American colleges and universities are failing at civic education. Too many graduates are ignorant of basic facts about American history and institutions. According to its most recent report on what colleges and universities teach students, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) found that only 214 institutions out of 1,135 (about 19…

This report surveys the political and legal background for Arizona's civics instruction in public higher education. It then examines in detail how the three major public universities under the jurisdiction of Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)--the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University--teach civics and…

Fear for the future of democracy in the 1930s and 1940s led university educators to redefine the purpose of general education as preparation for democratic citizenship. This mobilized social scientists to engage in curricular reform and experiment with progressive pedagogical practices in new general education courses. These courses have been…

Dexter Evans recalled being taught the basics of social studies in high school: the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and three branches of federal government. Although it was more than five years ago when he graduated high school, he says most of the social studies/civics lessons were taught in the classroom and with limited…

In this article, the author talks about the report "A Crucible Moment: College Learning & Democracy's Future," which provides a blueprint of what higher education ought "not" to do. The document was produced by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), an organization with a long history not only of demanding the advancement of…

This paper discusses Thomas Jefferson's evolving concept of the form and manner of education most useful for republican citizens. Jefferson both respected and resented Europe's claims of superiority in cultural matters. But as captivated as Jefferson was by European artistic and literary attainments, he was appalled at the misery and squalor that…

This viewer's guide is designed to encourage discussion about the issues covered in the four-part public television series "Liberty & Limits: 'The Federalist' Idea 200 Years Later" that aired during 1997. The series examines whether the current U.S. political system still matches the vision of its founders. The guide offers: an essay…

Takes issue with an essay by Lewis Lapham that criticizes the literacy and historical knowledge of school children and suggests that democracy depends on an informed and literate citizenry. Gives historical context to the idea of an informed citizenry by looking at public involvement and response to the Lincoln-Douglas debates. (TB)

This article uses six texts (from Thomas Jefferson, the United States Supreme Court, the Morrill Act of 1862, the penny coin, John Kemeny, and H.G. Wells) to stress the importance of liberal education in creating individuals who think critically. The texts address liberal education in relation to economic development, diversity, rapid change, and…

This book provides a detailed account of the role of the state of New York in the history and development of the United States Constitution. The document consists of some 68 essays, in addition to a foreword, editors' introduction, and chronology of bicentennial dates. Part 1, "Origins of Constitutionalism in New York," addresses such…

This book of essays connects controversies over rights and liberties today to their historical antecedents while explaining how social, political, and cultural changes have influenced understandings of specific provisions of the Bill of Rights. Written for teachers using a collaborative effort, each essay is accompanied by bibliographic…

Discusses the lack of common knowledge among today's students, illustrating the societal and political consequences of education which fails to provide all students with some basic, agreed-upon foundation of shared knowledge. States that the re-establishment of a common national vocabulary is possible, workable, and necessary for preserving the…

This book reconsiders why and how U.S. humanities education is taught. A humanities program should teach students not just memorizable facts but analytical skills that are vital for a critically informed citizenry. Innovative research is important as the basis of such a curriculum. Specific suggestions are outlined for translating curriculum goals…

A survey conducted by the Council for Excellence in Government and The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) reveals unprecedented information about the content and significance of civics and social studies classes today. Overall, the curriculum and message of history and social studies classes appear to be more…

As with many U.S. colleges and universities during World War II, Stanford University responded to the demands of mobilization by increasing its commitment to technical training and adopting a defense research agenda. In a striking departure from this national trend, however, Stanford also established its School of Humanities in 1942. By examining…