Political Science in 'New Social Studies' Curricula: State of the Art -- 1970.

This paper examines trends in social science and political education since World War II; discusses some of the fundamental directions established by the new social studies curricula; and evaluates the political science component of material produced by the curriculum development projects of the 1960's. Since World War II, the study of government and politics in the U.S. has been profoundly influenced by the behavioral approach. Also, social changes, such as the effects of technological advancement, and the realization of global interdependence, forced a redefinition of the traits and competencies desirable for citizens. In response to these pressures, a number of curriculum development projects were established. Out of the totality of social science curriculum packages developed during the 1960's, 46 have been identified as including some inputs from political science. The author classifies and discusses materials in four categories: those having 1) interdisciplinary use of the social sciences; 2) a focus on a particular discipline; 3) a focus on political science; and, 4) a focus on a particular geographic area. She then analyzes and evaluates these materials in terms of the cognitive and affective goals set out by the Political Science Advisory Panel to the California Statewide Social Science Committee. (Author/JLB)