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…

Maintaining that resources for students learning about Africa must provide clear, comprehensive, and accurate factual coverage and should excite student interest, this article suggests a variety of Africa-related materials, including yearbooks, periodicals, geography texts, encyclopedias, and political publications from African organizations. (DB)

The Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG) is a research unit of the College of Education at the University of Hawai'i. Part of its mission is to develop curriculum materials for students in grades K-12. The social studies section of CRDG has been developing curriculum materials on Asia since the early 1990s. As part of a project…

This document provides historical research from the earliest French experiences on the upper North American peninsula through today. Approximately 50 maps have been provided outlining the evolution of information that has been collected by those who sought to explore the region. Most of these explorers were trading company employees who were hired…

Maintains that many world geography and culture textbooks that deal with Africa present misinformation and misleading generalities. Reviews three recent textbooks--"Insights: Sub-Saharan Africa," by Ella C. Leppert, "People and Progress: A Global History," by Milton Finkelstein, and "World Cultures," by Clarence L.…

A rationale for the study of Canada by Americans is advocated in this paper. Among the justifications for the study are: our common geographical environment; our need to comparatively understand the cultural, economic, political, and social differences and similarities of the two countries; the part Canada can play in serving as a laboratory for…

This collection of essays offers an overview of contemporary Japanese culture, and can serve as a resource for classes studying Japan. The 28 essays offer an informative, accessible look at the values, attitudes, behavior patterns, and communication styles of modern Japan from the unique perspective of the Japanese people. Filled with examples…

This instructional booklet for the social studies classroom is a companion to a series about modern day Germany. The materials describe the documents in the series and present correlation charts for content and skills: (1) "A Kid Like Me across the Sea"; (2) "Communities and Regions"; (3) "Overview of Germany"; (4)…

The purpose of this article is to propose a base from which the study of Latin American culture might be initiated utilizing ideas from two new approaches. A plan is presented for organizing inquiry into Latin American culture around main ideas. (Author/KM)

Presents a geopolitical history of the African continent. Its geography, mineral resources, regional industrial development, and international role are discussed. The impact of African foreign policies on the struggle between China and Taiwan is examined. (AM)

Reviews the historical development of Canadian studies in United States textbooks and other instructional material. Notes common shortcomings and misconceptions of early materials. Describes how an expanded and more even treatment of Canada would improve social studies instruction in the United States. (JDH)

Advocates the use of foreign students as resource persons in area studies units. Identifies programs in Michigan which promote cross cultural education via the use of foreign students as classroom speakers. (JDH)

Whenever a class begins to study a new part of the world, teachers must deal with students' preexisting ideas about the area. Activities which will challenge elementary students' initial impressions of Australia and encourage them to learn more about the country are described. (RM)