Beyond “Through the Looking Glass” Borders: a Content Analysis of North Africa/Southwest Asia in College-level World Regional Geography Textbooks

Abstract

Many college teachers have a required textbook(s) for their courses, yet textbooks often misrepresent facts both directly and indirectly — through both the perspective and possible bias of the author(s) and/or the omission of information and events. As textbooks are primary sources of knowledge, and students believe the information to be true, it is important to examine their content. Thus, seven editions of Geography: Realms, Regions and Concepts were analyzed to address the sense of place and portrayal of North Africa/Southwest Asia. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative Content Analysis based on seven selected editions of World Regional Geography textbooks, this study examined individual editions, as well as the patterns and differences between editions. The findings indicated that there was an incomplete narrative of the realm of North Africa/Southwest Asia, and an inconsistent narrative between world realms. The conclusions support a need for a more balanced representation of the realm of North Africa/Southwest Asia.