While the art of Buddhism has an enduring tradition throughout Asia, this teaching guide focuses on the cultures of three countries in which the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries' collections are particularly strong: India, China, and Japan. The guide identifies grade level appropriateness for some lessons and activities. It contains 15…

During the age of agriculturally based empires, various conquerors from the western Mediterranean to East Asia brought large population areas under their own centralized authority. Gradually many of these conquerors came to realize that, although military might was necessary to gain control over an area, sheer force of arms was not sufficient to…

This book introduces students to the people and the geography of Brunei. The country is filled with a variety of complex ecosystems and tropical rain forests. This book provides background information and suggested topics for an intensive study of the country. The three chapters are entitled: (1) "Introduction to Brunei"; (2) "Early…

This book introduces students to the people and country of Thailand. This ancient and historic land is filled with beauty, diversity, and wonder. This book provides background information and suggested topics for an intensive study of the country. The seven chapters are entitled: (1) "The Land"; (2) "The People"; (3)…

Discusses education in contemporary China, with emphasis on educating working class intellectuals, instituting basic compulsory schooling, centralizing educational policy, and raising academic standards. Journal availability: Comparative and International Education Society of Canada, Althouse College, University of Western Ontario, London, On, N6G…

Examines the current state of education in China, with particular focus on ways in which Western educational models can and cannot be adapted there. Offers a brief history of Chinese education and examines some of the alliances currently being formed between Chinese institutions and educational institutions around the world. (NB)

Documents women's historically low place in Chinese culture as an integral part of a complex economic pattern. Covers the following topics: (1) women, family, and economy; (2) the Chinese modes of production; (3) views of commodity production in China; (4) class relations; (5) women's labor; and (6) textiles, women, and class. (JS)

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)

Improving critical thinking--defined by one expert as "reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do"--has been a frequent topic in the writing of history educators at least since the early 1970s. Attitudes and interests do support higher-level thinking and, most importantly, knowledge used in carrying it out…

This study is an exploration of the art produced by American veterans of the Vietnam War. In the areas of artistic history, military service, and the creative process, Vietnam veteran artists are a diverse group, and there are many different ways of explaining the connection between Vietnam experience and their art. Some individuals made limited…

This teacher's packet accompanies a slide presentation on the arts of Cambodia and those nations on the Indochina peninsula. The packet contains: (1) a slide list describing the art depicted on each slide with time period and dimensions of the piece; (2) an introductory essay describing the geography, people, religion, art and history of the area;…

This packet accompanies a slide series designed to introduce students to the Islamic influence on Asian art. The packet includes an essay introduction to the early history of Islam and its beliefs, maps of the region, suggested activities for students, stories and illustrations of patterns and figures used in Islamic art, Islamic coins and design,…

This book introduces students to the people and country of Laos. The historic "Land of a Million Elephants" (Lan Xang) is filled with diversity and wonder. This book provides background information and suggested topics for an intensive study of the country. The seven chapters are entitled: (1) "Land and People"; (2)…

This book provides an overview of Malaysia's history and culture. The book begins with a prehistoric times and continues through nationhood. Each chapter provides background information along with student activities and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Early Trade and Civilization"; (3) "The…

This book provides an overview of Indonesia's history and culture. The book begins with prehistoric times and continues through nationhood. Each chapter provides background information along with student activities and project suggestions. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction to the Lands and Peoples of Indonesia"; (2) "Early…