In reader responses to a previous article, it is suggested that cultural content is less important than the method by which material is presented to students; McCarthy argues that students must be free to develop good evaluative thinking. (two references) (LB)

Examines the need to incorporate ethnic issues into psychology of women courses. Suggests topics for inclusion, such as family relationships among ethnic groups and cultural versus gender identity. Identifies issues for class discussion, including the experiences of a variety of ethnic women and the methodological concerns that differentially…

Educators must decide which concepts, generalizations, and content of multicultural education are to receive priority attention. Characteristics of curricular elements to be selected as foundations of multicultural education are discussed. (RM)

Recently, there has been a movement to put religion and its influence on history back into the social studies curriculum. This ERIC Digest discusses: (1) reasons for including religion in the curriculum; (2) how religion is currently treated in the school curriculum; (3) guidelines for teaching religion in the classroom; and (4) resources…

An important category of culture to include in second language curriculum is functional culture, defined as the elements of surface and deep culture as well as civilization that must be learned to function while traveling, living, studying, or working in a foreign culture. Elements of functional culture include acting appropriately in everyday…

Advocates teaching ethnic fiction in survey courses of American literature. Uses a personal reading list of ethnic fiction in support of such a rationale. (RL)

This National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) board of directors substantive issue session initiated the process of developing a position statement for the educational observance of the Quincentenary of Columbus' landing in the Americas. The meeting consisted of proposal statements by panelists and advocated the development of a united…

The anthropological concept of culture helps students develop a realistic sense of their roles in the world. Students and teachers both benefit when this concept is included in the curriculum. The culture conflict within native American students provides an extreme but illuminating example of the need for such studies. (PGD)

Concepts behind a multicultural education program at Ball State University are described. The content, concepts, and practices pertinent to designing and integrating multicultural education courses into existing pre- and inservice teacher education programs are discussed. (JMF)

Describes a cultural unit centered on German wines. After a series of preparatory lessons showing how the topic touches on geography, history, and social customs, the unit culminated in a wine tasting. (EJS)

A discussion of the role of cultural education in the advanced Chinese language course first outlines a communicative approach to second language teaching and testing, defines culture and looks at its importance to the second language learner, and describes methods for creating a language classroom environment reflecting Chinese culture. The…

Describes a high school course in intercultural communication designed for the pilot program at a magnet school for international studies. Emphasizes learning skills rather than information, using an experiential approach. (DCS)

Describes a course that exposes students to experiential learning process to help them acquire a wider professional perspective, intercultural sensitivity, and skills in the field of comparative analysis. The course's principle objective is to make students self-directive in adjusting to the needs of persons from other cultures. (Author)

Offers tips for teaching about the lives and cultures of Native Americans. Argues that teachers themselves should study and read about, consult with, seek to understand, and participate in the cultural events of Native Americans. Suggests opportunities for teaching about native peoples. Provides an illustrative lesson plan for use in grades two…

This paper describes a project designed to create a student literary magazine that would explore and compare the childhoods and the cultural rites of passage of Romanian, Bulgarian, and U.S. students. The time line for the grant project and the methodology used are also included. A materials list for English classes and history classes, assessment…