Outlines key elements of a core of common learning for the elementary and secondary curriculum, including the study of literature, as a means of addressing basic human questions and dilemmas, and of history, focusing on key figures, events, and issues; Western and non-Western studies; and religion. (DMM)

The text of a report based on the findings of the National Endowment for the Humanities' Study Group on the State of Learning in the Humanities in Higher Education is presented with a brief summary. It cites the decline of the college curriculum, particularly the humanities, and places responsibility on faculty and administrators. (MSE)

This lesson plan focuses on China's Silk Road (300 B.C.-1300 A.D.), specifically the exchange of goods and ideas along its route. The lesson consists of four activities: (1) "Geography"; (2) "Matrix"; (3) "Advertisement"; and (4) "Oral Presentation." The lesson presents goals, provides background, and…

The development and structure of 6 interdisciplinary world civilization courses by 14 faculty at San Jose State University are described. The curriculum provides a framework for investigation of common problems facing all cultures, analysis and assessment of attempted solutions, successful and unsuccessful, and evaluation of contemporary attempts…

This unit of study on ancient India is geared to last about four weeks or 20 school days and is appropriate for secondary school students. The unit provides a day-by-day program, beginning with an introduction to the material on the first day which opens with an Indian poem, "Six Blind Men and the Elephant," and a slide presentation.…

Presents the Bradley Commission on History in Schools' recommendations that history become the core of the social studies curriculum. Identifies six themes of historical inquiry, and outlines topics for the study of U.S. history, Western civilization, and world history. Analyzes the place of history in all grades. Suggests changes in curriculum.…

Urges that the teaching of social studies should be integrated with other subjects. Recommends starting out with a story that the teacher has cleared for reading level, elements of literature, and social studies content. Suggests novels combining literary elements with information on different cultures and historical periods. Includes lesson…

This lesson was developed to be one of three or four similar components of a projected final unit entitled "Understanding Contemporary International Conflicts in the Light of the Past" in a 10th grade world cultures class. The lesson examines how cultural differences contribute to international conflicts. It presents an objective, cites…

This lesson on India is suggested as a culminating activity to bring together previously taught units about infrastructure, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, ancient India, and contemporary India. The lesson's goals are to examine how a country's cultural background can influence change and to study the development of modern infrastructure. The students…

Considers concepts and terminologies that focus on generalizations concerning traditional African art and cultures. Argues that alternative concepts and terminologies should be used in developing curriculum and in teaching non-Western art. Discusses traditional African religious beliefs, primitivism, and the function of African art objects. (KM)

Developed as an annotated guide to instructional materials for teaching about the Arab world, this publication is a resource tool for classroom instruction, development of curricula, professional development, and selection of library resources. Recommendations are made based on a careful evaluation of educational soundness, ethnic authenticity,…

Intended for high school students, two humanities lessons on India approach India from a "world cultures" perspective. In the first lesson, "Story Scrolls," pairs of students create and present stories from Hindu mythology using traditional methods. The lesson gives content objectives, skills objectives, and…

Reveals some cultural aspects of Saudi Arabian Islamic society and the role social studies education plays in it. States that the National Council for the Social Studies in Saudia Arabia stipulates general social studies goals and allows teachers to make specific behavioral goals. Concludes that Saudi Arabian schools are becoming more modern. (GG)

This unit of study aims to help students in grades 9-12 experience the history, culture, religion, and literature of India by emphasizing active participation in the diverse art forms indigenous to India and those that are shared by India and the United States. Components of study in the unit are: The "Ramayana"; Indian Classical Dance;…

Contends that the commonly held notion that non-European peoples have had no experience with democratic practices is not supported by the evidence. Maintains that aspects of self-government have appeared in many non-European societies throughout history. Urges historians to recognize these examples and include them in their teaching. (CFR)