Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 11120089
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED139682 AUTHOR:
TITLE: A Critical Review of Curriculum Materials in Civic
and Legal Education. Law in a Free Society.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1973
NOTE: 21 p.; Some tables and footnotes may be marginally
legible due to small type; This evaluation was prepared by
the staff of "Law in a Free Society", California State Bar
AVAILABILITY: Law in a Free Society, 606 Wilshire
Boulevard, Suite 600, Santa Monica, California 90401 (1.50
paperbound)
ABSTRACT: The curriculum evaluation reviews content and
teaching methods of various materials in civic and legal
education. Twenty-one objectives of the Law in a Free
Society project are identified and the adequacy of the
materials reviewed to attain these objectives is discussed.
Objectives include recognition of the following: (1)
complexities of legal and political issues, (2) value of
democratic procedures, (3) the human dimension of political
and legal affairs, (4) political realities, (5) the gap
between the ideals and realities of the political system,
(6) workable solutions to political and legal problems, and
(7) value of diversity and pluralism. General criticism of
the expository nature of 80% of the material reviewed is
that it emphasizes passivity and does not stimulate student
interest or analytic thought. The inquiry method, although
more interesting to students, does not generally convey
basic information and is often hampered by legal and social
science jargon. Case studies and role playing are the two
most promising inquiry methods for teaching civic and legal
education, although they often lack diversity and
sufficient detail. Project staff members and cooperating
teachers conclude that more materials should be designed
which would help students develop self-esteem and
individual responsibility. (Author/DB)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Case-Studies; Decision-Making-Skills;
Democratic-Values; Educational-Objectives; Elementary
Secondary-Education; Inquiry-; Interdisciplinary-Approach;
Legal-Problems; Political-Issues; Role-Playing; Skill
Development; Student-Attitudes
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Civics-; *Curriculum-Evaluation;
*Instructional-Materials; *Legal-Education; *Social-Studies
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