This paper offers a critique of western culture's use and abuse of scholarly traditions and activities through secularization. The paper argues that scholarly activity is connected to forms that tend to function as "religion" and that modern academe refuses to acknowledge the forms as a kind of secular religion, thereby promoting a…

The effects of a grade 6 reading/language arts curriculum designed to help non-Amish students develop an appreciation and understanding of Amish culture were examined. The study took place in a Pennsylvania township near a large Amish settlement. Two classes (one experimental group, one control group) were administered pre- and post-semantic…

Censorship in the schools is on the rise, and court decisions in critical cases have not clarified guidelines for protecting student rights. In the face of this storm school officials must be prepared to make decisions that foster serious, contemplative thinking and analysis, irrespective of pressure group actions. (MD)

This slide exercise is intended to communicate information about the three major monotheistic religions of the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The exercise focuses on beliefs, events, symbols, institutions, and practices important to the three religions, but the main purpose is to impress upon students the many things that these…

When the debate heats up over the separation of church and state issue board members need to be keenly aware of the fine line that exists between promoting nonreligious activities in school and encouraging an antireligious sentiment. Ten reminders are given for board members and administrators to remember when addressing the issue of religion in…

Offers suggestions for a sociology course in extraordinary groups, utopian studies, or alternative communities to help broaden awareness and understanding of human behavior, past and present groups, and cultural pluralism. Includes ideas for field trips, projects, readings, and films and videos. Discusses basing lectures on commitment, conversion,…

Examines the variety of informal groups of adolescents that exist throughout Russia today. Categorizes these groups according to their beliefs and behavior. Maintains that the situation of Russian young people today is a disaster zone. (CFR)

This paper argues that religion should be taught as a separate class in the public schools. Reasons for teaching religion include: (1) religious believes affect human behavior in strong observable ways; (2) churches abound in number throughout the United States; (3) different religions tend to teach a somewhat common core of values while values…

This annotated bibliography is a compilation of audio/visual materials related to Jewish and religious studies that are held by the Film Library of Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana). A subject index is followed by an alphabetical listing by title of 206 items. Included in the annotations are: (1) format indications; (2) rental cost; (3)…

This theme issue looks at three issues of religious tolerance. The first article examines a case recently decided by the United States Supreme Court on student-led prayers at school events. The second article explores the persecution suffered by members of the Mormon religion during the 19th century. The final article looks at Martin Luther and…

This curriculum project explores three genres of spiritual location: the synagogue, the mosque, and the cathedral. The project examines their distinct elements and the elements that tie them together as sacred places that transcend time and place. It lists five student objectives: (1) identify the basic structural elements; (2) explain the use of…

First Amendment responsibilities of public colleges and universities to provide access to university facilities for First Amendment activity are analyzed within the public forum doctrine. State action doctrine and implications for private institutions are considered, public forum law in the university setting is discussed, and recent litigation is…

A discussion of education in the Netherlands focuses on the receptivity of the Dutch culture to new ideas in education, the position of private education alongside public education, and observations made during visits to Dutch elementary and secondary schools. (MSE)

Continues a series by presenting a representative list of fiction and nonfiction titles on the topic of baseball and cultural diversity. Sources and novels on African-American, Latin American, and Jewish ballplayers are listed, for a total of 246 references. (SLD)

This bibliography is a guide for selecting children's books with overt religious themes and for the evaluation of this area in library collections. It is designed to be both current and critical, and can be used by church and synagogue libraries, directors of religious education, parents, and public or school libraries. The bibliography is…