Video Details

Beyond our Borders

Grade Levels:	6 - 12
Core Subject(s):	Social Studies
Website:	http://www.uen.org/emedia
Usage rights:	Download and retain personal copies in perpetuity.

Availability information for this program

Episodes:

• Beyond our Borders. Argentina.

  Argentina's name derives from the Spanish word for "silver," which brought the early Europeans to this land, and we see why it is a country of still-untapped wealth. The stark, spectacular beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego wildernesses is contrasted with the somewhat faded but highly civilized ambience of the city of Buenos Aires.

  Length:	00:28:58

• Beyond our Borders. Australia.

  Australia is both a country and a continent of impressive cities around its fertile coastal areas. Its vast interior outback, largely unpopulated except for aborigines and a few ranching and mining communities, is shown.

  Length:	00:29:34

• Beyond our Borders. Benelux.

  Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg were known as the Low Countries, being small, flat, surrounded by seas, and relatively weak until they formed the Benelux trading union in 1947.

  Length:	00:29:59

• Beyond our Borders. Brazil.

  We see an overview of the geography and history of the country that comprises 50% of the landmass and population of the South American continent. Five distinct regions make up Brazil: the Northern, the Northeastern, the West Central, the Southeastern, and the Southern.

  Length:	00:29:14

• Beyond our Borders. Canada.

  Canada has a relatively small population but is the world's second largest country in geographical size. We learn how its history made it a bilingual country, with a French minority.

  Length:	00:29:47

• Beyond Our Borders. China.

  China has the world's fastest growing economy, yet it also has many ancient traditions. Starting in Beijing, we see where the direction for the blend of ancient and modern originates, since China is still ruled from this political center despite its decentralizing economic changes. We also visit country villages, where peasants live more closely to ancient traditions. But, everywhere, powerful diversifying forces are accelerating, especially in cities such as Shanghai, and in mammoth rural dam building projects, which contrast with what remains of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist philosophical-religious practices.

  Length:	00:29:53

• Beyond our Borders. Cuba.

  Combining an overview of history and geography, we learn how the conquering Spaniards intermarried with the remnants of Cuba's indigenous tribes and with African slaves, producing a people of diverse features and rich culture.

  Length:	00:29:15

• Beyond our Borders. Egypt.

  Once one of the greatest, longest lasting, and oldest ancient civilizations, Egypt now plays an important role in the modern Middle East.

  Length:	00:28:29

• Beyond our Borders. England.

  The modern and historic features of its one world-class city, London, set the tone for an introduction to the small, but extremely important island nation of England.

  Length:	00:28:25

• Beyond our Borders. France.

  The cultural richness and the geographic variety of France are revealed along with many historical influences.

  Length:	00:00:00

• Beyond our Borders. Germany.

  Detailed maps show how early Roman towns grew into parts of the medieval Holy Roman Empire, and then into various states that eventually combined into the German nation.

  Length:	00:29:49

• Beyond our Borders. Hungary.

  Hungary is a land of Baroque palaces and cobblestone streets echoing with gypsy rhapsodies. Budapest on the Danube River reveals this historic richness mixed with modern free enterprise emerging after the Communist era.

  Length:	00:29:02

• Beyond Our Borders. India.

  India is one of the most diverse nations on earth, in languages, ethnic backgrounds of its peoples, religions, and landscapes. Yet it seems to represent so much of what Asia means to the rest of the world. It birthed the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Sarnath and Varanasi reveal some of the feelings of each religion, but we also see the remains of Islamic culture in the North. These, and other religions, reflect the many historical invasions of India, each bringing new peoples and cultures. What these influences mean to modern India, and how it reacts to influences from other modern cultures, is revealed as we visit various locations throughout this captivating subcontinent.

  Length:	00:29:58

• Beyond our Borders. Indonesia.

  From the metropolis of Jakarta to the reefs around Sumbawa Island, Indonesia offers a great variety of cultures and ways of life. This huge nation is spread along thousands of islands, and its history has brought many traditions and varied religions and national influences.

  Length:	00:29:37

• Beyond Our Borders. Iran.

  Filmed in 2005 by Iranian-born, noted filmmaker Aryana Farshad, this program reveals the historically important Persia (Iran) to your students with more insight and passion than they will experience anywhere else. Settled early by Aryan peoples who spoke Indo-European languages, Persia nonetheless represented Asia in turning point battles with Greece, when the latter was creating European civilization. Persia's historical legacy continued throughout the medieval period, as the center of great Islamic traditions, notably those of the Shiites and Sufis. Iran became the internationally accepted name for this country only in the 20th century; it remains an important political and cultural power to the present day.

  Length:	00:29:58

• Beyond our Borders. Israel.

