Argues that the United States always has possessed a unified political culture (representative democracy defined by compromise and consensus) and a fragmented ethnic and social culture. Claims that concerns about the divisive effect of multicultural education confuse the two realms. Suggests some curriculum topics that address both ideas. (MJP)

Maintains that there are definite and divisive tensions between multicultural education and citizenship education. Identifies various positions, philosophical backgrounds, and political proponents of these two camps. Recommends using both pedagogies to create a sense of community. (MJP)

Provides guidelines, activities, and teaching tips for creating and maintaining an open, cooperative, and participating social studies classroom. These guidelines offer support and structure to the students, encouraging them to engage in constructive dialog without fear of undue criticism or rejection. (MJP)

Presents an introduction and overview concerning integrating use of the Internet with citizenship education. Briefly reviews Web sites useful for citizenship education. These include Thomas, which provides summaries of bills currently going through Congress, and the Electronic Policy Network. (MJP)

Asserts that social studies often emphasizes abstract concepts illustrated with obscure historical references. Argues that the introduction of feminist issues of social justice, exploitation, violence, and power can galvanize many of the central issues of social studies. Considers the use of language and how it restricts and validates certain…

Explores how to integrate history content and skill development in elementary social studies. Suggests ways to combine history, language arts, reading, and critical thinking, including teaching history through children's literature, story telling, story writing, and mock trials. Identifies community resources for history projects. Introduces an…

Elaborates on specific ways that the National Standards can improve high school civics education. Suggests three interrelated key approaches: adapting the standards to current textbooks, making the course practical for each individual student, and utilizing activities to involve the whole class. (MJP)

Maintains that community enterprise projects help students develop academic, personal, and transferable skills, while enabling underfunded not-for-profit groups to achieve some of their goals. Provides several examples of programs and suggests methods of improvement. (MJP)

Reviews 12 books related to social studies education in Canada. Includes history and geography textbooks, supplementary materials for student reading, descriptions of effective schools, and recommended instructional strategies for social studies teachers. (CFR)

Discusses recent, Swedish, educational, restructuring trends that shift away from a view of education as a public good to view as a private good. Concludes that education should be a criterion of citizenship rights and necessary to shape the public good. (CFR)

Maintains that, because of its importance in modern U.S. history, over 300 college courses are taught on the Vietnam War. Asserts that studying the war helps students develop critical thinking skills needed for citizenship. Describes the texts, formats, and assignments used in a college sociology course on the Vietnam War. (CFR)

Discusses the teaching of children's rights in the Philippines. Suggests that the provisions of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child remain ineffective if not disseminated in companion programs. Argues that no rights exist without obligations. Describes nongovernmental organization, broadcast media, and government programs. (DK)

Describes cultural attributes of Latin America and Latin American youth and how law-related education can be used effectively in Latin American cultures. Provides a definition of justice and asserts that Latin America is an area where there are generalized situations of injustice. Includes brief overviews of six Andean nations. (CFR)

Introduces a special theme issue on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Asserts that the anniversary comes at a time when increasing demands are being made upon the UN to play a leading role in world affairs. Calls for teachers to incorporate the United Nations into courses throughout the curriculum. (CFR)

Analyzes and compares two contemporary curricular responses to the need to redefine what constitutes "the American character:" (1) multicultural education; and (2) global education. Uses four cultural ethics (democracy, equal opportunity, fraternity, and consent) to establish a cultural mindset and to provide a lens through which both…