Whenever a class begins to study a new part of the world, teachers must deal with students' preexisting ideas about the area. Activities which will challenge elementary students' initial impressions of Australia and encourage them to learn more about the country are described. (RM)

The Aboriginal Australians traditionally were a homogeneous people, living as hunter-gatherers and dispersed across Australia. Today there are 176,300 Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia--more than one percent of the country's population. Their history and current problems are examined. (RM)

Australians are known for their egalitarian spirit, manifested by a dislike of social pretension and affectation. A brief history of the country from the time of its establishment in 1788 as a dumping ground for Britain's unwanted criminals to the present is presented. (RM)

Australia is an independent nation-state, federally constituted under a democratic parliamentary system. Being part of the Commonwealth of Nations, with feelings of loyalty to the Crown, Australia is also a democratic monarchy. Its political structure is discussed. (RM)

Australia is the world's driest continent. One-third of the country's area is unsuitable for any land use, while another third is suitable only for cattle and sheep grazing. Australia's physical geography, weather conditions, wildflowers, and wildlife are discussed. (RM)

Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Agriculture, grazing, and mining are the mainstays of the country's economy. Since the end of World War II, Australia has developed an advanced industrial base that manufactures a wide range of goods, from automobiles to clothespins. (RM)

Cultural freedom involves the ability to recognize and participate imaginatively in the exploration of one's own environment for the sake of one's self and one's people and the ability to transcend that environment and speak to all people. Australian artists, writers, poets, music, and oral literature are discussed. (RM)

A robust and distinctive society of over 15 million people, Australia today is a nation of increasing influence in the international community. Phases in the evolution of Australia's attitude to the outside world are examined and how the country views its international role is discussed. (RM)

This bibliographic essay discusses how Australian children's books and adolescent literature reflect Australian society. For example, Australian society tends to be male dominated; problems of a boy growing up in a mainly macho world are dealt with in Southall's "Josh" and "Walk a Mile" and in Phipson's "A Tide…

Describes an individual's experience returning to his native Czechoslovakia, 43 years after fleeing Communism. Discusses problems faced in transforming people conditioned to an authoritarian state into citizens of a democracy. Stresses that good intentions and sincerity are not enough to understand area studies and the importance of intercultural…

Illustrates a method to introduce students to foreign countries and cultures by having students choose a country in which they would like to live and give a class presentation about it. As a result, students become resource persons, research skills are refined, cross-cultural information reservoir is created, and history and geography become real.…

The teachers of second languages and the teachers of social studies share a weighty responsibility to help students move toward global understanding and multicultural awareness. Possible areas of cooperation between the two disciplines, as well as constraints, are discussed. (RM)

Analyzes social and economic challenges facing the Caribbean region. Examines colonialism's legacy, factors contributing to emigration, and social stratification. Emphasizes difficulties in self-determination created historically by externally introduced ideas, continuing U.S. hegemony, and cultural, racial, and ethnic differences. Provides maps…

This ERIC Clearinghouse on Social Studies/Social Science Education column is an annotated bibliography of 10 documents, available through the ERIC system, that deal with the Caribbean. Focuses on social science research done on parts of the Caribbean, the region's economic development, history instruction (Virgin Islands), and analysis of…

Highlights the value of field trips and oral history as a way of obtaining information and understanding about other cultures. Describes an oral history class project conducted by high school students at a bilingual multinational school in Mexico. Includes guidelines for such activities and excerpts from students' notes. (MJP)