Presents ERIC Digest No. 43 which examines the meaning of the term "Pacific Rim," reasons for emphasizing the Pacific Rim in the social studies curriculum, and useful strategies for teaching about that part of the world. Lists references, including ERIC resources, used in the digest's preparation. (GEA)

Television in the late 1980s has offered even the occasional viewer an almost dizzying picture of other peoples and cultures, thanks in part to the rapid technological advancement of satellite communication systems. At the same time, a recent survey of the most widely assigned literary works in high schools found that the high school canon changed…

The ERIC digest examines the paradox posed to social studies educators by the new wave of immigrants and increasing ethnic diversity: namely, how do educators depict accurately and fairly the rich ethnic diversity of the United States and also teach core values of a common American heritage? With the underlying theme being the promotion of both…