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A realistic and challenging teaching of civics is needed in an age of increased concern of man for his fellow men. Textbooks are inadequate because of their emphasis on conclusions and judgments. Controversial issues must be submitted to critical research and critical thinking in the classroom. To promote understanding the uniqueness of American democracy, the author suggests: do not indoctrinate; give politics a distinguished place in citizenship education; include a study of J. H. St. John de Crivecoller, Martineau, de Tocqueville, and Bryce. Discussion of ideas and values are a legitimate study. Much new thinking and planning are needed to make the obligatory teaching of the constitution worthwhile and effective. It is usually taught as a document without origin, background, or setting; the emphasis is on content, not the evolving constitutional process; it is taught divorced from politics and the political process. (VLW)

This book reviews the present high school curriculum and indicates the trends for the future. Seven professors were asked to assess the present situation and trends in their respective fields. The fields of study include English, visual education, science, foreign language, mathematics, social studies and teacher education. Major points in the respective articles include a) the need for sequential and cumulative English programs from kindergarten to graduate school, b) the expansion of art instruction to visual instruction including the study of architecture, photography, and the media, c) the need for methods of teaching scientific literacy to all children and the task of training scientists and engineers, d) the progress of foreign language since World War II was discussed in relation to the needs of todays education, e) the exploration of the reasons for the failure of school mathematics and suggestions to deal with the problem, f) the impact of massive alienation of young people on current social studies programs, and g) the reliance of teacher education on the effectiveness of pre- and in-service training. The evolvement of a meaningful philosophy of teaching is necessary to give the teacher direction and purpose. Common areas of emphasis include student involvement, student interest, opportunities for student self-development, individualized instruction, and less rigid institutions. (MJM)

After briefly reviewing the conception of the term social studies", the author turns to a discussion of present and future curriculum in terms of the increasing use of social studies projects and the position, expectations, and relevance of history. (JB)