We present the process our institution used to create a statistics requirement for almost all incoming first-year students. From conception and planning, to hiring and acceptance by the university community, we offer lessons learned should you consider making such a shift in your own curriculum.

In this article, the author discusses the origins, goals, structures, and evaluations for a required course in gender studies at the university at which she teaches. This article will be of assistance to faculty members who may be interested in beginning a discussion of how such a course can be implemented at their own institutions. The course,…

Many college students majoring in the social sciences find the required statistics course to be dull as well as difficult. Further, they often do not retain much of the material, which limits their success in subsequent courses. We describe a few simple changes, the incorporation of which may enhance student learning. (Contains 1 table.)

Presents results of a national survey collecting data about the current status of and trends in elective social studies programs in secondary schools. Reports that most schools offer elective programs, usually optional rather than required electives. Concludes that psychology and sociology were the most common electives. Includes tables showing…

Reports on five National Endowment for the Humanities seminars held in Texas to exchange ideas concerning a law mandating a core curriculum in the state's college and university system. Questions centered on the ramifications for the curriculum, selection of courses for revision, and the role of the humanities in such a curriculum. (KO)

Asserts that issues of economic literacy have typically focused on the content of individual courses, teaching approaches, and the curriculum for the economics major. Describes a program offering an economics minor including curriculum requirement, student recruitment and retention, and the costs and benefits to the institution. (CFR)

Discusses the social studies requirements of Sidney High School (Ohio) and the place of geography in the curriculum. Maintains the importance of geography. Outlines several world geography activities used at the school including supermarket geography that teaches students the origin of their food. (RW)

Prepared by the teaching staff and curriculum office of the Mehlville (Missouri) School District, this curriculum guide for senior high school English presents a dual focus on language (grammar, usage, composition) and literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, media). Following a statement of the philosophy of the program, the guide outlines…

Four rationales for free enterprise economics education are discussed and information sources for economics teachers are listed. About half the states in this country have mandates requiring economics instruction. Rationales for free enterprise education, for consumer or personal economics, for economics from a global perspective, and for…

Asserts that, among trends in higher education, none is more debated than the place of general education and the use of the core curriculum as an antidote to specialized education. Argues that psychology can be effectively presented to undergraduates in an interdisciplinary core curriculum. (CFR)

Contends that many colleges and universities have reviewed and revised their liberal arts curriculum in recent years, paying particular attention to the "capstone course," a culminating experience for students in their major field. Concludes that a capstone course should transcend other sociology courses and help assess students'…

In the personalized system of instruction (PSI) used in beginning communication courses at George Mason University (Virginia), the students do more than read text materials and master cognitive course objectives. They are encouraged to have experiences that reinforce what they read and to consider how these experiences relate to everyday life. The…

Explains two factors that influence economic education: state mandates and teacher background. Gives an overview of a typical one-semester economics course and teacher ranking of course goals. Cites research showing that students' average economic understanding increases six percent after economics instruction. Concludes that although states are…

Music majors at the three-year New York Bible college, Practical Bible Training School (PBTS), have been unable to transfer music credits to other colleges to complete baccalaureate degrees due to a dissimilarity in program requirements. Program requirements at 44 Christian colleges where PBTS graduates were likely to transfer were compared in…

Discusses "Liberal Learning and the History Major," a report on the state of history education by the American Historical Association that cited a need for curricular structure in and continuity among history departments. Includes an overview of recommendations on curriculum, active learning, and emphasis on research and writing skills.…