This curriculum unit is part one of a three-part series. The unit introduces students to policy options for U.S. and Japanese relations with China at the beginning of the 21st century. By identifying and examining these options, students gain an awareness of U.S., Japanese, and Chinese perspectives on political, economic, and security issues. Provided is a rationale and introduction to the lessons, along with unit goals, materials, time required, suggested sequence of activities, small group roles, subjects, equipment needed, icons, and policy study references. Lessons included in the unit are: (1) "Historical Legacies"; (2) "China's Political Situation"; (3) "China's Economy in Transition"; (4) "U.S.-Sino Relations: With a Focus on Human Rights"; (5) "SINO-Japanese Relations: With a Focus on Security Issues in the South China Sea"; and (6) "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation." Handouts and primary source documents have been provided with each lesson to present students with a range of perspectives on the topic being studied. Contains a list of references for each section. (LB)