The author traces changes in American social studies teaching about the Soviet Union over the past 30 years. He finds that these changes parallel shifts in the political mentality from the Cold War, through detente, to America's renewed suspicion following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. (SJL)

Suggests and annotates educational materials for use by instructors of college-level courses on regional geography of Europe. (Author/DB)

Reviews myths, misconceptions, and unintentional biases about Africa in United States K-12 social studies textbooks. Summarizes common topics and recommends additions. Provides the names, addresses and phone numbers of 10 university-based African Studies centers. Concludes that improvements to textbooks must continue. (JDH)

Surveys the existing treatment of Asia in upper elementary and secondary social studies textbooks. Treats improvements needed in such areas as: (1) global issues important to Asia, (2) content and approach, (3) economics and politics, (4) geography and resources, (5) international relations, and (6) treatment of subregions. Provides a…

Notes the problematical elements of diversity within Latin America, establishes priorities for the social studies curriculum, and reviews what should be taught about its geography, resources, people, religion, customs, economics, politics, history, and international relationships. Lists Latin American Studies programs and published instructional…

Reviews the shortcomings of existing textbooks' treatments of the Middle East and suggests a more balanced approach. The areas covered are: geography, resources, people, economics, politics, colonialism, independence movements, international relations, and religions and customs. Identifies instructional resources for teachers and students. (JDH)

Reviews and evaluates a selection of influential geography textbooks on East Asia and China. The 11 textbooks are ranked in 20 categories for the purpose of facilitating textbook selection and helping instructors evaluate the texts they are currently using. Specific strengths and weaknesses of each text are identified. (Author/DB)

Asian studies at the elementary and secondary levels and the needs for teacher education are the focus of this paper. Trends of the last few decades that may have negatively affected the place of Asia in the school curriculum are first examined. Calls for multiethnic education, a back-to-basics movement, and economic and law-related education may…