Describes an undergraduate class simulation project used to engage student interest in and knowledge of both "The Federalist Papers" and anti-federalist writings. Discusses the importance of simulation in the classroom and provides information concerning implementation of this technique. Notes that the simulation provides experience in public…

Describes a semester long simulation of Supreme Court procedures. Recommends this activity for generating an understanding of the decision making process and the impact of the Justices' personal values and attitudes upon Supreme Court decisions. Notes that the course engages students in the learning process while encouraging the acquisition of…

Describes an activity for use as an introduction to a U.S. government course. Involves placing the students in a you-be-the-judge situation through the consideration of a Supreme Court case. Requires essay writing, small group work, and reporting to the class. Points out that these exercises provide structure for the course. (KO)

Describes the use of an implementation module in public administration or policy analysis classes. Involves developing a framework to measure implementation effectiveness, quantifying elements of the framework, forming hypotheses, and testing the framework. Concentrates upon framework development and operationalization components. (KO)

Describes an upper-level seminar dealing with political economy theory applied to Asia. Requirements include a short paper, a comparative article review, an in-class presentation, and a term paper. Provides a brief review of these activities and a syllabus for a 15 week course. (KO)

Reports on major current research questions addressed by those in biopolitics. Notes how this research material can be introduced into graduate and undergraduate courses. Suggests introducing these materials into courses dealing with political behavior, public policy and public administration, political philosophy, international relations, and…

Comments on the importance of teaching about state and local government, pointing out that it is not emphasized in college introductory U.S. government courses. Argues that the major reason for this lack of instruction is due to scant coverage in U.S. government textbooks. Suggests ways to incorporate this topic into introductory U.S. government…

Surveys the changes in state legislatures since the 1960s, stating that the greatest change has been the enhancement of legislative capacity which reformulated the balance of power within state government. Suggests that political science students would benefit from a combination of observing state legislatures and studying the literature.…

States that the modern governor is a "new breed" of policy activist and skilled manager, leading revitalized state governments. Describes the forces that have transformed the governor's office and state legislatures. Concludes that state governors are more influential because state governments are better equipped for the task of governance.…

Discusses "new judicial federalism" as the rediscovery of state bills of rights for protecting civil liberties. Analyzes the differences in protection under state and federal bills of rights. Recommends that the growing importance of state constitutions be included in the political science curriculum and suggests bibliographic sources to be used.…

Discusses classroom activities designed to enhance student learning about federalism and sovereignty. Describes classroom discussions on jurisdiction, federalism, and sovereignty generated by asking students to clarify the constitutional section referring to the Writ of Habeas Corpus. Concludes that this exercise clarifies the concepts and…

Examines difficulties posed in studying local governance because of varied forms found in local government structure. Describes two research methods for drawing upon that variety: (1) building large data sets, and (2) using case studies. Suggests that local research activities, conducted in the context of an educational program, be used as the…

Presents a way of teaching the scientific method through studying the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Asserting that Sherlock Holmes used the scientific method to solve cases, the authors construct Holmes' method through excerpts from novels featuring his adventures. Discusses basic assumptions, paradigms, theory building, and testing. (SLM)

Describes advanced credit programs in which high school students receive college credit through programs developed at the University of Missouri (St. Louis). States that a high school teacher and a university faculty member collaborate in developing a course that fits the high school curriculum and that is equivalent to the course taught on the…

Describes the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ChESS) at Indiana University which is responsible for disseminating information about social studies education. Provides examples of documents and information products from the ERIC database that can be used by teachers of government, civics, and political science.…