Argues that the first step in reassessing whether the values brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus are desirable is to examine and dispel the myths surrounding Columbus and his deeds. Includes myths involving the purpose, financing, and manning of the voyage, and Columbus's own beliefs and fate. Suggests sources for locating accurate…

Argues that global or world studies should be a key course in the secondary curriculum. Asserts that knowledge of Western culture cannot prepare students adequately for participation in an interdependent world. Describes dominant and alternative approaches to teaching world studies. (CFR)

Asserts that U.S. global awareness has been heightened significantly during the past decade. Contends that increasing economic interdependence has been a primary reason for this trend. States that the objectives of the world studies program at City University of New York Queens College help student understanding of global interdependence and…

Discusses recent pedagogical recommendations for cross-cultural lessons that are available in professional journals. Concludes that a large variety of learning activities recommending methodological approaches to cross-cultural education are available to teachers. Suggests that more intensive research in promising learning activities for an…

Discusses growing concern about negative attitudes toward Japan and Japanese people among secondary school and college students. Describes the use of quality control circles to bridge the cultural divide. Reports on the success of the program and argues that teachers have a responsibility to promote cultural understanding and diversity. (CFR)

Presents a teaching model that allows students to recognize, synthesize, and analyze characteristics and components of colonialism. Identifies and provides examples for five main types of colonial interaction: subjugation, coexistence, extermination, reservation, and combination. Applies this model to the case study of the Spanish in New Mexico.…

Argues that the media portrayal of Africa remains highly selective, focusing almost solely on negative and violent stories. Positive stories (local initiatives, political reform) go unreported as does much of the Western powers involvement in famine and destruction. Includes a list of sources on African current affairs. (MJP)

Critiques six current history textbooks concerning their representation of African history. Identifies strengths and weaknesses in the texts and establishes criteria of judgement. Includes the use of primary sources, consideration of African perspectives, and a balanced portrait of contemporary problems. (MJP)