Designed for elementary and secondary school social studies educators, this examination of the beliefs, values, customs, and philosophies of diverse groups of Mennonites living in the United States focuses specifically on major differences between and among the Holdeman Mennonites, the Hutterites, the General Conference Mennonites, the Mennonite…

Describes one teacher's experience teaching English in Japan, and the effect of this experience on his current teaching style in an American high school. Notes that he now injects Japanese culture into class discussion and frequently compares and contrasts English literature, language and cultural history with that of Japanese. (JG)

One of three handbooks dealing with pottery traditions from around the world, this packet draws together information about historical, ethnographic, and pottery traditions of Pakistan. The handbook begins with a brief discussion of Pakistan's land and people, a short history of Pakistan, Islamic pottery traditions, and Pakistan potters and…

The teacher and student editions of this book introduce students to the subject of anthropology and the subfields into which it is divided. Students learn about the beginnings of anthropology as an outgrowth of the curiosity stimulated by the Age of Exploration and how it grew into the basic field it is today. Students examine the origins and…

Reports on an interview with Terry E. Miller, a specialist on music of Thailand and other southeastern Asian nations. Discusses the culture, the role of music, and musical instruments of Thailand. Includes a list of resources and two lesson plans for teaching about Thai music. (CFR)

A technique for teaching cultural awareness that uses comparisons of French films and American remakes is described. It is argued that the technique provides an appealing context for exploring cultural differences in terms of taboos regarding sex, death, and the body. (13 references) (Author/MSE)

A cross-cultural approach is used to foster an understanding of modern China in this 8-part handbook of supplementary social studies materials for grades 5 through 12. Part 1 focuses on students' perceptions of China. Following a pretest, in which students consider their own stereotypes, three exercises help students gain a sense of the Chinese…

Describes a high school world literature course taught by an instructor from a National Endowment for the Humanities teacher-scholar program studying Chinese literature. Contends that students should learn about Chinese philosophy and value systems if they are to understand Chinese literature. (CFR)

One of three handbooks dealing with pottery traditions from around the world, this packet draws together information about historical, ethnographic, and pottery traditions of two contrasting cultures, the Ashanti of Ghana and the Hausa of Nigeria. The first of two major sections focuses on Ghana. Background information includes subsections on…

Presents an analysis and personal reflections on social and political changes in Russia between 1970 and 1994. Discusses how the social and economic changes have had a profound impact on elderly Russians. Concludes that the changes in Russia are a microcosm of those taking place throughout the world. (CFR)

Reports on a study of student academic performance among 1,314 first-year business students at a technical university in Singapore. Concludes that older students, students with prior economic course experience, male students, and ethnic Chinese students performed better than their counterparts. (CFR)

Maintains that storytelling is one of the world's oldest teaching tools and belongs in every social studies classroom. Recommends the use of Korean folk tales to help students understand Korean culture and gain insight into their own lives. Includes a list of classroom techniques, teacher's resources, and recommendations for folk tales. (CFR)

Maintains that struggle has been part of Vietnamese history. Asserts that a new social studies curriculum focuses on the context of historical struggle against foreign domination combined with contemporary socialism and communism. Describes the Vietnamese educational system with particular focus on secondary social studies. (CFR)

A small group activity involving the study of a cultural group is presented. The assignment consists of four activities: making a map, giving an oral report, choosing a writing activity, and participating in a skit about a cultural group. The assignment lists seven step-by-step procedures and grading criteria. Student groups choose among 12…

Two articles address teaching English in the Peoples Republic of China. In "Why Bother About Culture in English Language Teaching?," Hu Wenzhong attempts to determine opinions about the importance of awareness of cultural traits through a study of 36 English-speaking teachers at Chinese institutions and 64 Chinese students who had…