MACOS Controversy: Responses to Charges by John Conlan.

N

13

Analytical Criticism; Anthropology; Creative Thinking; Cross Cultural Studies; Cultural Awareness; Cultural Differences; Curriculum; Elementary Education; Eskimos; Family Life Education; Human Living; Life Style; Moral Issues; Persuasive Discourse; Program Descriptions; Program Evaluation; Social Problems; Social Studies; Sociocultural Patterns; Textual Criticism

The utility of the controversial elementary social studies program, "Man: A Course of Study" (MACOS), is argued in this paper. A list of 12 charges made by Congressman John Conlan against MACOS, with responses to the charges, is presented. Specific passages in the student materials, films, and teacher materials are examined in context and the likely effect this information will have on the value structure of American elementary school students is discussed. Issues raised include evolution, arctic survival, population pressures, limited resources, species survival, starvation, and cultural myths. The author concludes that MACOS stimulates the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children. It encourages them to think clearly and to develop new skills for approaching the study of human behavior in a systematic way. Specific references from the MACOS program are included in the document. (Author/DB)

1977

ED130939