The light of liberty: A guide to better human relations for use in the social studies program of junior high schools

The purpose of this dissertation is to present an original textbook for use in the social studies program of the junior high school. It has been clear to educators in the United States, for a long time, that the greatest opportunities and the most logical framework in which to teach, and to practice the fundamentals of harmonious human relationships, is in the public school. Obviously, the public school is all of American society in miniature, for in the public school we have constellations of various families, groups, religious faiths and races. It is only since the beginning of the 20th century that emphasis has been placed on the production of suitable textbooks concerned with the basic problems of democracy. Today the subject holds an important place in the curriculum of the secondary school. To answer, in some measure, the increasing need for a new textbook which deals with the human relations problems confronting our democracy on the threshold of the Atomic Age and menaced by World War III, this dissertation has been written. It is entitled, 'The Light of Liberty— A Guide to Better Human Relations, For Use in the Social Studies Program of Junior High Schools'. Suggestions For Use of This Textbook 1. It can be used as the main textbook or as supplementary material for the social studies program of the eighth or ninth year of the junior high school. 2. It might also be used to advantage in the home-room program of the junior high school. 3. It might be used effectively in club activities of junior high schools. Contents The dissertation consists of, (1) an explanatory Foreword, (2) an Introduction which is part of the textbook itself, (3) the main body of the textbook composed of Ten Topic-Narratives, each followed by questions to discuss, facts, things to do, books to read for pupils and teachers, and a catalog of pertinent films and records, whenever these are available and helpful, (6) a general Bibliography covering the field of intercultural relations follows the Ten Topic-Narratives, (5) an Appendix wherein is recorded, (a) experiences of several teachers and classes who used some of the material of the textbook, (b) an explanation of how the United Nations is organized and functions. (c) other illustrative material. Subjects of the Ten Topic-Narratives I. How To Be an All-American or Desirable Human Relations. II. The Makers of Our Country's Greatness. III. The Enemies Within Our Democracy. IV. Hate and Prejudice. V. The Builders of Civilization. VI. What Every Human Being Needs. VII. All Men Are Created Equal. VIII. What All of Us Have In Common. IX. War -- The Threat To Our Civilization. X. The United Nations.