Understanding history involves being able to construct knowledge about the past from historical traces left behind. In this article, the author describes a five-step strategy using historical obituaries to recreate the social landscapes of the past and raise critical consciousness regarding power relations in different contexts. The strategy is…

One of the most effective methods for teaching social studies events, concepts, and issues incorporates the fine arts into lesson plans. The fine arts, such as photography, architecture, paintings, tapestries, and sculptures reflect the core cultural values, political ideals, and religious beliefs of a civilization and offer excellent…

For democracy to thrive, students increasingly need to participate in democratic education. During the first half of the twentieth century, two education reformers individually developed, refined, and implemented two different forms of democratic education. In this article, the author describes the purpose of public schooling and how John Dewey…

An elementary social studies program should help a child develop an awareness of significant personal social values. Values pertinent to the child from age 4 to 11 are pointed out. Four principle activities in which the child must engage to develop each of these values into behavioral patterns are discussed. (Author/RM)

Teachers who endeavor to build tolerant attitudes in their students often fall into the trap of political correctness. Political correctness can suspend free reflection on the differences inherent in otherness, which is the subject of tolerance, and creates an ideology of the generalized, abstract Other. As a result, teachers prefer to talk about…

Provides a brief annotated bibliography of children's books which may be used to foster greater understanding of the five most popular holidays celebrated in U. S. public schools. The holidays are Columbus Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Valentine's Day. (JDH)

In this article, the author emphasizes decision making rather than mere remembering as a tool for teaching social studies. Decision making should be emphasized at two levels: at the level of deciding what a group of descriptive data means, how these data may be summarized or generalized, what principles they suggest; and also at the level of…

Using examples from Germany, the USSR, and the United States, this article explores the inconsistency of nationalism and chauvinist pride with the commonality of human nature as represented in the values, convictions, creeds, morals, and ethics of the people in these countries. (JDH)

Contends that middle- and upper-income youth may indirectly be the beneficiaries of social systems that are based on policies of injustice for the sake of profit or power. Suggests using an approach that helps such young people see that the establishment of social justice is beneficial to them as well as to the victims of injustice. (CFR)

Characterizes the past 40 years in South Korea as a time of modernization, industrialization, urbanization, and internationalization. Discusses Korean religion and social values; family, kinship, and social life; education; housing, food, and clothing; leisure and sports; and the maintenance of national identity. Examines the Korean synthesis of…

Contends that the key questions in civic education are How should people be treated? and How should disputes between people be resolved? Argues that a moral system is necessary for a civil society and that schools have a responsibility to encourage common-sense notions of ethical behavior. Includes classroom activities to illustrate this approach.…

Advances a vigorous argument for teaching the basic principles of liberal democracy that transcend countries, cultures, and historical eras. Articulates a vision of citizenship education that uses historical examples of totalitarian abuses to emphasize issues of accountability and morality. Discusses ways to make civic education real and relevant.…

Identifies existing problems in the area of social studies education, focusing especially on those generated by the lack of a universally accepted teaching philosophy in the field. Describes a teaching model by which students learn to be internally oriented, experience self-motivated instruction in a democratic classroom, and thereby learn social…

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

Discusses the political developments in South Africa following the demise of apartheid and suggests ways to integrate this subject into the social studies curriculum. Examines the current obstacles and opportunities for the development of democracy in South Africa. Includes a series of teaching activities and related questions. (MJP)