The current preoccupation with testing and curtailments of arts programs add up to educational and cultural deprivation for today's students. In our haste and intensity to achieve, dominate, and acquire, we should not undervalue the spiritual, mental, and emotional amenities provided by the fine arts, which comprise the languages of civilization.…

This booklet presents a variety of materials concerning Neil Simon's play "Laughter on the 23rd Floor." After a brief introduction to the play, the booklet presents a profile of the playwright, several lists of his accomplishments, information on his work for television, a quiz about plays, biographical information on the producer,…

This booklet presents a variety of materials concerning the current revival of the 1961 play "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." After a brief introduction to the play, the booklet discusses the plot of the play, how it went from best seller to prize-winning musical, biographical information on the lead actor (Matthew…

This booklet presents a variety of materials concerning the musical play "Crazy for You," a recasting of the 1930 hit, "Girl Crazy." After a brief historical introduction to the musical play, the booklet presents biographical information on composers George and Ira Gershwin, the book writer, the director, the star…

This booklet presents a variety of materials concerning The Who's rock opera "Tommy." The booklet discusses the plot, the character of Tommy, highlights of "Tommy"'s 25-year history, the evolution of "Tommy," biographical information on the producer, director, actors and designers, awards won by the rock opera,…

Intellectual refinement and spiritual evaluation have been the traditional goals of the humanities and should remain so. If these aims are given up, then the noble endeavors in the humanities such as sustained reflection, intensive research, careful scholarship, inspired teaching, deep learning, and serious discussion will all become discredited…

A humanities course that teaches an appreciation of tradition and culture through the visual arts includes consideration of contemporary art as well as classic paintings and sculpture. Study of Leonardo DaVinci's "Last Supper" provides an exercise in the intellectual approach to religious painting, while the portrait of Mona Lisa by the same…

A high school arts program can add vitality to the school. A good program should include an expanded definition of the scope of the arts and an integrated and process-oriented presentation, with appropriate attention to historical background. (SJL)

According to "Time Magazine,""by 2056...the 'average' U.S. resident...will trace his/her descent to Africa, Asia, the Hispanic world, the Pacific Islands, Arabia--almost anywhere but white Europe." Unfortunately multiculturalism has often been the focus of discussions concerning the problems it causes rather than the number of…

A part of the results of the evaluation of more than 50 federally funded ESEA Title I projects in Philadelphia, this volume reports on the evaluation of the cluster "Cultural, Affective, and Supportive Services." Projects in this cluster seek to provide children with additional activities and services that are designed to enrich their…

Argues for the inclusion of the arts in the curriculum because they involve elements of sound, movement, color, mass, energy, line, space, shape, and language, as well as emotion. Classes encourage perception of the cultural, aesthetic, and social development of man through a medium of personal expression. (JMF)

THE EAGLE PROGRAM AT WANAMAKER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN PHILADELPHIA IS BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT HUMAN BEHAVIOR CAN BE MODIFIED. CULTURAL ENRICHMENT OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN SHOULD THUS EFFECT A CHANGE IN THE ASPIRATIONAL, ACHIEVEMENT, AND ADJUSTMENT PATTERNS WHICH THEY TEND TO FOLLOW. AIMS OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL,…

In light of the fact that young Americans spend hundreds of dollars each year on the arts yet have little training in developing critical skills, this writer outlines what must be done in school arts programs to educate culture consumers. (Author/JM)