Postcolonial theory remains part of the challenge of literary theory to curriculum development. As the author's personal history suggests, it is more than simply another way of reading and interpretation, but enables an engagement with, a bearing witness to, the gross inequalities of the world today. Drama is a good example, evidenced by the…

Unusual insights, presented in college freshmen papers, concerning events from the Middle Ages to the present are the focus of this essay. (RM)

Argues that historians are revisionists in that personal and cultural conditioning is automatically reflected in their interpretations. Illustrates this point by presenting the contrasting views of Lowell Mason, an influential 19th century musician and music educator. Concludes that by recognizing these conscious and unconscious influences upon…

Offers a perspective on the scholarly activity of Neil Postman, a major analyst and critic of contemporary education, politics, and culture. Offers insights into Postman's perspective on media and technology by framing it as a theory of the postmodern. (SR)

The history and decline of an undergraduate interdisciplinary course on contemporary Britain at the University of Sussex are described. It is suggested that interdisciplinary courses require higher investment of resources and commitment to survive, and structural constraints and features are of continuing concern to their proponents. (MSE)

Discusses the nature and purpose of rhetorical criticism within academic, political, and historical contexts. Traces some of the ideological forces underlying twentieth century criticism. Considers the works of Herbert Wichelns, Kenneth Burke, Forbes Hill, Lawrence Rosenfield, and Martin Heidegger. (PD)

Reviews the modern academy's intellectual foundations, rooted in Marcuse's, Ginsburg's, Kerouac's, and Mailer's ideas. Highlights Kimball's new book on the 1960s cultural revolution. Questions the notion that the 1960s were about peace, love, compassion, and diversity, revealing deep connections between modern political correctness and Marcusian…

Discusses the degree of acceptance of jazz in the contemporary music education curriculum. Contends that historically, jazz was given little respect by music educators. Points out this attitude changed in the 1960s. Explores the historical reasons for this change in attitude and posits a societal value reversal process to explain these changes.…

Proposes the use of postage stamps as sources of information and visual aids in teaching the culture and civilization of the German Democratic Republic. Illustrates how stamps can provide interesting insights into areas such as history, economy, socio-political customs, foreign policy and the arts. (MES)

Examines the philosophical and judicial conflicts on the U.S. Supreme Court between justices Douglas and Frankfurter. Traces their disagreements citing specific court cases. States they represented judicial activism and judicial restraint. Concludes it is possible that the country benefited from the philosophical tensions and debates generated by…

This document addresses the importance of teaching contemporary history. The failure to teach contemporary history leaves students ill equipped to deal with the present and the future, and also ensures that they will have little interest in the history of other times. Because memory is the central organizing principle in peoples minds, the…

Readers of holocaust literature can learn from the common person as hero. If traditional heroic models are less frequent in holocaust literature than in Greek, Roman, and Elizabethan literature, the common person defying his or her fate and still trying to survive is still worthy of attention. In this insistence on survival, a freedom of spirit is…

Contends that courses on nuclear war must help students examine the political, social, religious, philosophical, economic, and moral assumptions which characterized the dilemma of nuclear armament/disarmament. Describes the upper level undergraduate course taught by the authors. (JDH)

Much of the content of college courses on the Vietnam War is superficial and biased toward the American point of view. The greatest problem is ignorance about the Vietnamese perspective, both Communist and non-Communist. (MSE)

Reviews the shortcomings of the European university of the 1930s as described by Ortega y Gasset in "The Mission of the University." Considers Ortega's recommendations for educational and political reform within the context of his concepts of life, culture, science, historical crisis, and vocation. Addresses his objectives for teaching…