Public Law 480, whose original intent was to sell surplus foodstuffs to famine-stricken nations, evolved into a program of obtaining foreign language materials for libraries with the large quantities of soft currencies obtained through the food sales. The acquisition effort developed ambitious goals for systematic improvement of the quality of…

Addressed primarily to library educators and to public librarians who have responsibility for disseminating general information to the public, this paper proposes to make a link between the absence of general lifelong learning about Pacific Rim countries among the general public, and the congruent requirement which that absence implies for the…

Describes realities of "gutter education," the term applied to segregated education for blacks under apartheid in South Africa. Exposes efforts to control learning of students, including excessive use of rote learning methods and state-mandated content exams which promote the status quo. Notes lack of black students' cooperation with…

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)

Identifies five major aims for teaching about the United States in European secondary schools. Presents the content of eight themes for achieving these aims: (1) stereotypes; (2) location; (3) environmental diversity; (4) human response; (5) the peopling of the United States; (6) the U. S. political system; (7) the United States as a global power;…

Presents a critical analysis of "An Outline of American Geography," a textbook distributed free to teachers in the United Kingdom and other European countries by the Embassy of the United States. While bias is present in the text, the use of dated material is deemed its most severe shortcoming. (JDH)

A robust and distinctive society of over 15 million people, Australia today is a nation of increasing influence in the international community. Phases in the evolution of Australia's attitude to the outside world are examined and how the country views its international role is discussed. (RM)

This bibliographic essay discusses how Australian children's books and adolescent literature reflect Australian society. For example, Australian society tends to be male dominated; problems of a boy growing up in a mainly macho world are dealt with in Southall's "Josh" and "Walk a Mile" and in Phipson's "A Tide…

Area studies programs, with their increasing demands for relevance and revision, have brought new, fresh, multi-faceted interpretations to what history is and what function it should perform. Area studies is a bold concept that calls for subject matter to move across previously sacred discipline lines. (RM)

There is inadequate utilization of social science research in policymaking in India. This is due to the time gap between research and publication, mismatch between need and supply, and the inadequacies of the research. Better performance within the academic system, as well as better communication, can ensure better utilization. (CS)

Social area analysis (SAA) is defined, and its conceptual roots and principal applications identified. The utility of SAA is assessed by reviewing use of demographic data among several disciplines. Authors review seminal and recent contributions to the field. Ecological fallacies and other problematic facets of SAA are considered. (Author/DWH)

Comments on the declining interest in foreign language and culture studies as a manifestation of ethnocentrism negatively affecting our international policies and our understanding of the differences within American society. Mentions the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' policy statement and the New Jersey's state-wide plan…

This monograph on international disability issues offers three main papers giving English, Australian, and New Zealand viewpoints. The first paper is by Len Barton from England and is titled "Disability and the Necessity for a Socio-Political Perspective." Barton attacks the medical model of disability and argues that people with…

The aim of this paper is to offer possible explanations for the declining interest in regional geography. One of the major contributing factors is employment potential. Employment is perceived as being relatively limited for persons defining their interests as "regional" within geography. Students, therefore, do not enroll in regional geography…