Integrating Studies of Asia: Texts and contexts.

The article reports on the studies of Asia. A major theme that threads together the articles in this volume is that of locating Studies of Asia within current curriculum emphases and contexts. The fact that in 2004 any study of Asia may still be absent from the learning experiences of many Australian students seems anathema, given that Asia is located in what one researchers refers to as Australia's "front yard". To illustrate how this is possible, one refer to their recent publication Australia Kaleidoscope, a book designed for teachers of students in Years 4-6, and for use in particular, in the curriculum areas of Studies of Society and Environment, and English. Australia Kaleidoscope aims to focus students' attention on the significant contributions that Asian people, places, beliefs and traditions have made to Australian cultural life.