Asia today is the center of tremendous growth. With the continued rise of China and the influential roles of Japan and South Korea in international affairs, it is no wonder that the 21st century has been dubbed the Asian century. Outside of these influential political actors, one also see the growing political significance of Southeast Asia in…

The Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG) is a research unit of the College of Education at the University of Hawai'i. Part of its mission is to develop curriculum materials for students in grades K-12. The social studies section of CRDG has been developing curriculum materials on Asia since the early 1990s. As part of a project…

This paper traces some of the historical background of Asian studies programs in American universities and outlines various ways that Asian studies has functioned up to the present. It sketches a new role for Asian studies and suggests how language departments can help develop this role. (Author/CFM)

This booklet examines Japan's unparalleled economic achievements and its growing political prominence. Reflecting upon Japan's economic, political, and societal dynamism, the document offers helpful insights into how this nation, nearly devoid of natural resources but blessed with a self-sacrificing, highly skilled, and dedicated work force, has…

This article describes the value of Asian and Asian-American studies in American education and suggests an approach to accomodate them in American education. (Author/CFM)

These lessons were developed by teacher participants in the 1994 Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad program in China. The 15 lessons include: (1) "Global Studies 1" (Robert H. Berry); (2) "Dao Beijing" (Thomas G. Buckingham, Jr.); (3) "Letters to the Past: An Integrated Curriculum on China, Hong Kong, and Macau"…

A nationwide survey of state education departments was conducted in order to learn the extent to which study of Asia is included in precollegiate education. It was found that there is a place for Asia in the curriculum. A course in world history, world geography, and/or world cultures is reportedly offered as part of the common course sequence in…

This document consists of an annotated bibliography of publications, audio visual materials, and other items available through Yale University's East Asian Resource and Education Program. The document begins with a discussion of the program, its goals and objectives, teacher and school projects, publications, and special events. There is also a…

This document presents a series of essays on the relations between Australia and its neighboring Asian countries. Several of the essays focus on the history of particular groups of Asians who have lived or still live in Australia. Reasons for, and effects of, migration to Australia are analyzed. Five essays are included: (1) "Australia and…

Nine chapters emphasizing religious, domestic, and economic aspects of women in Southeast Asia are presented. In an introductory chapter, Penny Van Esterik discusses women and Buddhism, societal and domestic roles, occupational patterns, research on women in Southeast Asia, and Southeast Asia's past and future. In chapter 2, "Buddhism,…

This document outlines a slide presentation on Southeast Asia with primary emphasis on Indonesia. How international trade has influenced the design and development of Indonesian arts, crafts, and architecture are main points of interest. A geographical overview of Indonesia is described along with its natural resources, population, and religious…

Concise background information on the People's Republic of China is provided. The publication begins with a profile of the country, outlining the people, geography, economy, and membership in international organizations. The bulk of the document then discusses in more detail China's people, geography, history, government, education, economy, and…

For the United States perhaps the most pressing issue today is the need to increase the national capacity to understand and interact with the peoples and economies of Asia and the Pacific. The East-West Center (Honolulu, Hawaii) has undertaken a project in this direction, the Consortuim for Teaching Asia and the Pacific in the Schools (CTAPS).…

This paper describes benefits gained from a Fulbright-Hays summer study program to India. Included are examples of classroom materials used to teach classes about Indian folk art: puppets, silhouettes, surface embellishment (body ornamentation) including pierced design, visual communication pins, and T-shirt logos. (EH)

Explores the vital development of the Pacific Rim. Advocates integrating the study of this region into social studies curricula. Criticizes the Eurocentric bias that results in ignoring the Pacific Rim's geography, history, literature, and languages. Reports on social studies programs, primarily in Alaska schools, where study of the Pacific Rim…