Reviews the historical and cultural roots of the South African system of apartheid. Covers early Dutch settlement, the Anglo-Boer War, the Native Land Act of 1913, and the rise of the National Party. Concludes with a discussion of the different perspectives held by black and white South Africans on the "progress" made in recent years.…

This article presents a chronology of significant events in the struggle to end white domination in South Africa. The period covered is 1943 to 1986. (JDH)

Describes the striking dichotomy of South Africa's beauty and the squalor resulting from the apartheid policies of the government. Reviews reactions of black South Africans to recent constitutional changes and details efforts to secure more sweeping reform. Includes stories of several individuals who have taken actions which oppose the system of…

Suggests ten themes for a course on the Middle East. The themes are that the Middle East: (1) is a western concept; (2) contains diverse cultures; (3) has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations; (4) has been the crossroads of many empires; (5) is not all "oil rich"; (6) is the scene of political conflict; (7) consists primarily of new…

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…

Recounts experiences of an American teacher in Afghanistan from 1973-1975. Topics discussed include culture shock, adjustment to a foreign culture, Afghan history and culture, archaeological ruins, Islamic culture, economic and educational development, and Afghanistan's role in the modern world. (DB)

Annotates available books, magazines, and curriculum background and teaching materials for social studies teachers. Topics include background materials on global and developmental issues, teacher-student curriculum materials, and a list of related organizations and their resources. Title and publishing information is given. (CK)

Discusses the role of women in the day-to-day progress of health care, the institution of better education, and the improvement of the means of livelihood in developing nations. Points out that because women hold key positions in these developing communities, programs designed to help women benefit others as well. (KO)

Recounts the author's experience of returning home to China after three years of study in the United States. Highlights the differences between the U.S. and Chinese cultures, focusing on how the author changed during his international experience, and how China had changed in his absence. Includes suggestions for social studies teachers who wish to…

Noting that textbooks in the United States contain misleading, inaccurate, and biased information on South Africa, this article provides an annotated bibliography of elementary and secondary curriculum materials which may be used to provide a more balanced and accurate treatment of South Africa. (JDH)

Maintains that policies that recognize the commercial value of resources and offer rewards for actions that preserve rather than deplete them, offer the best chance for environmental protection. Discusses recent experiments where the right to harvest a resource is sold as a commodity. Examines the role this plays in conservation. (MJP)

Reviews the history of U.S. foreign aid, and contests popular assumptions about the leading role of the United States in contemporary aid efforts. Provides a detailed breakdown of the U.S. foreign affairs budget to support the argument. Links the argument to suggestions for appropriate U.S. policy in this area. (DSK)

What is meant by human rights is discussed, and the historical and economic reasons why Western and third world nations embrace different philosophies of international human rights are examined. (RM)

Lists materials which have been proven successful in helping students appreciate the extent of the U.S. interconnectedness with developing nations. Provides critiques of resources that have the potential for stimulating consideration of ways in which international development might be aided. Considers books, audiovisual materials, classroom…

Points out influences on and constraints to planning a social studies curriculum for the 21st century. Proposes a curriculum based on five essential concept clusters and presents a breakdown of these concepts using Zimbabwe themes and issues. Recommends innovations in teacher education to accompany the proposed curriculum. (LS)