Scholars disagree about the implications of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action for history educators and curriculum developers. Some scholars contend that responding to these Calls to Action requires rejecting the discipline of history and historical thinking approaches currently being implemented in history and social…

In the cultivation of worldminded attitudes, the social studies teacher cannot assume that student interaction with culturally different art will necessarily enhance empathic cosmopolitan attitudes. Pitfalls to be aware of are cited in this article. (Author/JH)

Reviews myths, misconceptions, and unintentional biases about Africa in United States K-12 social studies textbooks. Summarizes common topics and recommends additions. Provides the names, addresses and phone numbers of 10 university-based African Studies centers. Concludes that improvements to textbooks must continue. (JDH)

Surveys the existing treatment of Asia in upper elementary and secondary social studies textbooks. Treats improvements needed in such areas as: (1) global issues important to Asia, (2) content and approach, (3) economics and politics, (4) geography and resources, (5) international relations, and (6) treatment of subregions. Provides a…

Explains how literary sources can help students understand the culture of other countries and give them insights into their own personalities and society. Describes an unbalanced American history course to indicate how bias can influence views of history and culture. ( Author/DB)

Notes the problematical elements of diversity within Latin America, establishes priorities for the social studies curriculum, and reviews what should be taught about its geography, resources, people, religion, customs, economics, politics, history, and international relationships. Lists Latin American Studies programs and published instructional…

Reviews the shortcomings of existing textbooks' treatments of the Middle East and suggests a more balanced approach. The areas covered are: geography, resources, people, economics, politics, colonialism, independence movements, international relations, and religions and customs. Identifies instructional resources for teachers and students. (JDH)

This unit on Hindu mythology is designed to help secondary students see beyond the exotic elements of another culture to the things its people have in common with people in the West: a continuous effort to find a purpose in existence, to explain the unknown, and to define good and bad, right and wrong. Students are asked to analyze Hindu religious…

The place of non-Western cultural studies in elementary social studies is examined, and possible student and teacher reactions to those cultures and to the various forms that ethnocentrism takes are identified. What research says regarding ways to reduce elementary classroom ethnocentrism is discussed. (RM)

Presents a thorough and innovative approach to integrating the study of Africa into the social studies curriculum. Profiles a three-part process consisting of preplanning, curriculum planning, and implementation. Utilizes different sources and strategies (literature, global approach, cooperative learning) to create a balanced and accurate…