In December 1996, a peace accord ended 30 years of civil war in Guatemala, during which an estimated 200,000 people were killed and over 1 million were displaced. Most of the war's victims have been indigenous (Maya) Guatemalans--who make up about 65 percent of the population--and other supporters of economic and political reforms. In this book,…

An attempt is made (1) to define adolescence as a biological phenomenon, (2) to describe the characteristics of the adolescent in Latin America, and (3) to identify the adolescent within certain social and cultural groups of specific Latin American countries. The perspective of the four-part monograph is entirely sociological, and the report is…

In this volume are surveyed some problems which arise in Latin American countries in the belief that even though solutions to them may differ somewhat from one country to another the conditions in which they arise are sufficiently similar to make comparisons possible and useful. After describing the uneven provision of schools for different…

This bibliography was compiled by the Programa de Educacion Interamericana for teachers who need ready sources of good information useable in the classroom, and suitable for a given grade level. The major division of entries is by country in Central and South America, with sections for Canada and the United States. Within each section, entries are…

Presents a teaching unit on the global impact of the abolition of slavery in the Western Hemisphere. Asserts that abolition of slavery brought economic disruption to many African states and parts of the Western Hemisphere. Provides a chronologically based map, five student handouts, and questions for each handout. (CFR)

This two week unit has attempted to alleviate two deficiencies normally found in instructional materials: superficial treatment or neglect of developments since World War II; and, the overemphasis on conflict. Topics have been selected for in-depth discussion, and emphasize the Organization of American States, the Alliance for Progress, and the…

This quinmester course guide for grades seven through nine examines Latin America and the United States/Latin America relationship through the concept of stability as influenced by various social, economic, and political factors. The goals of the course are for the student to discover the diversity of backgrounds, aspirations, and customs of the…

This experimental unit on modernization will involve secondary students in researching and developing a 50-nation data bank from which they are asked to make cross-cultural comparisons and analyses. Students infer some of the consequences of economic development on social and political life in a modernizing society, apply the concept of…

Jamaica is known mainly as a tourist playground and the home of Reggae music. This Jamaican teaching unit dispels stereotypes and shows Jamaica for what it really is--an economically-troubled, developing nation. The unit illustrates the challenges this island nation is facing in its struggle toward economic development. Contents are: Teacher…

The text explores Mexico's history, geography, art, religion, and lifestyles in the context of its complex economy. The text focuses on Mexico's economy and reasons for its current situation. Part I of this teaching unit includes: Teacher Overview, Why Study Mexico, Mexico Fact Sheet, Map of Mexico, the Land and Climate, History, Government,…

The University of Texas Latin America Curriculum Project's survey of instructional materials for elementary and secondary schools revealed specific strengths and weaknesses at all levels. The particular weaknesses found in elementary materials were that (1) instructional materials varied widely in type and quality; and (2) textbooks emphasized…

This guide, produced by teachers and students, departs from the typical approach to language study in that the courses are based neither on a sequential progression of subject matter nor on a chronological view of Latin American history. The primary objective in the planning for both levels of instruction is to develop sociocultural and literary…

The lives and places in society of urban youth at risk of dropping out of the Los Angeles (California) Unified School District schools are explored through interviews of adolescents whom the author met when doing field work in Los Angeles County. Data come from interviews conducted in the course of the 1991 Drug Use Forecasting Study (DUF) and the…

Cultural awareness activities for studying about the Chicano minority in the United States are provided in this curriculum guide. The units are designed to sensitize 7th grade students to Chicano contribution to American life, acquaint and motivate them to respect the Chicano culture, and inform them of Chicano social and economic problems. The…

This teacher's guide and student guide unit contains supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. The unit focuses on world history and correlates to Florida's Sunshine State Standards. It is divided into the following 21 units of study that…