The rise of China, as well as any of the emerging economies, has much to offer students and teachers of social studies--especially in the fields of history and economics. Traditionally, history education in the United States has emphasized Western civilization and provided instruction for educators with that end in mind. In an era of increased…

This essay is based on the author's talk at the FPRI Wachman Center's History Institute for Teachers on "What Students Need to Know about America's Wars, Part 2: 1920-Present," held May 2-3, 2009. Observing that the Vietnam War was the longest and most contested conflict in American history and that it called into question many…

On September 29-30, 2007, FPRI's Marvin Wachman Fund for International Education presented a weekend of discussion on "Teaching Military History: Why and How" for 35 teachers from 22 states across the country. The institute was held at the First Division Museum in Wheaton, Illinois and co-sponsored by the Cantigny First Division Foundation.…

Presents a lesson on the Gulf of Tonkin incident during the Vietnam War and the resulting Tonkin Gulf Resolution. Recommends using the resolution as a way of studying the war making powers of the U.S. presidency. Includes excerpts from the Tonkin Gulf Resolution as student readings. (CFR)

Presents a secondary lesson reviewing U.S.-Chinese relations from 1900 until the end of the Korean War. Suggests that the United States made several diplomatic mistakes during that period. Includes step-by-step teaching procedures, a timeline, and a short student reading. (CFR)

This briefing book provides background information on current foreign policy issues. This edition discusses the following major issues: (1) "U.S. in a New World: What Goals? What Priorities?"; (2) "United Nations: What Role in the New World?"; (3) "Germany's Role: In Europe? In the Atlantic Alliance?"; (4)…

Discusses the problems arising from pursuing a graduate degree in Asian American history at an institution that does not have an Asian American program. Outlines various pedagogical strategies including making exhaustive use of local resources, borrowing heavily from other institutions, and working for the establishment of an Asian American…

Discusses contact between the United States and Japan. Comments that the history of the relationship is a long one that becomes increasingly interdependent. Describes the relationship as characterized by a disparity of power and interest now shifting toward Japan. Emphasizes that changes in the relationship have always depended on the world…

Reports on a Vietnam veteran teacher's experiences and reactions upon visiting Vietnam during a 1993 study tour. Discusses social changes that have occurred in Vietnam since 1972. Compares the departure from Vietnam in 1972 with the study tour's departure in 1993. (CFR)

Using selected passages from Japanese and U.S. social studies textbooks, this booklet presents contrasting views and interpretations of historical events or circumstances. The textbooks, review, and supplementary materials collected or developed in conjunction with the Japan/U.S. Textbook Study Project provides much of the basic material for the…

This curriculum unit for the study of Vietnam policy has the following goals: (1) student awareness and examination of alternatives to war; (2) student understanding of the process and elements involved in governmental decision making, including that of public opinion; (3) student understanding of their responsibilities and rights as citizens in a…

Attempts to correct the limited and stereotypical portrayal of Asian American women found in most histories. Reveals that women often played a more central and active role in the Asian American experience. Discusses little-known facets of this experience (e.g., many immigrants returned home after achieving financial security). (MJP)

This curriculum unit is the first part of a three-part series; it focuses on the theme of conflict. It introduces students to conflict on personal, group, international, and global levels and to basic conflict resolution/management alternatives. Students learn about six categories of conflict through the analysis of episodes in the history of…

Reports on a 1993 study tour of Vietnam by educators. Discusses the role of a secondary school during the struggle against French colonialism and the U.S.-Vietnam War. Argues that educators must acknowledge the humanity of the Vietnamese as the first step in designing Vietnam-related social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Compares questionnaire results sent to elementary and secondary school teachers in Indiana and Japan. Surveys how and what is taught about World War II. Reports teachers in the United States concentrate more on Europe, Pearl Harbor, and fascism, whereas Japanese teachers are more concerned with Pacific theater. Concludes Japanese teach peace…