Examines the nationalistic bias in the domestic public concept of U.S. foreign policy, and the educational neglect of the critical study of issues. States that critical education in which foreign policy issues are carefully analyzed is the end toward which schools should be striving. (GEA)

The primary goal of social studies is education for political citizenship. Democratic values is the most important type of content to be included in the social studies program of the middle grades. (RM)

Good citizenship calls for the ability to think critically about issues concerning which there may be a difference of opinion and apply democratic values to the issues. Critical thinking has three components: an attitude of carefully considering problems, knowledge of logical inquiry methods, and skill in applying those methods. (MSE)

The purposes of contemporary affairs education are to (1) provide for full intellectual development of students, (2) make school experiences relevant to real life, and (3) extend democratic institutions by developing an informed, curious citizenry. (Author/AV)

The author believes that U.S. history can serve an aesthetic function, contribute to the positive self-image of young Americans by presenting genuine accomplishments of their forepersons, and help students participate more rationally in the attempted resolution of social-political conflicts. (Author/RM)

Individual autonomy and responsibility to society through declared goals of education can be realized only when teachers provide a learning environment in which pupils are encouraged to make autonomous judgments in an environment of cooperative relationships. (JD)

Social development stresses the importance of working together with others in life. The home setting can emphasize social development and its objectives of instruction. How should parents assist the child in quality social development in which good human relations exist? First and foremost, parents should serve as models to children for good human…

Throughout most of Western history, the liberal arts and civic arts were inseparable concepts, but have since become misunderstood. The university must affirm its responsibility to be critical, act on principle rather than simply examine it, and nurture the civic imagination or vision. (Author/MSE)

Identifies contributions which a study of world history can make to students' understanding of good citizenship. A major contribution of world history is that it can encourage students to reflect on situations of current political interest. Teaching methods are suggested (based on recall, inference, value analysis, and hypotheses) to improve…

Discusses the new emphasis of the section on values in the 1981 "California History/Social Science Framework." The development of a personal value system and the study, understanding, and appreciation of the values of others is seen as the basis of American citizenship. (AM)

Explains how social studies classroom teachers can use a biographical approach to citizenship education. The approach is often successful with upper elementary and junior high school students because they are generally interested in new and different ideas at this stage and are beginning to be able to handle reading material such as biographies.…

Points out ways in which concepts from the discipline of political science can be useful in teaching American government and history. Emphasis is placed on helping students understand basic political action choices and decision-making strategies through group work in the social studies classroom. (DB)

Maintaining that social studies classes should teach students to participate and acquire a feeling of political efficacy, the article suggests ways of introducing social participation into the formal curriculum. Ways of using students groups to promote participation are outlined. (DB)

Presents rationale for the study of ethnic pluralism in social studies education and suggests strategies for curriculum development. Ethnic pluralism has direct implication for the universal goals of social studies, and is related to prevailing societal conditions and to social learning theories. (Author/KC)