Evaluates the "expanding environments" approach to social studies education. Argues that the sequence fails to portray the political environment realistically. Suggests an alternative approach that would bring all political organization levels together at each grade level. Concludes that such an approach would give students a more…

Maintains that civic competence and socially responsible behavior have been among the 10 developmental tasks of adolescence since the 1950s. Contends that the decline of interest in political socialization must be shared by both political science and developmental psychology. Discusses community service as a measure of civic competence. (CFR)

This extensive bibliography of books, ERIC documents, and journal articles is intended for use by researchers at the postsecondary level and beyond. Standard bibliographic data (author, date, title, place, and publisher) are included under various headings except in the case of ERIC documents, for which author, title, and "ED" number are given.…

This monograph contains five papers concerning political education in Canada. Chapter 1, "Political Education and the Teaching of Politics," considers the historical and philosophical connections between education and politics. Chapter 2, "Civics, Citizenship and Politics: Political Education in the Schools," explores…

A model presidential nominating convention gathered 4,000 students from three states in May 1984 and selected Gary Hart as the Democratic nominee. Preconvention training prepares students to run the convention themselves while learning the political process in action. (MD)

Complaints about changes in East German education following the break-down of the communist system are widespread. Critics are dissatisfied with: (1) the rapid pace of change; (2) the lack of genuine East German solutions; (3) the loss of the German Democratic Republic's (GDR's) identity; (4) dominance by Western Germany; and (5) the lack of West…

Reviews the articles appearing in this issue. Points out the relationship between justice and tolerance for minority groups and citizenship education. Cautions against government use of education to discourage critical reflection on societal issues. (CFR)

Reviews the constraints on implementing an issue-centered approach to social studies education and argues that schools play an important role in socializing students into society. Concludes that advocates of new theories of social studies education must take into account the realities of contemporary school and society. (SLM)

Describes a study of 14 fifth graders concerning their understanding and attitudes toward the Persian Gulf War. Finds that the public school served as a significant socialization agent during the war, although television was even more important. Concludes that patriotic issues and activities overshadowed any attempts to have students think…

Seven articles discuss censorship, intellectual freedom, and information policy in the context of federal and state legislation, humanism and the religious right, technological advancement, the author's point of view, current school policies, and the Library Bill of Rights for elementary and secondary schools. (CLB)

Presents a comprehensive plan for restructuring the intermediate grade curriculum. Emphasizes hands-on training, extracurricular activities, and vocational and physical education. Includes eight tables detailing weekly time allotted for core and elective courses throughout the grades. Emphasizes the need for active, vigorous young people to lead…

Argues that one of the most valuable contributions that an internationally oriented education system can provide is to inhibit the development of an overly conformist attitude. Contends that the ability to dissent is essential for healthy personal and societal functioning. Recommends that education about dissent should be made compulsory. (CFR)

This paper focuses on the current trends and issues in social studies education based on the literature that passes through the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (Indiana). Four trends pertaining to teaching content in history, geography, civics, and science in society have emerged from a review of the literature.…

Contends that citizenship and democracy are two of the most overused words in social studies classrooms. Maintains that schools must walk a tightrope between those fostering patriotic attitudes and those fostering critical-mindedness and protest. Includes four suggestions for critical thinking in social studies. (CFR)

Asserts that preparing students to be rational decision makers in a democracy and productive participants in the economy are major goals of education. Argues social studies education must provide opportunities for analysis and decision making related to current major issues. Identifies the National Issues Forum in the Classroom program as an…