Australia is the world's driest continent. One-third of the country's area is unsuitable for any land use, while another third is suitable only for cattle and sheep grazing. Australia's physical geography, weather conditions, wildflowers, and wildlife are discussed. (RM)

African languages and cultures are undertaught in American universities. Some problems, such as the lack of language teaching materials, might be corrected. But universities place a low priority on area studies in general, and on African studies in particular, and methodologism tends to occur at the expense of genuinely international offerings.…

Latin American scholarship is flourishing in universities, but there are some conspicuous weak spots; the need for increased teaching of Portuguese and indigenous languages, the difficulties of maintaining up-to-date bibliographies, and a need for greater funding to enable Latin American area specialists to get into the field more frequently. (KH)

Reviews the state of South Asian studies in American universities. Focuses on language instruction, a trend toward specialization in particular countries or regions, and the decline of popular interest in South Asia. Reports on the need for new funding to replace the Federal Program, PL 480, whose excess currency fund of rupees is almost…

A social studies teacher who took a study trip to Kenya presents ideas for teaching about that country in the form of lesson plans that other teachers can easily use. (RM)

These units of study and learning activities for use in secondary social studies classes will help students better understand the complex situation in South Africa and prepare them to make wise and effective decisions about U.S. policy toward South Africa in the crucial years ahead. (RM)

Described are the efforts being made in Arab countries, primarily in Egypt, to stimulate scientific and technological development. (SL)

Reasons for the current decline in foreign language study are discussed, and changes in foreign language departments necessary for their survival and growth are suggested. (RM)

This lesson is based on travel in and study of 12 of Mexico's states and visiting Mexico's cities, schools, universities, and communities. Finding many parallels between Mexico and the Mariana Islands, the lesson focuses on providing a historical overview of both countries and on describing modern variations in social life, land area, politics,…

In this curriculum unit, elementary school children read information about two neighboring countries, Israel and Jordan, to make comparisons not only between the two countries but also about their own neighborhood as well. The unit uses a variety of strategies, from reading and responding to writing prompts, to creative activities, to active video…

Between 1845 and 1850, more than a million Irish starved to death while massive quantities of food were being exported from their country. A half million were evicted from their homes during the potato blight. A million and a half emigrated to the United States, Britain, and Australia, often on board rotting, overcrowded "coffin ships."…

This lesson, one of four stand-alone lessons that examine Australia as an aspect of world history, addresses the relationship between Australia and Great Britain, exploring Australia's peaceful move to self-rule, membership in the Commonwealth, and development of nationality. The lesson has two parts. In the first part, "Formation of a…

This curriculum unit is intended for upper-level high school students. The unit aims for students to gain a basic understanding of the history of Mayan human rights in Guatemala and of the present situation in Guatemala. The unit uses a variety of media and teaching techniques. It lists 30 questions which are to be completed after reading the…

The lessons in this 3-part series are intended to provide students with a basic understanding of the relationship between the United States and Mexico, with emphasis on multiple perspectives, conflict and cooperation, and interdependence. This curriculum unit, Part 1, examines two important historical episodes. The first episode focuses on a…