This article examines how recent history textbooks from the United States, Japan, China, and South Korea present the Korean War. The comparative analysis focuses on four areas: the causes of the Korean War, American involvement in the war, Chinese involvement in the war, and the results of the war. Analysis of the central story lines reveals that…

Asserts that South Korea can be an excellent subject for an effective unit on history, economic development, critical thinking skills, and cross-cultural understanding. Provides background information and a list of teacher resources for planning a unit on South Korea. (CFR)

Contends that students traditionally have characterized social studies as difficult, uninteresting, and largely irrelevant to their present and future lives. Describes the development and use of social studies learning activity packets. Illustrates how the activity packets are consistent with current trends. (CFR)

Asserts that examining cultural artifacts brings important learning opportunities to the classroom. Describes the planning process for a trip to Japan and the collection of cultural artifacts for a social studies curriculum kit. Includes suggested classroom activities using the kit. (CFR)