Since the end of the Cold War, those teaching about developing democracies in Central and Eastern Europe have taken on new responsibilities: dispelling cultural attitudes formed and taught during the Cold War, helping students to understand the concept of democracy, and analyzing the effects of these events on the world. This high school lesson…

Intended for teachers, this mini-unit was developed to respond to the immediate, ongoing crisis between the United States and Iraq. The unit should give students at the high school level a context for the news and help them to see the connections between the decisions being made and their significance to broader policy development. It is designed…

As the post-war period in Iraq comes into focus, an important debate is taking place in the United States and abroad about how the transition period should be handled, who should be in charge, and what the goals should be. This lesson is designed to help teachers to engage their students in consideration of this international issue. The lesson is…

These classroom materials on Romania are intended to be used in U.S. history, European history, world history, area studies, or current affairs courses. The materials are designed to offer an historical framework for considering current events, as well as some insight into the events, ideas, issues, and personalities involved in Romania's struggle…

This booklet examines Japan's unparalleled economic achievements and its growing political prominence. Reflecting upon Japan's economic, political, and societal dynamism, the document offers helpful insights into how this nation, nearly devoid of natural resources but blessed with a self-sacrificing, highly skilled, and dedicated work force, has…

The United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) is the largest country in area in the world and ranks third in world population. The geography and the people of the USSR are documented in a series of reproducible black and white maps and graphs designed for use as classroom instructional materials. Maps, graphs, charts, and tables with information…

This series of lesson plans provides an overview of the Federal Republic of Germany. Transparencies and instructions are provided for each of the four lessons. Lesson 1 looks at "Culture and Perspective Taking on the Federal Republic of Germany" with five activities relating to: (1) "Impressions of Germany and Germans"; (2)…

Teacher education programs of U.S. universities hold great potential for promoting new ways of thinking about the formation of a united Germany and its future role in Europe. These programs are important because they influence teacher candidates as to how they will teach about the New Europe. Three recommendations are offered to expand the…

This document contains five middle school lesson plans that teach about East Asia, focusing on Japan, China, and Korea. Lessons deal with geography, history, cultural comparisons, and trade relations. Lesson plans include background information, materials needed, extension and enrichment ideas, a lesson script, a rubric, a list of resources, and…

Korea's recorded history extends back before the birth of Christ. Through their long history, the Koreans have endured a variety of social, political, and economical crises. Confucianism has long been one of the most popular religions by which the Korean people have lived. However, Koreans also have embraced Buddhism and Christianity while…

This guide and its accompanying videotape are designed to provide students with an overview of the nations of the Pacific region. Three activities emphasize a different aspect of East-West contact: geography, history, and economics. Each activity uses student handouts and can be completed in one to three class periods. Activities include: (1)…

This guide and its accompanying videotape are designed to provide students with an overview of how Japan has become the second richest nation on earth, despite its small size and limited natural resources. Three activities emphasize key issues in the U.S.-Japanese relations, especially issues related to trade. Each activity uses student handouts…

One of a series, this booklet on world issues explains why Brazil has become important for the United States. Brazil's rise from a sleeping giant to continental leader is investigated. Brazil's impressive economic growth from the mid-1960s through the 1970s is explored. An analysis of Brazil's economic crisis of the 1980s is also explained.…

This booklet examines the post-Persian Gulf War Middle East and the reconfiguration of political reality. Six chapters discuss: the Arab crisis; Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; the Arab systems of government; new political alignments; windows of opportunity; and building on the Gulf victory. An annotated reading list consisting of 22 items is attached.…

In spring 1989, the United States watched intently as televised reports relayed the events unfolding in Beijing's (China) Tiananmen Square. This concern for a people whose culture and political institutions are significantly different reflects a continuing and compelling interest in China. Although historians and journalists in the United States…