Each volume in this series provides an authoritative introductory essay; a chronology of events, legislation, and movements; biographies of activists, advocates, and legislators; tables, figures and documents; a directory of organizations and agencies; an annotated list of print and non-print resources including websites; a glossary, and a comprehensive subject index.
Human Rights Worldwide: A Reference Handbook. By Zehra F. Kabasakal Arat. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC*CLIO, 2006. 1 vol. 313 p. $55.00. ISBN 1-85109-762-7.
While our world is shrinking because of technologies and communication, it remains organized by individual countries governed by individuals who may or may not accept and practice the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The debate on what constitutes human rights continues while nations violate the human rights of their citizens around the world. Students will find the components of the debate on the meaning of human rights and discussions of equality between the sexes in some countries. A focus on human rights policies, conditions and practices in the U.S. is followed by a discussion of U.S. foreign policy. The chronology of human rights events begins with the founding of the International Labour Organization in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles and ends with the World Summit held in New York in 2005. Research and data sources are divided into directories, dictionaries, encyclopedias, yearbooks, reference books and bibliographies, journals and periodicals, Internet sites and networks, dataset and statistical sources and film distributions and media sources. This will be a welcome source for world history teachers and debate coaches.
Gun Control in the United States: A Reference Handbook. By Gregg Lee Carter. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC*CLIO, 2006. 1 vol. 408 p. $55.00. ISBN 1-85109-760-0.
Students who are assigned to debate gun control will find this resource a first stop in gathering preliminary information. The author has made an effort to show both sides of the controversy rather than taking one position and building that case. Here are the state and federal laws and the players, both in favor of gun control and those who fight against it. The listing of organizations includes 34 pages of pro-gun control organizations and 25 pages of pro-gun rights groups. References at the ends of chapters and those cited in the selected list of resources will help students begin their searches before they turn to the Internet. The fact that his presents both sides of the issue in one volume will make it a much sought-after resource.
Genetic Engineering, 2nd ed. By Harry LeVine. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC*CLIO, 2006. 1 vol. 313 p. $45.00. ISBN 1-85109-860-7.
The hype over genetic engineering ebbs and flows. Events such as the cloning of Dolly, a lamb, fade away but the new, ethical controversy over embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine is a very hot topic in the U.S. today. DNA testing, constantly discussed on the various CSI shows, is within the lifetime experience of high school students and has become the established method for identifying relatives or wrongdoers. The study of the human genome is a standard part of biology study. The debate further rages over the unknown results of widespread dissemination of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as it relates to food plants and animals. Should foods be labeled when they are derived from GMOs. Most of the persons found in the biographical sketches are alive today with Al Gore and Edward Kennedy included for their interest in the environment. The ethical issues of genetic engineering are discussed with a focus on bioterrorism, genetic testing, employment and insurance, DNA forensics, human cloning and stem cells. A must purchase.
