This report summarizes the results of an intensive survey undertaken by the Asia Society to determine how Asia is depicted in American School textbooks. Over 100 scholars and teachers reviewed 306 social studies texts in use in the 50 states in 1974-75 to discover what is being taught about Asia at each grade level. The textbooks were designated…

The purpose of this syllabus is to help government personnel assigned to South Asia, or to positions dealing with South Asian affairs, to acquire a basic knowledge of the area and some understanding of the motivational dynamics of the people. It is not intended to serve as an operational briefing nor to take its place. The goal is the facilitation…

This curriculum unit is part one of a three-part series. The unit introduces students to policy options for U.S. and Japanese relations with China at the beginning of the 21st century. By identifying and examining these options, students gain an awareness of U.S., Japanese, and Chinese perspectives on political, economic, and security issues.…

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)

Presents a series of lesson plans to be incorporated into an interdisciplinary unit on Japan. Uses the five themes of geography as a framework for a broader exploration of the culture and history of Japan. Specifically addresses women and their role in Japanese society, and other cultural ideas. (MJP)

Presents an instructional resource consisting of 4 18th-century Japanese prints combined with discussion questions and related activities for grades 6-12. The prints illustrate various aspects of a society in transition. Includes background material on 18th-century Japan and the prints. (MJP)

Tracks the intermittent appearances and variations of the historical concept of a "Pacific Age" from the 1890s to the present. Discusses the social, economic, and historical conditions that resulted in the term's heralding of either economic optimism or racist peril. Suggests these interpretations come in cycles. (MJP)

This activity unit tells the story of Prince Rama from the Hindu legend, "Ramayana." The story is retold in language appropriate to grades 5-7. Accompanying activities include: (1) "Reviewing Familiar Myths"; (2) "Developing Skills Through Literature", which includes activities on character and symbolism, values and…

China has the longest continuous civilization in the world--about 4000 years. Another reason to study China is its sheer size in both area and population. This text gives students the opportunity to explore those aspects of Chinese life which have changed in recent years. The extensive history and religion sections allow these changes to be seen…

THIS SIXTH-GRADE GUIDE FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM IN NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DELINEATES AIMS, CONTENT, AND SCOPE OF INSTRUCTION. THE FIRST PART OF THE GUIDE FOCUSES ON MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ANCIENT MIDDLE EAST, GREECE, ROME, AND MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE EUROPE TO WESTERN CIVILIZATION AND PARTICULARLY TO OUR AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE.…

A documentary collection of the experiences of Asian Americans from a multitude of perspectives, including a scholarly focus and also containing contemporary expressions, comprises "Roots: An Asian American Reader." The volume is said to be designed to meet the needs of Asian Americans by providing a compilation of materials in readily…

The focus of the Project on Asian Studies in Education (PASE) is assistance to teachers in secondary schools and two and four year colleges in the Midwest to improve their instruction of Asian Studies through better teacher training and guidance in selecting educational materials. This is to be accomplished by: 1) providing a Resource Center with…

This selected annotated bibliography of reference sources is designed to help college students prepare for the future by identifying critical sources on the societies and cultures of most of the world's people who have long been neglected in higher education. Encyclopedias, handbooks, and yearbooks are listed first under each area. Next are the…

Foreign Studies, an elective course for junior and senior students, is a study of selected Asian cultures, including the nations of China, Japan, and India, and of African cultures, including the nations of Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Asia and Africa are studied from the American cultural viewpoint with emphasis…

Provides an overview of the structure and topics included in undergraduate course on Indian and Chinese history. Briefly reviews such topics as Land and People, Emergence and Evolution of Traditions, Expansion of Islam in Asia, European Imperialism, Nationalism and Independence, and Democracy and Development. (MJP)