and English and in an interdisciplinary social sciences course. (MSE)

A survey of graduates of a program emphasizing concurrent study of law and another discipline investigated graduates' employment patterns, employability, use of legal and other training, job satisfaction, and salaries. Most respondents felt the joint degree was not a job market detriment and used their training in very different ways. (MSE)

Discusses the accreditation of public relations education programs. Suggests caution in interpreting the educational results of the expansion that has occurred in public relations--as a professional field and as an educational discipline. Offers recommendations on curriculum design for public relations programs. (MS)

Two University of Rhode Island teachers, of journalism and economics, designed student projects simulating real interactions between professional journalists and economists. The projects increased both groups' ability to communicate, awareness of communication needs, interdisciplinary understanding, and mutual respect. (MSE)

Proposes that dance is a language with its own symbols, gestures, and aesthetics with the power to communicate complex ideas and thoughts. Outlines how discussion, analysis, and criticism can be crafted from three major elements of dance: (1) space; (2) time; and (3) energy. Asserts that students can learn to read dance as a visual text. (CFR)

Asserts that the thematic approach used in the National Council for the Social Studies national standards marks a fresh era of thought in social studies instruction. Maintains that the strands can serve as a framework for social studies curriculum development and effective classroom learning experiences. (CFR)

Discusses several research-based premises underlying meaningful instruction for gifted and regular students. Lessons should be relevant and student centered, and students should be actively involved in their own learning and aware of attainable standards that guarantee high-quality work. This article describes an interdisciplinary Iowa summer…

Benefits of using trade books in secondary mathematics and science are constructed knowledge, vicarious experiences of the science and mathematics process, positive attitudes toward science and mathematics, and higher levels of literacy. Includes samples of books and quotes. (56 references) (Author/MKR)

Provides secondary mathematics and science teachers with a variety of methods for incorporating trade books into instruction. Includes group problem solving, art projects, poem and song composition, drama, and character journal writing. Provides a list of 40 mathematical and science trade books. (26 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents eight activities that make mathematical connections across the curriculum and which help teachers learn how to design their own activities. (Author/MKR)

Presents a three-activity lesson plan based on Weir Farm, home of Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Includes three student readings, three maps, and a tabular chart. Outlines step-by-step instructional procedures and a list of books for further reading. (CFR)

Describes a create-a-children's game assignment for a college-developmental psychology course. Discusses instructions for the project, provides examples of student games, and reports student evaluation. Contends that the assignment produces a high level of student engagement and accomplishment. (CFR)

This article examines the potential benefits to the educational process of a closer relationship between the fields of international education and multicultural education. It considers the past development of these fields and the points of convergence that offer sources of subject matter and methodology for teacher educators. (Author/JB)

This essay explores "modernity's" influence on school art and on educators and researchers. It argues that the deep channels of modernity have cut fine arts away from the curriculum, isolating it on an island of professional practice and specialized study. A new approach would reinterpret art as popular, political, site-specific, communal, and…