Many unexplored possibilities remain for comprehensive and systematic use of popular song in the foreign language classroom. The song is both a pedagogical tool (for listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, conversation, composition, culture, and history) and a subject for literary study. (Author/MSE)

Popular music is discussed as a means of interesting adolescents and young adults in a foreign culture and language. A number of language class exercises are offered, focusing on different aspects of the songs and their roles: vocabulary; musical structure; culture contact; syntax; and creativity. (MSE)

Describes a classroom activity to demonstrate how popular music can perpetuate the stereotyping of women. Identifies materials needed, suggested songs, and questions to ask students. Suggests homework assignment dealing with contemporary songs. (DK)

A technique for teaching French grammar that involves reading, rereading, and analyzing the language in authentic materials is discussed. The student is led to recognition and generalization of structures in the text. Text examples used here include a comic strip and a publicity blurb for a French city. (MSE)

Describes teaching method in which a person of the day is featured on a calendar and used as the basis of that day's social studies class. Explains that the strategy introduces authors, artists, inventors, and others and provides matching activities. Suggests the method can incorporate aspects of cultural literacy into social studies, fine arts,…

Based on Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that some fictional literary characters become so famous that they enter popular culture in other forms (movies, games, toys); and that working on a product such as a game often demands collaborative effort. The main activity of the…

Ideas for French instruction are offered, including a grammar exercise on pronouns; exploration of a comic strip's language and culture; use of a taped program on fashion; and an activity to help French language teachers cope with unfamiliar discipline-specific texts, whose topics (but not language) are familiar to their students. (MSE)

Four instructional ideas for use in the French second-language classroom are described, including an exercise in the temporal aspect of French past tenses; part of a series on simulating a French village community; a verb tense drill set in the context of a murder mystery; and an exercise in current French street slang. (MSE)

Maintains that sexism is the foundation on which all other forms of oppression are built. Discusses a classroom exercise in which 150 first-year students at Indiana University, Bloomington, write an essay describing a conversation with someone about homosexuality. Analyzes student essays in terms of what they reveal about the link between sexism…

Based on the idea that the Vietnam War is highly significant as a vehicle for studying the power of language, engaging in critical thinking, and probing American values in a time of crisis, this book presents a rationale for exploring the literature that emerged from that conflict and offers a framework for exploring it. The book outlines a large…

Addresses the way that popular music depicted the anti-war sentiment during the Vietnam war era, as opposed to country western music which defended government action. Advocates supplementing textbook readings with song lyrics, and suggests a slide presentation to help integrate the two media. Lists three tables with songs organized around specific…

Argues that students seldom understand the history of U.S. popular culture, although such cultural attributes as shopping malls and advertising can be used to teach economic and historical understanding. Presents a model that indicates the interrelationship between U.S. popular culture and economic concepts. (CFR)

Contends that students should gain three benefits from any history curriculum: knowledge, skills, and an enthusiasm for further study. Asserts that social studies textbooks leave out important, interest-building information. Describes classroom projects using census data and the origin of blues music as examples of social history activities that…

Describes a secondary class activity in which students conduct historical research on the U.S. civil rights movement presenting their findings in comic book format. Discusses four components of comic book development: plot development, layout, drawing, and narration. Includes two pages from a student-developed comic book and suggestions for…

Recommends using historical artifacts as a means of illustrating social science concepts and involving students in the learning process. Suggests several ways artifacts can be used: considering their original function and value, making cross-cultural comparisons of similar objects, and investigating how objects change over time. (MJP)