Latin America is a popularly accepted world region. A systematic review of geographic interpretations of Latin America reveals that the origin of the term goes back to the mid-nineteenth century and that the region's boundaries have shifted over time. This article argues that four basic principles operate in the formation of world regions such as…

One of the best vehicles for creating lifelong learners of geography involves not only making students see the relevance and the importance of the field, but to cultivate a sense of fun and enjoyment pertaining to geography as well. Incorporating international foods in the world geography classroom is not only an interesting alternative way to…

Offers a rationale for increased teaching of global economic geography, identifies its natural constituencies, and defines the scope and content of such undergraduate courses. Concludes that such courses offer a good way to help internationalize undergraduate education in the United States in addition to providing an opportunity to highlight…

One of the demands imposed on geography instruction is to inform about the world, but there is some disagreement on how this is to be achieved. Criticism is most frequently directed at the regional geography approach of subdividing the world into culture regions. This paper addresses the question of whether global subdivision by culture regions…

In global history courses and in western civilization courses Europe might be better treated as a subcontinent or, better yet, as a coastal, peninsular, or even insular phenomenon. This would be more consistent with both its geography and its history. H. J. Mackinder argued that until the 15th century Europe was powerfully shaped by repeated waves…

Discusses the reintroduction of geography into national school curricula--specifically, Louisiana--as a consequence of the renewed emphasis on the mastery of basic academic subjects. Stresses the challenge of providing teacher training, teaching geography through concepts rather than facts, and makes recommendations for teaching world geography in…

Reviews difficulties publishers have in adequately representing world regions. Recommends that teachers: (1) use textbooks analytically, (2) provide alternative perspectives, (3) use supplementary materials, (4) incorporate analysis of mass media, (5) take advantage of local resources, and (6) continuously examine and modify their social studies…

A traditional world regional geography course inescapably entails a flow of information that many community college students find overwhelming. This paper delineates five strategies developed over 30 years of teaching to help students cope with this fundamental problem: (1) using study guides or a manual to help students understand assigned…

Praises the resolution passed by the Texas Council for the Social Studies Executive Board that calls for a four-year high school social studies curriculum that includes a required course in world geography studies. Argues that this coursework will help prepare students for college, and might lead to successful geography-related careers. (LS)

One special difficulty in teaching world geography is overcoming the scale differential between individual students' direct experiences and the immense size and complexity of the world. An innovative framework of operational principles, or maxims, has been suggested, and an application of the framework is described. Students search out examples in…

This speech bemoans the deplorable state of geography education in the United States. American students' geographical knowledge is far inferior to that of European, Russian, Japanese, Canadian, or Australian students. This nation's young people literally do not know where they are, what other cultures are like, or how things fit together. A recent…

A resurgence of interest in geography education has resulted from factors like public disenchantment with education, a commitment by professional geographic organizations to promote geography teaching, and a growing sense of U.S. interdependence with other countries. The new view of geography instruction requires a broader, more analytical, and…

Proposes a new role for middle school teachers in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This role involves reexamination of curriculum content in world cultures, geography, history, and comparative religions to give students a fuller idea of their place in the world and the concepts of justice and fairness as practiced in the…

Provides an introduction to the subject of global awareness, and discusses the kinds of resources that library media specialists ought to consider to provide support for classroom teaching in this emerging field. An annotated list of books, periodicals, organizations, and bibliographies is included. (Author/EM)

Explores the vital development of the Pacific Rim. Advocates integrating the study of this region into social studies curricula. Criticizes the Eurocentric bias that results in ignoring the Pacific Rim's geography, history, literature, and languages. Reports on social studies programs, primarily in Alaska schools, where study of the Pacific Rim…