Based on an examination of 50 general social studies textbooks, the report discusses the most frequently found biases, misconceptions, omissions, inaccuracies, and misrepresentations. Criteria for judging the textbooks include: readable and suitable materials; accurate and current content; presentation of Africa as a diverse continent; open presentation of economic and political differences, and of African and global interdependence; depiction of history beginning with ancient times rather than with the arrival of the white man; inclusion of Africa's musical and artistic heritage; and use of African authors and sources. Common problems in textbooks are failure to mention African resistance to colonization and the negative effects of colonialism, misinterpretations of independence movements, the misconception that Africa is a rain forest, overemphasis on wild life, and use of the word "tribe" when ethnic, linguistic, or regional group would be more accurate. Failure to depict various marriage customs, lack of emphasis on representative groups, and emphasis on the exotic or "weird" are other problems. Also, inaccurate information, biases and misrepresentations exist about the apartheid policy in the Republic of South Africa, political instability, and African religions. Lists of textbooks reviewed, recommended general references, and references for problems discussed in the report are included. (KC)