TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are weekend home-viewing tips:

* Today--”China” (KTLA 3:30-4 p.m.). In this episode of the regular WB Network animated series that popularizes history for younger viewers, topics include Confucius (as a talk show host), Genghis Khan and his grandson Kublai Khan. VCR+8645. Also, “History’s Best Pictures” (HIST, 7-8 p.m, repeating 11 p.m.-midnight). This special edition of the regular documentary series “Movies in Time” about films that have historical themes, features the five nominees for the 1999 Best Picture Oscar. VCR+28942.

* Friday--”Oscar Wilde” (Bravo, 7-8 p.m., repeating 10:30-11:30 p.m.). This is a documentary profile of the 19th century Irish author and dramatist whose works, including “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” are frequently studied and performed in American schools. In his lifetime, Wilde enjoyed the kind of international celebrity now accorded rock stars. VCR+721548.

* Saturday--”A Place in the Sun” (TMC, 8-10 a.m.). This is the Oscar-winning movie version of Theodore Dreiser’s novel “An American Tragedy.” His story about a social-climbing youth who will stop at nothing to improve his situation is considered by some to be the Great American Novel. Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor star. VCR+54421448. Available on video. Also, “Understanding Bridges”(TLC, 1-2 p.m.). This documentary explains the principles of physics that builders must observe so bridges don’t collapse. Bridges by engineers who made mistakes are shown during and after collapse. VCR+8910774. Also, “What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You” (BET, 2:30-4 p.m.). The topic of this “Teen Summit” current-events special is sexually transmitted disease. Also, “Dead Ahead, The Exxon Valdez Disaster” (HIST, 7-9 p.m.). This is a BBC-produced docudrama about an oil-spill disaster in Alaska 10 years ago this month and the ensuing struggle between government officials and oil company officials to repair the environmental damage. Christopher Lloyd stars. VCR+16020.

* Sunday--”Places in the Heart” (MOVIE, 1:30-5-:30 p.m., repeating on ENCR, 4:30-6:30 p.m.). For school-age viewers, this Oscar-winning movie vividly shows the conditions faced by farmers in the American South during the Depression by focusing on what happened to people when their money ran out. Sally Field stars. Available on video.

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, California State University. Columns available at https://www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/.jTVENT/TVSMARTS.nnnn.