One of the problems one encounters in attempting to learn about another culture is the possible distortion brought about by one's own cultural biases. The overall purpose of this unit is to help students understand perceptions: how they can differ and how cultural biases are acquired and transmitted. Indian culture is an appropriate vehicle for…

The United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) is the largest country in area in the world and ranks third in world population. The geography and the people of the USSR are documented in a series of reproducible black and white maps and graphs designed for use as classroom instructional materials. Maps, graphs, charts, and tables with information…

The East Asian Outreach Program at Yale University seeks to promote increased understanding of the countries of East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea) through educational and cultural programming for educators, businesses, community organizations, and the general public on a national basis. In addition to information concerning the services,…

The purpose of this three-week teaching unit on China is to promote interest in the People's Republic of China, to investigate China's role in world politics, and to promote cultural awareness. Chinese culture and geography are covered while research skills, group work, and oral presentations are stressed through assignments. The unit contains:…

This study assessed the extent to which information about Japan is taught in secondary world history classrooms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The sample used for this study was 475 world history teachers, randomly selected, in K-12 school districts scattered across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. A 21-item questionnaire was mailed to each of…

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)

Informed US citizens recognize the importance of neighboring South American countries. Few teachers, however, have the time to teach about each Latin American country. One approach to instruction is to focus on a few important countries. Suggestions to help middle school students learn about Argentina, Brazil, and Peru are presented. (RM)

The historical development of Canada's very diverse geographic regions is discussed. Although Canadian regions and provinces have always been in a position of economic servitude to foreign or central Canadian markets, they still maintain strong regional loyalties. (RM)

Describes the use of various learning methods in the Non-Western core of St. Joseph's College's interdisciplinary general education program, including extemporaneous speeches and individual role-playing exercises, extemporaneous group presentations of interviews and political demonstrations, simulation projects recreating a Chinese People's…

This curriculum unit focuses on the Aztec settlement in Mesoamerica comparing it with present-day Mexico. The unit is oriented to teach basic communicative skills to beginning English language learners in small groups of approximately five students. It helps Mexican Spanish-speaking students embrace their own culture and build on their prior…

This book is intended to help teachers introduce the country of Nepal to their students. The teacher sections offer suggestions for: (1) "Fitting Nepal into the Global Jigsaw"; (2) "Zeroing In"; and (3) "Himalayan Majesty." Additional sections of the book feature: (1) "The Mountains"; (2) "The…

This curriculum unit, intended to be used with students in grades 2 and 3, focuses on the Mexican state of Michoacan. Lesson 1 first gives students an overview of Mexico. Lesson 2 provides an introduction to a Michoacan archeological dig, while lesson 3 focuses on the geography of Michoacan. Lesson 4 discusses Purepecha weaving. Lesson 5 presents…

This curriculum unit, designed for a Spanish I class at the high school level, explores the Olmec, an ancient civilization in Mexico. The unit aims for students to develop an appreciation for early civilizations and their importance to the present day. It gives seven objectives for students to work toward and lists detailed strategies for…

For the past 2000 years the Ramayana has been among the most important literary and oral texts of South Asia. This epic poem provides insights into many aspects of Indian culture and continues to influence the politics, religion, and art of modern India. This booklet contains material designed to provide an entry into the study of this tradition.…

This lesson plan focuses on China's Silk Road (300 B.C.-1300 A.D.), specifically the exchange of goods and ideas along its route. The lesson consists of four activities: (1) "Geography"; (2) "Matrix"; (3) "Advertisement"; and (4) "Oral Presentation." The lesson presents goals, provides background, and…