History and social studies textbooks have often been the object of heated political debate in various countries, since they relate directly to issues of national identity and citizenship. This article analyzes how "foreigners" are portrayed in two versions (the 2000 and 2006 versions, date of issue) of the best-selling elementary social…

This is a report of the Japan/United States Textbook Study Project the goal of which is to improve each nation's textbooks, especially in regard to the treatment of Japan in U.S. textbooks, the treatment of the United States in Japanese textbooks, and the treatment of relations between the two countries in each nation's textbooks. Panelists from…

Based on premise that knowledge of other peoples and places is no longer a luxury but rather a pragmatic life tool, article focuses on the image of Japan in textbooks used in social studies classes throughout the United States. Suggests that U.S. textbooks get high marks on factual information but score low in context, analysis, and perspective.…

Summarizes results of a cooperative international analysis of social studies texts by the United States/Japan Study Group. The project found books from each country tended to justify their own country's actions while consistently oversimplifying conditions in the other. Teaching strategies to counteract textbook biases are included. (AM)

Fourteen Japanese and 28 American social studies textbooks, grades 7-12, were exchanged and reviewed by project participants. The purpose of the research was to seek improvements in the treatment each country gives the other in their respective textbooks. Selective findings of the project are discussed. (RM)

This brief booklet presents a listing of highly rated elementary and secondary social studies books compiled by the Asia Society Textbook Evaluation Project. The Asia Society listing describes some of the best available textbooks for the teacher with limited time. The appendix includes a listing of additional references in which descriptions and…

This publication is a guide for teachers using "The Changing World Today," an intermediate-grade student text which examines cultural change in Japan, Kenya, and India. A major portion of the guide consists of a summary outline of the text. Discussed in the outline are descriptive characteristics, rationale, antecedent conditions,…