  The historical significance of Israel can be felt in its other name, the Holy Land, and in sites such as the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Al Aqsa Mosque, holy places of three religions.

  Length:	00:29:48

• Beyond our Borders. Italy.

  From its Roman roots to the ultra modernistic styles found in Milan, the diversity and unity of the Italian people, history and geography are experienced.

  Length:	00:29:19

• Beyond our Borders. Japan.

  Japan, one of the most homogenous societies on earth, has some of the most varied landscapes imaginable. Since most of its terrain is volcanic, its people tend to be crowded into huge megalopolises.

  Length:	00:28:01

• Beyond our Borders. Jordan.

  Jordan is a monarchy and one of the key modern Middle East countries, but its history includes many important events that continue to influence our lives. Part of it is the land of the Old Testament, where the River Jordan and Mt. Nebo, reputedly Moses' burial place, were significant.

  Length:	00:29:22

• Beyond our Borders. Mexico.

  From the arid deserts of northern Mexico to the Lacandon rainforests of southern Mexico, we are introduced to the richness of Mexico's geography and history.

  Length:	00:00:00

• Beyond our Borders. Morocco.

  Morocco has been a bridge across European, North African, and Arabic cultures. Some of these historic traditions can still be seen in old marketplaces, striking mosques, welcoming oases, urban water vendors, and desert camel herders.

  Length:	00:29:18

• Beyond our Borders. New Zealand.

  One of the most beautiful countries in the world, this two-island nation varies from Alpine landscapes in the south to breathtaking coasts in the north. The British heritage of the settlers is very much in evidence, but so also is the native Maori culture, and the two intermingle in seeming harmony.

  Length:	00:29:42

• Beyond our Borders. Peru.

  Its Inca heritage makes Peru one of the most important Latin American countries, and many westerners still travel to Machu Picchu's ruins. But its Spanish heritage can be seen in cities like Cuzco and Lima.

  Length:	00:29:54

• Beyond our Borders. Philippines.

  The Philippines' history as a Spanish colony, followed by the shifting relationships and influences of America since the Spanish American War, gives it unique characteristics in Southeast Asia.

  Length:	00:28:56

• Beyond our Borders. Poland.

  Poland has been invaded and occupied by many other countries yet has maintained its own proud historical heritage. Warsaw, the capital, is being restored, and other cities such as Krakow or Gdansk show off this country's rich culture.

  Length:	00:29:05

• Beyond our Borders. Russia.

  After countless rulers, seven decades of Communism, and domination of Eastern Europe as the power behind the former USSR, Russia still remains the world's largest country in landmass.

  Length:	00:29:46

• Beyond our Borders. Scandanavia.

  Denmark, Sweden and Norway are the "north countries," which have varied and beautiful landscapes, high standards of living, and the remains of significant histories. The smallest country, Denmark, has a major metropolis, Copenhagen, but also a rich rural economy.

  Length:	00:29:43

• Beyond our Borders. South Africa.

  South Africa has a conflicted past, a beautiful landscape, and Africa's strongest economic engine. We learn about the various ethnic groups, African, Indian and European, that make up its current population, giving the country both vitality and instability.

  Length:	00:29:09

• Beyond our Borders. Spain.

  A colorful overview of the diversity of Spain's history emerges by visiting its most important regions and cities. Starting with Madrid as the geographical and cultural center, we move to Avila and other cities in the north, revealing Spain's Roman and Catholic imperial past

  Length:	00:28:37

• Beyond our Borders. Switzerland.

  One of the most interesting and beautiful countries in the world, Switzerland is also a small one. Important for its banking and other business and technical skills, its cities, such as Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva, reveal both history and modernism.

  Length:	00:29:28

• Beyond our Borders. Thailand.

  Sometimes known as the "Venice of the East," due to its labyrinth of canals, Bangkok displays a rich history and imperial culture. But there are also many hill tribes in the north of Thailand, where silk weaving, orchid farming, and traditional arts and crafts are witnessed.

  Length:	00:29:47

• Beyond our Borders. Ukraine.

  Ukraine has often been threatened by its larger Russian neighbor as well as by other invaders, despite being Europe's vastest country after Russia.

  Length:	00:29:39

• Beyond our Borders. Zimbabwe.

  Zimbabwe is a fascinating but troubled country. At Great Zimbabwe, we witness the architectural remains of its namesake indigenous civilization, and some of the modern re-enactments of its historical culture.

  Length:	00:29:00

• Beyond Our Borders: Taiwan

  In this video series, learn about the culture, customs, and traditions of Taiwan.

  Length:	00:00:30

• Beyond Our Borders: Turkey

  In this video series, learn about the culture, customs, and traditions of Turkey.

  Length:	00:00:30

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