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)

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)

The place of non-Western cultural studies in elementary social studies is examined, and possible student and teacher reactions to those cultures and to the various forms that ethnocentrism takes are identified. What research says regarding ways to reduce elementary classroom ethnocentrism is discussed. (RM)