Explores the work of Martin Bernal in tracing the roots of Greek civilization to Africa. Discusses the Ancient, Aryan, and Revised Ancient models for explaining Greek origins. Observes that Bernal's thesis comes at a time of increased interest in non-Western history. Suggests that views of ancient Greece will never be the same. (SG)

Explains some of the problems of teaching non-Western literature in a substantially Western educational curriculum, but indicates how it might be done nevertheless. (Editor)

Criticizes the U.S. tendency to emphasize the European musical tradition to the exclusion of other cultural influences. Notes the ease of learning about other musical traditions. Argues that music teachers and students alike can benefit from multicultural materials. Suggests that multicultural music education can heighten respect for the U.S.…

The film "Makiko's New World" offers U.S. high school students a unique glimpse into the latter part of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) in Japanese history. Students have the opportunity to experience the life of one Japanese woman, Makiko, during the Meiji Period through the "lens" of her diary. The teacher's guide was developed…

This collection of lessons was developed by teachers in an institute focusing on teaching about India and the Ramayana. Essays providing background information are "The Oral Tradition and the Many 'Ramayanas'" (Philip Lutgendorf) and "Bringing Ramayana into the Classroom" (Hazel Sara Greenberg). After an introduction by Susan…

Describes two video discs for classroom use. Explains that the discs present collections of still images representing Western civilization and non-European world history. Suggests that the discs be used for individual student reports or in cooperative learning groups. Discusses hardware necessary for using the materials. (DK)

This packet accompanies a slide series that introduces students to the art of Thailand. The packet includes maps, a chronology of Southeast Asian history, an essay introduction to the influences on Thai art, a 15-item bibliography for further research, illustrations of Thai ceramics, the slide list, slide descriptions, and slide script. (EH)

In this unit students examine the four most influential Chinese philosophical traditions developed during the Zhou period (roughly 6th-3rd centuries B.C.E.). The four philosophies students study include: (1) Confucianism; (2) Mohism; (3) Daoism (Taoism); and (4) Legalism. In three lessons, students compare the ideas of these schools and explore…

The cultural diversity of Japan can provide a rewarding learning experience for children of all grade levels. This teaching unit includes resources and ideas for the study of Japanese society, art, folklore, and poetry. Included among the instructional objectives are: (1) children will compare U.S. lifestyles with Japanese lifestyles by reading…

Reports of Japanese educational practices have overlooked the strong family-school bond and the significant role of the mother as educator. Interviews with non-Japanese mothers in Japan illustrate the differences in values, family systems, and gender roles make adoption of Japanese educational techniques unlikely and inappropriate for American…

This guide provides an overview of the rise to power of Joseph Stalin and the legacy of Communist rule in the Soviet Union. The guide provides a listing of key events, a background essay, a list of components related to articles from "The New York Times" of the era, suggested activities, discussion questions, a list of key players…

This resource guide contains information about a wide range of archaeology related education materials available in North America. Resources listed include books, magazines, curriculum guides, resource packets, films, videos, kits of simulated artifacts, computer programs, games, museums, site specific resources, historical societies and…

Three different models for the teaching of African art are presented in this paper. A comparison of the differences between the approaches of Western art historians and African art historians informs the articulation of the three models--an approach for determining style, another for dealing with analysis, and a third for synthetic interpretation.…

This packet accompanies a slide series designed to introduce students to the clay pottery works of Japan. The packet includes an essay introduction to the early influences on Japanese pottery, maps of the region, a time line of the chronology of Japan from 2000 B.C. to the present, illustrations of types of kilns, a 18-item bibliography for…

This packet accompanies a slide series designed to introduce students to Japanese painting from the 12th century to the late 19th century. The packet includes an essay introduction to establish a historical framework, maps of the region, a time line of the chronology of Japan from 2000 B.C. to the present, illustrations of various art forms, a…