This competency-based preservice home economics teacher education module on characteristics of economically depressed areas is the first in a set of four core modules on teaching home economics in economically depressed areas. (This set is part of a larger set of sixty-seven modules on the Management Approach to Teaching Consumer and Homemaking Education [MATCHE]--see CE 019 901-967.) Following the module objective and overview, three units of instruction are presented: (1) criteria for economically depressed areas, (2) economically depressed area needs, and (3) community structure in economically depressed areas. Each unit includes the following elements: unit objective and overview, narrative summary, suggested activities and resources, progress check, and an answer key. A module pre/posttest (with answer key) concludes the document. (Workshop proceedings relating to the development of these modules are available in the ERIC system as CE 019 896-899; also available is a module on utilizing FHA-HERO as an instructional strategy to expand and strengthen home economics programs [CE 019 900].) (CT)