David Clavier advances four arguments for placing administrative control of public relations education programs in the hands of journalism departments: (1) tradition, (2) professional associations, (3) essential skills, and (4) resources. However, there is a trend away from teaching public relations in journalism departments because such curricula…

The changing demographics of educational administration students and the resulting changes in academic advising are examined in this paper. Personal experiences, observations, and informal talks with hundreds of professors, graduate students, and practitioners are the basis for the research. The intent of the paper is not to provide descriptions…

This issue of "Focus" includes nine essays addressing various concerns related to curriculum, theory, research, teaching strategies, student and faculty issues, and other matters pertinent to the Utah community colleges. The issue contains: (1) "Comment: Making Quality 'Job One' in the Community College," by Don A. Carpenter;…

The terms "humanities" and "new technology" have a broad spectrum of meanings, which often imply a tension between two somewhat incompatible concepts. If one views humanities as the general learning that should be in the possession of all human beings and new technology as the convergence of two or more sophisticated technologies in expansive and…

As the child care field moves toward professionalism, it is necessary to consider the ways in which academic instruction may enhance professionalization. One dimension of the definition of a profession is that a profession has control over the key elements of its own destiny. For example, a profession (1) controls entry into the profession, (2)…

The characteristics, responsibilities, and functions of curriculum professors are examined using a symbolic approach. Education is an area of endeavor representing a high level of symbolic activity, and insofar as curriculum centers on what is or should be taught in the schools and how it should be treated, curriculum workers occupy symbolically…

Excerpts from Cornell University president Frank H. T. Rhodes's recent speech calling for a return to college curricula that enhances students' intellectual and moral well-being, provides more educational coherence and breadth, and embodies a philosophy of commitment are presented. (MSE)

While there is good reason to stress critical thinking skills in the liberal arts curriculum, these skills should be complemented by training in alternative methodologies that focus on synthetic, dialectic, and creative modes of awareness and expression. (MSE)

The author defends and clarifies a previous assertion that college faculty may need to be taught to take advantage of classroom opportunities to make insights and awareness clear to their students. (MSE)

Education in democratic leadership requires teaching and encouraging students to improve their capacities for observation, reflection, imagination, invention, and judgment. The liberal arts college has a role in educating a nation of citizen-leaders who will treat civic and societal leadership as an individual obligation. (MSE)

Although the goals of critical thinking are to foster critical ability and broad-mindedness, it tends to encourage absolutism, promote passivity, and breed intolerance. The current concentration on critical thinking's reductionism should be balanced with the teaching of alternative approaches to understanding knowledge and reality. (Author/LB)

The American undergraduate curriculum has historically been designed to meet the twin goals of intellectual advancement and utility, constantly replacing outdated curricula with new ones. The current challenge is to stretch the traditions of inquiry and scholarship to meet new marketplace demands. (MSE)

Courses on the Constitution must focus on the principles of government. Those principles and how the understanding of those principles shaped the document are appropriate subjects for consideration. The best sources for an examination of the Constitution are "The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787" and "The Federalist."…

Raises questions about the value of general education: Is general education a historical ideal whose time is past? Why include general education as a basis for accreditation? In what ways is general education central to other higher learning? Should some specialized institutions be allowed to waive the general education component? (DMM)

Offers six organizational principles for restructuring liberal education focusing on educational coherence and commonality, institutional commitment, alternative models, undergraduate educational needs, and political responsiveness. (DMM)