This response to recent criticisms of the new social studies deals with some of the problems in areas of inquiry, value clarification, humanization, current events, and conflict resolution found in social studies texts. (JR)

An introductory and a negotiations exercise offer activities related to the choices offered to the participants in the American Revolution. The choices offered are discussed from the viewpoint of Roger Fisher, a law professor. (KM)

Activity requires secondary students to make an entrepreneurial decision concerning a conflict between long-term and short-term results. Students read a dilemma story involving an automobile manufacturer. They must write down positive and negative consequences for alternative decisions on a "Human Consequences Matrix" and an "Economic Consequences…

Presents a hypothetical debate between an Arab and an Israeli concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict. Topics discussed include war, atrocities by Arabs and Israelis, refugees, western influence in the Middle East, and prospects for peace. The article concludes with questions and activities based on the debate. (Author/DB)

This article discusses four current explanations for man's failure to resolve conflicts. Information about and techniques for improving human judgment and opportunities for students to learn to use these are needed to improve efforts to solve social problems. (KM)

Presents background information on creative and destructive conflict between and among nations, treaty negotiations, political decision making, environmental conflicts, and research and training in conflict resolution. Suggestions for individual and group involvement are presented. (DB)

Discusses how to incorporate conflict resolution into history focusing on the Conflict Resolution in History project. Provides a case study depicting how to use conflict resolution by presenting a lesson plan exploring the 1846 War between the United States and Mexico. (CMK)

Presents survey results from U.S. and Japanese high school and college students on the current state and future of the relationship between their two countries. Identifies major issues and explaining how to improve the relationship. Concludes that the students were most concerned with the development of understanding between the two cultures. (DK)

Outlines a series of teaching activities to be used in conjunction with Robert E. Lee's letter of resignation. These include textual analysis, class discussions, writing assignments, and student research. Includes a photocopy of the letter as well as a brief discussion of Lee's role in the Civil War. (MJP)

Uses the "Westside Community Schools" case that involved religious freedom to illustrate using mediation as a form of conflict resolution. Provides instructions to the teacher and a sketch of participants' roles in simulation role-play exercise. Lists additional resources on religious freedom and conflict resolution. (DB)

Reports on the views of 73 secondary school Japanese students toward the United Nations. Finds that most tend to think of the UN as relevant to conflicts. Describes how the hunger issue was used in an English-as-a-Second-Language class to teach about the United Nations. (CFR)

Presents a simulation that focuses on Kurdish nationalism and the struggle for autonomy and independence from the states that rule over Kurdish lands. Students assume the roles of either one of the countries directly involved or the governing body of the United Nations. Includes extensive background material. (MJP)