Maintains that in order for students to participate effectively in a democracy they must be exposed to different viewpoints. Shows that high school history textbooks avoid controversy, leave out vital information, and are biased. Argues textbooks should be subject to a fairness test that includes constitutional scrutiny. (RW)

Jean Jacques Rousseau in France and Johann Gottfied Herder in Germany both emphasized the role of education in building the nation-state. However, Rousseau focused on shaping the national character through citizenship education and political socialization in public schools, while Herder saw a national identity evolving from a common culture and…

Civic socialization characterizes the process by which each individual assimilates a certain system of knowledge, norms, values, and traditions in the labor, political, and legal spheres of activity in his life, enabling him to function as a full-fledged member of society. It is defined by three elements: (1) professional socialization, which…

Past research on political socialization has failed to provide clear implications for educational policy or practice. However, reconceptualizing that research using a framework derived from cognitive psychology can reveal relationships between political socialization and education not previously seen. In this reconceptualization, schema or…

Barnes, an educator and textbook author, was a pioneer in the use of inquiry to teach secondary school history. Her work is criticized for the indoctrination it entailed and for its failure to encourage students to identify and examine the spiritual and political premises underlying the historical framework Barnes presented. (IAH)

With both the content and methods of instruction about patriotism differing from one society to another and within a given society from one educational institution to another, this paper describes a framework for analyzing the teaching of patriotism and illustrates how such a framework can be used in comparing patriotism instruction across…

Civic education in schools is necessary in a democratic society, so as to produce citizens who are able to participate in the system of self-government. Thomas Jefferson, Horace Mann, and John Dewey each emphasized the value of good citizenship and promoted the role of public education in teaching citizens the knowledge and skills necessary for…

A program in civic education is or should be at the heart of general education in community colleges. Citizenship education is congruent with the mission of the community college in that it is a practical enterprise leading to self-governance; it is integrative, using a variety of cognitive skills, attitudes and knowledge; it is community…

Eight papers focus on a variety of themes concerning the character of citizenship and the nature of education in modern society. For example, one paper explores the thesis that the traditional basic categories in which the requirements of citizenship have been conceived--ruling and authority, obedience and loyalty--have already broken down and…

Fifteen articles (and four synthesis chapters) compare and contrast objectives, practices, and problems of social/political education in the United States, Great Britain, and West Germany. Social/political education is interpreted to include that area of pre-university teaching referred to in the United States most often as social studies or…

Discusses socio-civic education as it occurs in schools and nonschool social organizations. Advocates a cooperation between these institutions to promote civic attitudes and behaviors needed by young citizens in today's society. Lists several interrelated factors affecting and methods for improving citizenship education. (AEM)

Argues the importance of teaching students about the common culture of our diverse democracy. States that this common culture is composed of the democratic, work, and Judeo-Christian ethics. Describes how these ethics function to help preserve and transmit our common culture. (JDH)

Describes ways in which schools can help immigrant children overcome refugee trauma, differences in language, culture, religion, and problems arising because of social stratification and prejudice in American society. Reviews the benefits derived by all students from successful educational practices. (JDH)

Presents selected results from an April, 1984 public opinion survey conducted by the U. S. Committee for Refugees which revealed a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes among Americans toward refugees. Suggests classroom activities to illustrate the refugee dilemma. (JDH)

Presents a basis of a history framework for program development in civics in Canadian schools. Identifies elements of government that are associated with civics and selects historical events through which to study these elements. Discusses the history of thought, history as a science, constitutional history, the government, leaders, and national…