Designed to be used as a source of supplementary activities for courses in geography, world history, and world cultures, this unit focuses on current issues including political repression, multinational corporations, and urbanization. While emphasizing a personal perspective (how major issues have affected the daily lives of ordinary people) the first group of activities deals with issues in the context of developing nations in general, while other activities include specific exercises on China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, the Mideast, Africa, and Latin America. The theme of development--economic, social, and political--is explored from a variety of perspectives. Middle school and high school students are challenged to consider problems from different points of view including Western concepts of "progress" and linear economic development, and current stereotypes about economic development of particular societies. Many of the activities are experiential in nature--simulations, role plays, and case studies. Most of the activities may be used separately, or incorporated into units on individual cultures. Each lesson plan includes an introductory paragraph, objectives, grade level, time and materials needed, step-by-step procedures, and follow-up activities. A bibliography of 45 publications, most of which were published since 1980, and 54 reproducible student handouts conclude the document. (LH)