Explains why the transition economies experienced sharp decline after the breakup of the former Soviet Union. Offers some personal accounts and comments on prospects for future development in Central and Eastern Europe. Notes how people in these countries view the transition to market economies. (DSK)

Reports on interviews conducted with Ukrainian teachers who were asked whether they and others they know are better, or worse, off since Ukrainian independence. Addresses inflation, private enterprise, delayed salaries, and new freedoms. Provides insights into the effects of the transition on people's lives and hopes for the future. (DSK)

Details and assesses the life and education career of Susanna Rowson, particularly her involvement with geography education in the early United States. Discusses her childhood, career in the arts and on the stage, novel writing, educational career, geography textbooks, and relations with other early U.S. geographers. (DSK)

Tells about the creation of the High School Geography Project. Beginning with a statement of problems faced by geography instructors, the story continues by examining the creation of project objectives, development of an overarching structure for lessons, and discussion of the project's success. Suggestions for contemporary curriculum design are…

During the 19th century, America was transformed from an agrarian to an urban-industrial society. America became divided into a nation of rich and poor. Peter Cooper assumed the role of a reformer and became the spokesman for the poor. Cooper's reform efforts and his views on unions are discussed. (RM)

In spite of the criticism of humanism in public schools, the fact remains that humanism is a basic and vital part of modern education. Principles of humanism that are significant for today's education are outlined and examined from an historical perspective. (RM)

Traces the history of political cartoons in the United States from the first (Benjamin Franklin's "Unite or Die") in 1754 to the present. Discusses three requirements for effective cartoons, and identifies important cartoonists and their work. Characterizes political cartoons as one of the United States' liveliest, most enjoyable, and permanent…

Traces the history of Korea from ancient times to the present, discussing the Koryo and Choson Kingdoms, the development of the Republic of Korea, and efforts to unite the country. Examines Korean cultural creativity, the development of new schools of thought, and reforms under Chong Yag-yong, a prominent eighteenth- and nineteenth-century…

Surveys Korean arts and literature of the last 2,000 years, discussing fine arts, performing arts, the Korean language, systems of transcribing Korean sounds, and the beginning of modern Korean literature. Provides an illustration of the Korean language phonetic system and a sampling of Sijo poems in English and Korean. (GEA)

Examines South Korea's economic development from being one of the poorest nations in the world in the 1950s to becoming a "rising giant" in international trade. Surveys the path to growth, the reasons for success, and problems and new challenges facing the country as it seeks developed nation status. (GEA)

This article describes how to involve students in creative follow-up activities for the six-episode public television series called "Newscast from the Past." Suggested are a class newspaper, mock interviews, time lines, and student-made newscasts complete with commercials. Includes ordering information for the teacher's guide to the series. (JDH)

Discusses the social studies writings of Peter Parley and the elements that made them popular to nineteenth-century students. States that educators should examine these textbooks to find the elements that made the social studies interesting and informative instead of dull and boring, as they are perceived to be today. (GEA)

Eleanor Roosevelt taught history, current events, literature, and drama at the K-12 Todhunter School. Her views concerning social studies are discussed. She believed that the primary purpose of education in a democracy was the development of informed, productive citizens in an atmosphere in which individuals could reach their full potential. (RM)

Examines the origins of the Bill of Rights. Explores the temptation to focus on current problems at the expense of the future. Introduces four articles concerning teaching about the Bill of Rights. (SG)

Reminds teachers that American Indians played a major role in shaping the modern world. Notes that the indigenous peoples of the Americas introduced European American settlers to a variety of foods and agricultural methods. Argues that American Indians also contributed to U.S. concepts of democracy and federalism. Provides guidelines for teaching…