"Alaska's Image in the Lower 48," is the theme selected by a Blue Ribbon panel of state and national leaders who felt that it was important for students to explore the relationship between Alaska's outside image and the effect of that image on the federal programs/policies that impact Alaska. An overview of Alaska is presented first in this resource manual, followed by questions for discussion. The information sources are divided into three categories: Contemporary Image, Reality vs. the Image, and Image Reverberations--Federal Policies and Practices. The first section contains approximately 36 items, newspaper articles and advertisements, from sources primarily outside Alaska, published from 1976-85. Section 2 includes selections from 13 periodicals, predominantly from Alaskan publications from 1982-85. Section 3 contains 15 items from journals, newspapers, and research reports published during 1981-85 by sources inside and outside Alaska. All articles are reproduced in full and include complete bibliographic information (author, title, source and date of publication, and page numbers). An explanation of terms and definitions is included. (JMM)