Comparing three regional modules for ICCS 2009

Abstract

By examining the regional modules of European, Latin American and Asian for ICCS 2009, this paper compares the similarities and differences in the three modules. The paper first provides a sketch of the fundamental concerns and the key concepts of the three modules. Then, it discusses the similarities and differences among the three modules in detail. The comparisons are based on four content domains developed by ICCS2009—civic society and systems, civic principle, civic participation, and civic identities. Through the specific examples of the test items, the authors show the different orientations in the three modules. The European module strongly emphasizes the notion of “European identity”. The module also shows its assumption of the same notions of citizenship as in the international instruments. The Latin module focuses on political and socio-historical issues in Latin America. The Asian module focuses on the concepts that are not represented in the international framework but have specific meanings in Asia. It also focuses on civic attitudes and values.