To motivate students in the study of Asia at a time when interest in the East has declined but interaction increased, the author makes nine specific suggestions to secondary school teachers involving in-class exploration, outside experts, and cultural representatives. (JH)

Believed to have been written about the 4th century B.C., the "Ramayana" is one of the oldest epic poems in world literature. This exercise, which takes seven or eight days to complete, is intended to acquaint Westerners with the "Ramayana" in an informal format that may spark a desire to read further in the epic and to become…

This listing of schools that offer curriculum units dealing with Asia was compiled for the purpose of advancing the teaching of Asian Studies in schools throughout the United States, particularly at the secondary level. A total of 691 entries are included, the majority of which are from public or private junior or senior high schools within the…

This unit uses a case study of the Kingdom of the Kongo (Congo) to answer questions about the trans-Atlantic slave trade from an African perspective. The unit is appropriate for use in any study of the history of sub-Saharan Africa. Because it focuses on the African perspective of events surrounding the slave trade, it supports in-depth studies of…

The first part of the paper briefly reviews the teaching of area studies within the last generation, noting that Chinese studies have markedly increased. The second part discusses forces operating on social studies teachers today which quite naturally relate to area studies. These include calls for teachers to change their technique from…

This book introduces students to the people and the geography of Brunei. The country is filled with a variety of complex ecosystems and tropical rain forests. This book provides background information and suggested topics for an intensive study of the country. The three chapters are entitled: (1) "Introduction to Brunei"; (2) "Early…

This book introduces students to the people and country of Thailand. This ancient and historic land is filled with beauty, diversity, and wonder. This book provides background information and suggested topics for an intensive study of the country. The seven chapters are entitled: (1) "The Land"; (2) "The People"; (3)…

This teacher's resource packet gives a brief history of the Japanese Warrior from the Old Tombs Period, 3rd-6th centuries A.D., to the end of the Edo Period in the 19th century, and explains Bushido, the ethical warrior code. Warrior artifacts, armor, helmets, and swords are discussed. Literature, exemplified by the 12th century historical…

Using the country of Pakistan, this project is designed to reinforce student knowledge about the five themes of geography and to develop creative ways of transferring written information into maps, charts, and timelines. The five themes are location, place, human-environmental relations, movement, and regions. Students are asked to present…

This book introduces students to the people and country of Laos. The historic "Land of a Million Elephants" (Lan Xang) is filled with diversity and wonder. This book provides background information and suggested topics for an intensive study of the country. The seven chapters are entitled: (1) "Land and People"; (2)…

This book provides an overview of Malaysia's history and culture. The book begins with a prehistoric times and continues through nationhood. Each chapter provides background information along with student activities and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Early Trade and Civilization"; (3) "The…

This book provides an overview of Indonesia's history and culture. The book begins with prehistoric times and continues through nationhood. Each chapter provides background information along with student activities and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction to the Lands and Peoples of Indonesia"; (2) "Early…

This book provides readings and student lessons about the Philippines. Lessons and activities follow a chronological sequence and provide a good resource for those interested in the Philippines. The materials begin with prehistoric times and continue to the presidency of Corazon Aquino. Each chapter provides background information along with a…

This partially annotated bibliography contains selected resource materials about Central Asia/Inner Asia for use with the secondary school social studies curriculum. Part 1 provides a list of eight organizations that specialize in the study of Central Asia, while Part 2 contains a collection of seven reference works. Part 3 offers six English…