Offers a philosophical history of the nature of public discourse, describing it as a basic constituent of human rights. Analyzes the dichotomy between the common good and tolerance and protection of pluralism. Discusses the philosophical views of Condorcet, Jefferson, Dewey, and Habermas, portraying public discourse in relation to the…

Using the theories of John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx, this article supports the educational entitlements of intellectual freedom and economic sufficiency. Explores these issues in reference to their implications for teaching, the teaching profession and its training. Concludes that ideas cannot be controlled by the interests of the dominant class.…

There is a crisis in democratic public space in the USA. This essay explores key areas that are either causes or effects of the present predicament: post-9-11 fear, neoliberalisation/globalisation, migrating populations, and the growing power of right-wing fundamentalism, among others. (Contains 6 notes.)

A research-based pedagogy which emphasizes shared democratic values holds promise for promoting unity while accommodating diversity in American society. This literature review explores the role of educators in instilling democratic values that are embodied in the "American Creed": freedom, equality, justice, and human dignity for all…

As a result of the Turkish language reform, modern Turkish spans a range of styles from traditional to reformed, the former preferred by right-wing, traditionalist, and religious sectors of the population, the latter by left-wing, modernist, and secular sectors. Turkish students evaluate the two styles differently, and attribute attitudes and…

Data culled from five 1980s studies show that youth today are committed to rewarding careers, good jobs, traditional values, marriage, and family. They are fixated on personal bread-and-butter issues and turn away from community and group problems. (RM)

The emergence of conservative activists among African-American intellectuals in the past decade represents a new leadership stratum among African Americans. The movement is explored, and it is argued that the new African-American conservatism does not represent the sort of natural constituency that old forms of African-American conservatism…

Describes a teacher's experience as a speaker and representative of the religious right at a school board meeting to resolve conflicts over what is suitable reading material for school children. Reviews her personal involvement in the controversy, the nature of the controversy, and the possibility of dialog between the two sides. (TB)

Findings from a study to identify changes in school board political values and school district policy as a result of change in school board members following community dissatisfaction are presented in this paper. The narrow objective was to analyze change in board members' political values and subsequent policy changes resulting from social change…

The first purpose of public education in the United States is to keep the republic going, to improve its institutions, and to help individuals increase their capacity to be better. Limited government is only possible when literate citizens understand the concepts of rule of law, voluntary compliance, individual standards of craftsmanship, and…

The author demonstrates why he thinks the Supreme Court has misinterpreted the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." The author claims that the Supreme Court, based on flawed reading of the…

The effects of Social Darwinism, eugenics, and contemporary political conservatism on the status of advocacy efforts for the mentally retarded are reviewed. Provided are historical sketches of Social Darwinism, which viewed the retarded as members of an inferior race, and eugenics, which argued for sterilization of the "genetically…

Provides insight into the societal significance of youth culture. Maintains existing theories of youth culture fail to account for contemporary phenomena; that youth is changing qualitatively, acquiring a new role in the life-cycle, and a different societal significance. (JDH)

Supports the argument that social values have an impact on family environment, determining the political information and communication activity the child is exposed to and shaping parent-child relations. (PD)

Asserts that the Nobel Peace Prize provides a gateway for teaching the critical issue of peace in history courses. Presents an overview of the origin, development, and history of the Nobel Peace Prize, with special focus on U.S. winners. Includes six suggested student projects and a list of U.S. Nobel Peace Prize winners. (CFR)