Describes complexities experienced in revising an introductory course in western civilization at the University of Kansas. Observes an important component was the inclusion of primary sources on the reading list. Discusses text selection and explains the efforts to achieve a historical balance and cover issues such as racism, sexism, and…

Discusses the use of simulations in the history classroom. Focuses on a simulation of the German Reichstag election of 1932, used in a modern German history course at Eastern Oregon University (La Grande, Oregon). Provides information on the setting, roles, the simulation procedures, and possible outcomes. (CMK)

Directs a class at the University of Minnesota (Duluth) for teachers at developing effective research skills and historical mindedness. Teachers study a topic and write curriculum using primary sources as basic texts. Outlines the curriculum process and includes three case studies. Includes teaching activity worksheets. (NL)

Uses of three-dimensional objects in college level history courses are described, including using artifacts to enliven and invigorate classroom teaching and to convey a sense of the past to students. Journal available from Loren E. Pennington, Division of Social Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas 66801. (DB)

Describes an open admissions program, a public university's nontraditional population, and their unique academic needs. Provides a political science briefing book assignment in which students research and write about one country. Claims the book is effective in helping students to organize and focus their thoughts and to improve their research and…

Outlines an innovative way of teaching "World History Since 1500" at Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama) called the "great roads" approach, centered upon important roads in a country's history. Presents the "Veracruz to Mexico City corridor" case study used to teach a Latin American modern history course. (CMK)

Describes a Niagara University (New York) senior seminar designed to teach research, writing, and analytical skills by using a major research essay. Utilizes family history to understand the nature and methods of historical research. Includes a reading list and an outline for a class project of a comprehensive family research project. (NL)

Notes difficulties encountered teaching history in an open university. Describes methodology used in a twentieth-century history course, combining current events with the course content. Using a major continuing news story as the basis for a semester project, students are asked to consider multiple scenarios and to predict outcomes of current…

Noting that college history teachers must often contend with student reading problems, the article recommends ways of improving student comprehension of textbooks. Methods center on selecting a proper textbook and on having students preview, paraphrase, analyze, and review. Journal available from Loren E. Pennington, Division of Social Sciences,…