Provides examples of distorted maps drawn by people from various times and countries. Argues that maps can be culturally confining and can reinforce ethnocentricity. States that exposure to many cartographic perspectives can help a person overcome ethnocentric cultural conditioning. Includes activities and questions for promoting cartographic…

Presents a classroom exercise, "The Forced Migration Game," where students select three countries they would prefer to migrate to and three they would not like to migrate to. Explains the aim is to launch courses dealing with the study of other cultures. Includes three imperatives for studying other cultures. (CMK)

Evaluates the usage of five concepts in the study of Islamic and world history that serve to perpetuate the image of Islamic civilization as the Other: (1) Middle East; (2) East and West; (3) Judaic-Christian heritage; (4) Islamic fundamentalism; and (5) jihad. Argues for replacing these concepts. (CMK)

The video "Cultural Baggage" was created to parody stereotypes by which people are often labeled. Using comedy as the vehicle, this short video tape serves as a way to break down defenses and allow dialog to begin about how people can learn not to stereotype each other culturally or racially. The facilitator's manual is divided into four sections:…

States that traditions in U.S. education inhibit construction of a genuine world history; that it uses Western norms as the basis for judging all civilizations. Recommends the comparative approach to education with the humanistic traditions outside the West included in order to teach critical thinking about specific civilizations. (GEA)

Asserts that U.S. global awareness has been heightened significantly during the past decade. Contends that increasing economic interdependence has been a primary reason for this trend. States that the objectives of the world studies program at City University of New York Queens College help student understanding of global interdependence and…

Discusses the character and contributions of Thomas Jesse Jones, an early 20th-century educator and a pioneer in social studies and black education. Jones's inconsistent philosophy (he supported limited black education but believed in white supremacy) grew out of an unlikely combination of progressive Christianity and deep conservatism. (MJP)

Discusses reasons for studying history. Suggests that compelling arguments for historical study will affect students' attitudes throughout life. Evaluates common rationales for studying history. Includes history as fun, tradition, great ideas, human folly, escapism, and nationalist legitimation. Urges that students be taught history as facts that…

Explores the rationale for including the Holocaust in the social studies curriculum and analyzes how aspects can be introduced at elementary grade levels. Outlines course objectives for studying the Holocaust that are relevant to major issues in social studies. Notes 34 states do not require world history courses and textbook content is uneven.…