Believed to have been written about the 4th century B.C., the "Ramayana" is one of the oldest epic poems in world literature. This exercise, which takes seven or eight days to complete, is intended to acquaint Westerners with the "Ramayana" in an informal format that may spark a desire to read further in the epic and to become…

This unit of study focuses on belief systems from China. It is crucial that students understand there are different ways of viewing the world, all of which may be valid. The 20 lessons in the unit stem from the presumptions that place students in the role of "historian" for the duration of these China studies. The unit is divided into…

This updated set of lesson plans focuses on Confucius and Confucian thought, especially Confucian ethics. The lesson plans are divided into the following chapters: (1) "How do the Analects embody the ethical framework of Confucian thought?"; (2) "How does Confucianism affect behavior, attitudes and beliefs?"; (3) "How did…

A nationwide survey of state education departments was conducted in order to learn the extent to which study of Asia is included in precollegiate education. It was found that there is a place for Asia in the curriculum. A course in world history, world geography, and/or world cultures is reportedly offered as part of the common course sequence in…

The guide provides information about Japan to assist elementary and secondary educators and students. It contains five major categories of information: (1) "Specialists on Japan and Japanese Studies," an extensive state-by-state directory of resource persons who are either Japan scholars at the post-secondary school level or elementary…

Perspectives on developing international understanding are considered in an essay, and descriptions of the international education at 15 colleges and universities are presented. In the essay, "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Slow Progress Toward International Understanding," James A. Perkins discusses barriers to change in…

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,…

This document presents a study unit on Australia for secondary school students. A student reading examines Australia's cultural conflicts, history, 20th century development, and recent government policy. Australia's commitment to multiculturalism, the benefits of immigration, and the prospects for the future are also explored. The teacher's…

Explores the vital development of the Pacific Rim. Advocates integrating the study of this region into social studies curricula. Criticizes the Eurocentric bias that results in ignoring the Pacific Rim's geography, history, literature, and languages. Reports on social studies programs, primarily in Alaska schools, where study of the Pacific Rim…

As an introduction and explanation of the historical development, major concepts, beliefs, practices, and traditions of Hinduism, this teaching unit provides a course outline for class discussion and activities for reading the classic epic, "The Ramayana." The unit requires 10 class sessions and utilizes slides, historical readings,…

Seventeen articles focus on current research interests of anthropologists. The volume is part of a five-year project designed to identify interesting directions in physical, linguistic, archaeological, social, and cultural anthropology. Covering a wide range of anthropological subjects, the articles discuss a history of physical anthropology,…

Articulates many reasons to teach about Sub-Saharan Africa in social studies classes. Although the region will become increasingly important because of global interdependence, it suffers widespread misunderstanding concerning its history and culture. Discusses the region's need for economic development and the quest for political democracy. (MJP)

Characterizes the early modern period in world history (roughly 1500-1800) as one marked by worldwide processes of change unprecedented in scope and intensity. Argues that the society of the Indian subcontinent shared directly in the massive processes of change that influenced societies throughout the world. (MJP)

There is a need to incorporate a global perspective into humanities courses and curricula at the college level, to help students understand the international issues which confront all American citizens. This goal can be achieved by a combination of individual and institutional commitments. The key element is the faculty member's role. Humanities…