Describes area studies as a product of the federal government's decision to provide needed resources beginning with World War II. Defines the elements within area studies as degree of specialization, factual knowledge, in-country experience, and language competency. Notes area studies research is loosely related to public policymaking. (NL)

The report resulting from a federally mandated year-long study of the status of foreign language and area studies in United States higher education concentrates on the present capacities of the nation's universities for advanced training and research in those fields. A preamble outlines the history of language and area studies in this country,…