Economic interdependence has played an important role in Hong Kong's history, from its earliest days as a British colony to its current status as a center of international trade and finance. Hong Kong occupies a unique place in history because of its unprecedented transfer of power in 1997 from Britain to the People's Republic of China. The future of Hong Kong's many internationally-owned companies suddenly became unclear under a new government whose ruling philosophy was inherently opposed to the existing capitalist way of life. Ironically, the economic interdependence that helped transform Hong Kong into a world financial center was what eventually unraveled the longstanding stability of Hong Kong's economy. Lesson 1 of this curriculum unit introduces students to the geography and colonial history of Hong Kong. Lesson 2 focuses on the tourist industry, a crucial component of the service industries which propel 80% of the Hong Kong economy. Lesson 3 uses a reader's theater in the format of a roundtable discussion to highlight different points of view regarding the 1997 exchange of power. In the curriculum unit, students study historical, economic, social, and political issues relevant to contemporary Hong Kong; begin to understand the concept and importance of global economic interdependence; analyze a given source of information by recognizing, identifying, and understanding biases and perspectives; and work effectively in large and small groups. Each lesson includes several handouts. Appendixes contain a glossary and references. (BT)