The primary objective of the guide or introduction is to present approaches to providing a well balanced course or unit on China, India, and Japan. In the study of Asian cultures it is necessary to stress historic facts and the richness of the culture; an exclusive attention to economic growth, modernization, and the social and political problems is not appropriate. The most effective way to achieve balance is to use the comparative approach integrating both the humanities and the social sciences. How a teacher organizes his course and what method he chooses depends on his philosophy: 1) whether he postulates a linear or cyclical view of history; and, 2) how he stands on the uniqueist versus the universalist view of culture. It would be of great value if Western civilization could be studied first to facilitate comparison between institutional structures, values systems, and history. The basic methodology should start from the frame of reference of the student; the teaching of concepts, and the utilization of induction and deduction are all valid here. Study can be synthesized by selecting material from the native literature, art, music, and philosophy. Films may serve as a final summation or equally well as an introduction. SO 001 619 through SO 001 623 are related documents. (Author/SBE)