According to the Web of Causation epidemiologic model, every disease has multiple causes, and every cause also has multiple causes. The article describes a Web project in an introductory epidemiology course and includes specific guidelines for the written project and a model student web. (SM)

Switzerland's multilingual and multicultural image as an exemplary model of successful cohabitation and conflict management gives a misleading static impression of harmonious intercultural relations. The highly complex Swiss society faces challenges from the coalition of cultural and linguistic entities that live beside, rather than with, one…

A study investigating the evolution in French of the unstressed "e" positioned between single consonants (e.g., "besoin") is presented. It is argued that stabilization of this pattern cannot be confirmed in the speech of educated Parisians but appears to be governed by sociolinguistic variables. Lexical conditioning is examined. (Author/MSE)

A law school faculty member describes her approach and experience in teaching a course on representations of women in literature and the conflicts inherent in being a woman in a male-dominated society. Course structure and curriculum, student response, and lessons learned are discussed, with examples from student papers. (MSE)

This introductory article presents the three tenets undergirding the selection of papers in this issue on a sociocultural perspective for literacy research in children with learning difficulties. The three tenets include learning as a cultural phenomenon; learning as arising in contextualized, holistic, and meaningful activity; and the social…

Examines the emphasis in the literature on the influence of culture on English as a Second Language. Excessive weight has been given to the profiling of regional traits. Greater attention should be paid to the influence of education, institution, and student cultures, which often possess international dimensions. (59 references) (Author/CK)

Continuing education in Europe is being influenced by economic, social, and cultural changes; the liberal tradition; and program diversity. The increasing integration of European society necessitates reformation of a vision of what lifelong education should be. (SK)

The student affairs division at Nebraska Wesleyan University was studied from the perspective of organizational culture, focusing on two factors: organizational climate and the superior-subordinate relationship. Interviews with the director and division staff revealed the importance of mutual support to the division's success. (MSE)

Orange County's public policy responses to youth gangs have involved overt suppression or educational interventions directed at ethnic minorities, particularly Chicanos. Such approaches overlook the multiethnic nature of gang violence and ignore the problem's roots--emerging economic, demographic, and residential patterns that produce…

Challenges the use of ethnicity as a predictor of school-level achievement because of its lack of manipulability, lack of intrinsic association with home processes, and inability to advance the understanding of models of school-level achievement. The use of socioeconomic status as a more robust predictor of school-level achievement is recommended.…

Reprint of 1973 letter issued by the Association Montessori Internationale to its members regarding signs that although people have been striving for greater general welfare, individual rights, freedom, and leisure, extending reduced work and more leisure to children will disrupt healthy development. Describes necessary environments for healthy…

Explores the historical roots of universalistic thinking about children's nature, their needs, and what constitutes healthy development. Considers the opportunities for a new psychology of childhood to be reconstructed in ways that pay more attention to the cultural dimensions, as well as to the socio-cultural process, of the subject. (Author)

Synthesizes the key aspects of Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of learning. Interprets classroom vignettes and child interviews from a first-grade science activity in light of Vygotsky's theory. (Author/CCM)

Transfer involves disembodying knowledge and transferring it for use in different contexts. Vocational knowledge arises in communities of practice, and difficulties arise in transferring it from one distinct community, such as a workplace, to another, such as a classroom. (SK)

Argues that the traditional philosophy of public service has remained relevant and vital to overall library reference service despite information technology and other societal changes. Topics include information and information technology; and economic, political, and social trends as they influence reference librarians and reference service.…