This handbook provides background information and resource materials on Asian Indians. Materials covered in an audiovisual program entitled "Introducing the Asian Indians in America" are presented in four categories: (1) historical perspective and establishment of the Asian Indian community in America; (2) contemporary lifestyles of Asian Indians;…

Provides a brief account of early French contacts with various north and south American natives. Includes a reproduction of an early woodcut depicting Brazilian natives and a statement by Father Charles Lalement which characterizes the American Indians as filthy, violent savages. (JDH)

This unit is intended to provide high school students with a general knowledge of the history and culture of India. Lessons include: (1) "Early India"; (2) "Indian Civilization 1500 BC - 500 AD: Hinduism"; (3) "Buddhism"; (4) "Indian Empires"; (5) "Indian Empires, Continued"; (6)…

This unit is intended to provide students with an understanding of India in 1997 by drawing on some of the major cultural, political, intellectual, and economic themes of its recent history. This snapshot of India uses the 50th anniversary as the occasion to evaluate the path modern India has taken. The unit examines the country's reactions to…

This paper describes a unit in a high school world literature course which focuses on non-Western literature. The novel on India to be included is "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya. The 13-day unit includes worksheets and focus questions for research. Additional novels are suggested with a rationale presented as to why the…

This unit is intended to provide students with a general knowledge of the history and culture of India. Activities include: (1) "What Do You Know about India?"; (2) "What Is All This Stuff For?"; (3) "Name That Spice and Why It's Nice"; (4) "Where and How Are These Elephants Marching?"; (5) "Why Is…

This unit is intended for secondary students in American literature, Asian history, U.S. history, or a world cultures class. Special emphasis is placed on the literary contributions of four individuals: Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Dalai Lama. The sections appear in chronological order and contain…

This unit contains a sampling of lessons from a unit on India designed for ninth-grade students. Sections of the unit include: (1) "Geography of India"; (2) "Comparison of Major Religions"; (3) "The Caste System"; (4) "Empires of India"; (5) "Gandhi and Independence"; (6) "Division of the…

This paper contains a course outline for a five-hour graduate class focusing on the issue of population in India. Students examine contributing factors to population growth, along with studying characteristics of, and efforts to, control population growth. The significance of ethnic diversity in India also is addressed. Group discussion and group…

This unit contains two lessons to promote commonality of culture and indicate differences as well. The first lesson asks students to explore their preconceptions about India. The second lesson is a research activity to facilitate learning about major "movers and shakers" in 20th century South Asia. Lessons include objectives, strategies,…

This paper contains three lesson plans about India for use at the community college level by teachers of freshman English, any literature course that includes a unit on Indian literature, or English as a Second Language. The lessons vary in length and depth with the pace set by the professor. None is intended to be completed in one class period.…