Thanks to certain "common ground" statements, the study of religion may gain a legitimate place in the curriculum and help stem an exodus from public schools. Textbooks have obliterated economics' religious connections. Ignoring religious perspectives about the world is profoundly illiberal, politically unjust, and unconstitutional.…

Argues that the rise of Islamic fundamentalism since the Iranian Revolution has generated a number of issues of analytical significance for political science. Describes three main models in teaching and research on Islamic fundamentalism: Islamic exceptionalism, comparative fundamentalisms, and class analysis. Discusses the construction of a…

Addresses U.S. public education's continuing unwillingness to deal with religious issues. Suggests that confusion over legalities, embarrassment, and ignorance contribute to the lack of instruction about religion. Examines what students miss when schools ignore religious topics and how students learn less than the whole truth about U.S. history.…

Provides guidelines for successful classroom teaching about religion. Contends that teachers must be free of advocacy and that teachers should not solicit information about students religious affiliation. Encourages teachers to avoid the pitfalls of relativism and reductionism when discussing religion. (DB)

The growing movement for teaching about religion in the public schools, as distinguished from religious instruction or devotional exercises, reflects widespread concern regarding the phenomenon of religious illiteracy and the lack of knowledge or understanding of the significant role played by religion in U.S. life, past and present, and in world…

Offers a perspective on the challenge teachers face with the question of religion's role in the public schools. Discusses seven guidelines for curricular decision making. Cautions against seeking absolute solutions to the questions that will continue to surround the religious liberty provisions of the First Amendment. (DB)

Asserts that most textbooks and curriculum guides continue to ignore what most social studies acknowledge: U.S. history cannot be taught properly without frequent discussion of religious topics and issues. Discusses topics and recommends resources for including the teaching about religion in U.S. history. (CFR)

Maintains that a difficulty in teaching humanities survey courses is coordinating data from the various disciplines of cultural history. Recommends the use of creation stories as "windows" on the cultures of the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and the Hebrews. Provides an overview of each culture's creation stories and a bibliography of…

Drawing on contemporary research literature, recently developed curriculum guides, and blue-ribbon reports, this digest reviews 10 contemporary trends in K-12 social studies in the United States. Trends are as follows: (1) History, history, and more history; (2) More geography, too; (3) Using literature to teach social studies; (4) Focus on the…

The social studies curriculum recently has been subjected to many changes. New curriculum patterns coupled with more effective instructional strategies have altered significantly subject content and teaching methods. Drawing from contemporary research literature, newly developed curriculum guides, and blue-ribbon reports from content specialists…