To provide a background against which news and other information about world affairs will become more meaningful, this pamphlet describes the processes through which the mass media provides world affairs information to the public. It also discusses how various groups in the population make use of the information that is made available to them. The…

This document explores the impact of television coverage on foreign policy decision making and the complexities of a changing media-foreign policy relationship in an era of global television. Government officials believe that television news has a great effect on foreign policy decisions. By contrast, many political scientists contend that…

Explains a method for teaching current events that helps students understand an event's setting, character, vocabulary, and plot. Provides a lesson that approaches the Persian Gulf crisis as a living novel. Uses news stories for information. Includes review questions, suggested activities, and a Middle Eastern parable. (CH)

Presents a lesson plan that compares freedom of the press in the United States and other countries. Reveals the extent to which the First Amendment protects press freedom from abuses found in other countries. Includes a world map illustrating areas enjoying freedom of the press, and related statistical tables. (MJP)