Reports on the research and development of a history textbook on Puerto Rico. Discusses the issues of historical synthesis and the special problems associated with writing a book about an island that is neither an independent nation nor a colonial possession. (CFR)

Presents a teaching model that allows students to recognize, synthesize, and analyze characteristics and components of colonialism. Identifies and provides examples for five main types of colonial interaction: subjugation, coexistence, extermination, reservation, and combination. Applies this model to the case study of the Spanish in New Mexico.…