The literature of knowledge is a very large system in the cybernetic sense of intractibility to control. Improving access to it needs some simplifying theory. A step in this direction is a hypothesis constructed from basic concepts. These include cybernetic concepts of variety and requisite variety; a version of the mathematical concept of…

For the past four years Worcester Polytechnic Institute has been working to produce engineers who understand and appreciate the humanities. (Editor)

Explains how all secondary school subject matter can be learned and taught philosophically. Reviews basic components of a philosophical lesson (truth, values, faith, logic) and describes a classroom activity based on a reading from a Berthold Brecht play. (Author/AV)

Five essays from a symposium represent some suggestions as to the roles the humanities might play in various phases of gerontology. Presented at the meeting of the Gerontological Society, New York City, 1976. (Author)

The rather specific, standardized notion of what knowledge is and what its uses are is explored. Then a comparison is offered between the contemporary and older views of knowledge, and the nature and usefulness of the humanities are noted. (Author/LBH)

Examines to what extent primary source materials required by humanistic scholars are accessible to them through the library. (Author/PF)

Our technologically advancing, globally interconnected world has forced educators to rethink interdisciplinarity. Discipline boundaries separating the humanities, sciences, and mathematics are being erased across the curriculum as students are being asked to think critically about socially relevant science, technology, and society topics. Includes…

Focuses on the censorship controversy in Peterborough County, Ontario, from 1976 to 1985, and examines the attack on, defense of, and counter argument to teaching Margaret Laurence's "The Diviners." Generalizes the anticensorship stance often taken by English teachers to defend the teaching of controversial literary works. (JK)

This article reviews Allan Bloom's 1987 book, THE CLOSING OF THE AMERICAN MIND: HOW HIGHER EDUCATION HAS FAILED DEMOCRACY AND IMPOVERISHED THE SOULS OF TODAY'S CHILDREN. Compares Bloom's book with THE HIGHER LEARNING IN AMERICA, a 1930s book by Mortimer Adler and Robert Hutchins. (JDH)

Discusses the second session of a Vassar College workshop on computers and the humanities which focused on how to teach computing to humanists. Arguing for a holistic approach, the author outlines the material to be taught and how to teach it. Emphasizes ample hands-on training, and instruction in general computer principles not the specifics of…

Four teachers comment on (1) the humanities as works of art, (2) ways to use multimedia programs in emphasizing the humanities, (3) the lifelong influence of one humanities course, and (4) the need to concentrate on each separate humanities discipline in teaching an interdisciplinary course. (EL)

Describes four techniques that attempt to develop language arts ability within the context of interesting interactions with pieces of good literature. (EL)

The Purdue Academic Leadership Seminar, a 2-week, summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, offers high level, fast paced courses in the sciences and humanities, leadership training and social-recreational experiences. The organization, selection of students, staffing, courses, and operating procedures are described.…

Article attempts to close the gap between the terms "humanities" and "humanities education," between scholars and practitioners, between a body of content for study and the process by which that content is taught. (Author/RK)

This document describes a program called Community Conversations, a joint effort between Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of the two-year college, and the Community College Humanities Association. The program consisted of a series of national and regional conversations among students and community members, addressing what it means…