National identity is the sum of the social characteristics of a people which are themselves a compound of ethnic, religious, political, and climatic factors. (Author)

After a brief explanation as to the rise of interest in literature from the Southwest the author discusses several areas of study about the area. For each area mentioned, he lists books and articles which he feels both teachers and students would benefit from reading. (LF)

The failure of American Institutes to thrive even under auspicious circumstances involves political concerns that go beyond academe. (Editor)

Folk highschools in Finland are state assisted boarding schools whose functions are to provide instruction in the humanities, socio-economic and natural sciences. Object of this study was to investigate the expectations directed to their teachers by the students. (RB)

The culture area concept is a valuable tool for the geography teacher to use in studying broad patterns of cultural adaptation and variation, especially when mapped at successive historical periods. Culture area and geographic region are closely related concepts with common problems of scale and classification. (NH)

An experimental center for interdisciplinary study of international relations. (Editor)

Recommended ideas and approaches are: selective attention to people, contemporary issues, and basic concepts; content from the social sciences and humanities; comparative methods; encouragement of active student participation using inductive methods; and development of critical thinking skills." (Author/VW)

Discusses a rationale for teaching about Africa and an interpretation of appropriate inquiry techniques. (DB)

200 Africans responded to a questionnaire eliciting recommendations for teaching Americans about Africa. Among them were: avoidance of stereotypes; understanding of African culture; inclusion of North Africa; and, greater emphasis on problems in southern Africa. (DB)

By viewing approximately two dozen Japanese television commercials, secondary students enrolled in an area studies course about Japan were able to generate tones and impressions reflecting many important experiences of the Japanese society that the course would later explore in more detail. The introductory lesson was very successful. (RM)

Discusses how the global approach can be used to teach about Japanese culture in elementary and secondary social studies classes. Students compare and contrast Japanese and American cultures. Methods for helping students to become familiar with aspects of Japanese culture are included. (AM)

Describes the "study tour of the Soviet Union," for several years a feature of the three-week interim term at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Discusses tour organization, related orientation activities and itineraries, dwelling at length on problems encountered, especially recent last-minute denials of visa to group leaders. (MES)