The debate over political correctness and cultural diversity in U.S. higher education is examined, and three basic questions are raised: who is to be taught?, what is to be taught?, and who will teach it?. Higher education's contribution to social change is seen to be its ability to discuss issues with openness, candor, and reason. (DB)

Encourages the use of constructive controversy as a teaching method that combines cooperative learning with structured intellectual conflict. Contrasts the controversy teaching format with recitation and group discussion, and explains the method's five-step process, which moves from preparing the best possible case for a given position to dropping…

In a behavioral experiment, students have the opportunity to succeed without the threat of failure. (Editor/PG)

Discusses why it is intellectually, morally, and politically important to teach college students about thinking that is exploratory and suggestive. Considers what is involved in teaching such a course, and how to evaluate the thinking that is developed. (SLD)

Economic factors in education are among the important causes of poor student performance. The time that students must work to support themselves has increased greatly to the extent that students are stretched thin between their desire to graduate as rapidly as possible and their need to have an income. (MLW)

This article discusses the evolution and impact of ethnic and women's studies on college campuses, noting the existence of about 700 ethnic and 620 women's studies programs. It responds to common criticisms (e.g., such programs emphasize differences and thus foster divisiveness) and notes challenges, both personal and institutional, offered by…

Study abroad programs in Paris and the French provinces offer a variety of opportunities for study by both language and nonlanguage majors, and for faculty directing programs. Courses have varying structures, objectives, and costs, but continue to be generally popular. (MSE)

Reports on a survey of 571 college English departments which indicated that almost all use a core of works and have not abandoned traditional texts, that professors view multicultural understanding as a goal but not a primary goal of literature classes, and that such theoretical approaches as the history of ideas and New Criticism do influence…

A survey of over 300 colleges and universities indicates that multicultural education is on the ascendancy. Educational issues are raised concerning the application of multicultural education principles on college campuses. These include philosophical issues, curricular issues, faculty issues, pedagogical issues, and the curriculum development…

This article summarizes conclusions from a survey of the multicultural curriculum practices of 196 U.S. colleges and universities. Among findings are that 34 percent have a multicultural general education requirement, 54 percent have introduced multiculturalism into course offerings, and most institutions are seeking to increase faculty…

A Grinnell College (Iowa) study investigated whether students (n=200) felt that balanced discussion of racial/diversity issues was possible and why they did or did not want to discuss the issues. Most thought balanced discussion was impossible, feared a single viewpoint would dominate, and feared reprisal for speaking against the dominant…

A program that brings together students entering demanding professions (law, medicine, and nursing) to explore issues of ethics and professionalism is described. The course uses thought-provoking stories, classroom discussion, student journals, and collaborative teaching. Lessons learned from teaching the course a number of times are also…