This article traces the development of the concept and roles of literacy in Western civilization. Current concern about declining literacy in American students is discussed historically in terms of (1) rising literacy standards; (2) applying the standards and tastes of traditional elites to the larger population; and (3) the perennial…

The compelling career of the late Margaret Trowell and her efforts to infuse local cultures into the study of art in East Africa are discussed. Her chief concern was to make it plain that art is of the people and natural to the people. (RM)

Reviews the life, theories, and influence of Alexander von Humboldt, the early nineteenth century founder of modern geography. Maintains that Humboldt's novel approaches to the study of landscape antiquities have value for contemporary students in cultural and historical geography. (JDH)

Examines the developmental education movement in the United States in the nineteenth century, looking at the nature of student inadequacies, the various models and methods used, and the causes and effects of the admission of underprepared students. (DMM)

The primary concerns of the American Education Society (AES), formed in Boston in 1815 as part of a Protestant crusade to save the nation, were the education of ministers and the revitalization of religion. The educational influence of the AES in antebellum higher education is discussed. (RM)

Efforts to make over German universities in the image of Nazism failed, not because of the strength of the moral convictions of the professors or their faith in the professional values of the universities, but rather because of the weaknesses inherent in the ideology and organization of Nazism.(RM)

The history of the Western Arts Association, organized in 1893, is presented. The Association's original constitution is included. (RM)

Describes founding in 1870 of a German gymnasium in Buffalo, arguing that it illustrates both the continuing European influence on American educational institutions and the process by which such institutions are adapted to conditions in the United States. (Author/CMG)

The historical consensus seems to be that there is no one best method for teaching social studies. Rather the best is any variety of methods that a teacher finds comfortable. The literature of the history of social studies holds many useful ideas for today's teachers. (RM)

Discusses how the work of art theorists, art educators, psychologists, and anthropologists who were predecessors or contemporaries of Viktor Lowenfeld influenced Lowenfeld's philosophy and theory of art education. Included are Friedrich Froebel, James Sully, Franz Cizek, Siegfried Levinstein, Max Verworn, Walter Krotzsch, George Luquet, and Karl…

The eminent eighteenth-century encyclopedia editor and French philosopher, Denis Diderot, exercised a powerful influence on thought and culture in Western and Eastern Europe. He was interested and involved in educational activities and ideas and contributed to pedagogical literature. His life, work, and educational thought are examined. (RM)

The most critical reason for an understanding of reading's history is that many of the classic writers saw and understood the reading process with great individual insight and understanding. Rather than being of only passing historical interest, these classic readings are relevant and important for today's reading teacher. This book offers…

This reader introduces students to the history of U.S. higher education. It is designed for courses in educational history or in United States history dealing with intellectual history. The selections are: (1) "History of Universities" (Harold Perkin); (2) "College" (Lawrence A. Cremin); (3) "From Religion to Politics; Debates and Confrontations…

The history of James Burrill Angell as the president of the University of Michigan presents a case study of the role of 19th century liberal Protestant university builders in the eventual marginalization of religion from the mainstream of U.S. higher education. Angell's tenure, which began in 1871, encompassed the period in which the modern…

The emergence of migrant advocates was sparked by the 1960 telecast of the documentary "Harvest of Shame." In the first step forward, Congress enacted a program establishing migrant health centers in 1961. In 1965 the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed, in which Title I promised special educational help for disadvantaged…