This curriculum unit helps students explore how U.S. trade relations fit into the country's overall role in the world. The unit is part of a series on current and historical international issues developed by the Choices for the 21st Century Education Project. Choices material places special emphasis on the importance of educating students in their participatory role as citizens. The unit considers trade issues in the context of international affairs and anxiety about economic globalization here at home. The teacher's unit discusses the "Choices" approach and how to integrate the unit into the classroom. It suggests a 5-day lesson plan with student activities. The unit begins with discussion of trade's impact on the local economy. The second day of the lesson plan calls on students to consider the impact of economic globalization through the eyes of four fictional characters. The third and fourth days of the unit feature a simulation in which students assume the role of advocates for the three options. The lesson plan concludes with students developing their own options and taking part in a classroom survey. The Teacher's Resource Book offers key terms, an issues box, and suggestions to make "Choices" work in the classroom. An alternate 3-day lesson plan is also provided. The student guide is divided into three parts: "The Global Economic System--Made in the U.S.A."; "How U.S. Trade Policy Affects Us"; and "Rethinking U.S. Trade Policy." Three options are outlined for classroom debate: (1) "Promote Free Trade"; (2) "Protect American Workers"; and (3) "Put Global Values First." Included is a worksheet for "focusing your thoughts" on the three options for classroom debate. The student is asked to create an opinion that reflects his or her own beliefs and opinions. The student guide offers reading on opposing viewpoints on U.S. trade policy and contains a 14-item suggested reading list. (BT)