Discusses problems inherent in teaching sensitive subjects such as rape, disasters, and nuclear war; and presents ideas about preparing classes on these subjects. Comments and data are drawn from experience in teaching family violence classes, students comments, journals, and conversations with colleagues. (BSR)

Fifty children (ages 9-15, N=30 with high intelligence) participating in a course on creative thinking were invited to construct questions about mankind's future. Gifted children displayed a high degree of anxiety and a greater, somewhat pessimistic, long-range outlook. Interests included quality of life, faith in human potential, and individual…

Examines the developments in child abuse reporting laws and related legislation since the battered child syndrome was first identified in 1962. Discusses statistics and identifies areas in which legislative and judicial reform are necessary. Includes a list of American Bar Association publications dealing with child abuse and neglect. (GEA)

Basic skills deficiencies are intense, and widespread. They contribute to social problems such as poverty, unemployment, dependency, illegitimacy, and crime. Unless people acquire the basic competencies required for success, these problems will continue to increase. Educational attainment must be encouraged nationwide. (VM)

Examined the extent to which counselors were informed about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), their opinions about AIDS, and their attitudes towards people with AIDS. Determined the implications for counselors of associated social and mental health issues. Education and support are significant elements in helping people with AIDS cope…

Examines four methods of service delivery in social work: case management, social support, self-help, and voluntarism. Considers methods in the context of present attitudes toward social programs. Argues that useful but modest service delivery methods are not substitutes for bold solutions to social problems. (Author/NB)

Social work education has traditionally focused more on practice methods than on solving social problems. It is contended that there is a need for an "integrated practitioner" who is, by design, prepared as a social problem specialist. Issues in developing a curriculum are discussed. (Author/MH)

Outlines a lesson in which students learn how the constitutional protection of religious freedom has been applied to the Amish. Includes readings from which students can analyze three seemingly contradictory decisions related to the Amish and attempt to understand judicial interpretation. Asks students to apply the concept of judicial…

Through the literary device of a dialogue, this article urges teachers to address the root causes of international and state terrorism, which it identifies as the quest for political power. Condemns the shallow analysis of both major and minor wars offered in typical textbooks and high school social studies classes. (JDH)

Surveyed 225 South Dakota middle school educators to assess significance 18 social issues have for mankind and to what extent they are/should be included in rural social studies curricula. Ranked alcohol/drug abuse, pollution, and violence as top issues. Found issues not included in curriculum to extent educators felt necessary. (NEC)

Reviews the social and educational problems caused by drug abuse. Poses policy questions that must be asked when developing school drug use policies and cites examples of the successful implementation of drug policies in two schools. Identifies critical aspects of the drug prevention curriculum. Urges cooperation between schools and local…

The author describes and illustrates television's presentation of bias in programming and production. He advocates educating adults to be critical in consuming television images of reality and presents six techniques that have been successful in teaching adults to read between the lines of television's portrayal of political issues, news events,…

Drawing on theoretical framework that addresses the transnational character of refugee problems, analyzes the causes of refugee movements. Holds that despite the common perception that refugees flee danger that emanates from an agent within the country of origin, the danger often results from international conflicts. (GC)

Issues concerning the role of the humanities and humanistic education in public policy, social issues, and politics are discussed in the contexts of both More's "Utopia" and the contemporary political situation in the United States, emphasizing the importance of developing a humanistic approach to power. (MSE)

Discussion of the homeless in American public libraries focuses on harmless individuals who may be considered nuisance by library staff/patrons. Highlights include literature about problem library patrons, national problem, social issues, major themes (offense to others and library staff, balancing rights, and elitism), and implications for…