Six Different Modules Get Students Thinking

Would you like stimulating materials developed to help your students think precisely and openly about human relations? In all modules the approach is empathetic, nonsectarian and stresses critical thinking. Psychological methods of persuasion are studied.  Each module has at least three booklets totaling 150-200 pages (e.g., student text, teacher's guide, readings and activity materials).

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THINKING LOGICALLY (A Study of Common Fallacies)

This introductory unit concentrates on thinking faults that plague young people's work. There are lessons on overgeneralization, singular causation, crowd appeal, illogical analogies, "either/or" and "slippery slope" thinking, manipulative word play, authority posturing, and various number games.

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PREJUDICE IN GROUP RELATIONS

This study is based upon sociological and psychological findings of scholars starting with Gordon Allport (The Nature of Prejudice).

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THINKING ABOUT RELIGION
(from a Global Perspective)

Here students put their own life-philosophies into a world-wide context.  The unit is an expansion of, but not a substitute for, basic moral training.

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THE FAMILY: A STUDY OF GROUP LIVING

The unit begins with an anthropologist's perspective on understanding family forms. The focus then shifts to durable relationships in the United States. Students learn what people often mean when they say, "I love you!" as well as what they should mean if children are involved.

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THINKING ABOUT THE "MYSTERIOUS"

This unit helps students to understand occult and psychic subterfuge. Along with text work on such nonscientific practices as astrology, they learn to perform simple conjuring tricks that charlatans often use. They research particular questionable methodologies from a rational perspective. The unit includes a lesson on "calendar occultism."

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WAYS TO INFLUENCE PEOPLE: FOUR MODELS

Students compare intellectual persuasion with propaganda, direct-action demonstrations, and "animal-like training" techniques. They analyze advertising techniques and learn how to participate in family, school and community decision-making in ways unlikely to backfire. Influencing children is a recurring theme.